“Mineral Resources of Jharkhand: Coal, Uranium, and Strategic Reserves [Infographic]”

Jharkhand, often referred to as the mineral heartland of India, plays a pivotal role in powering the country’s industrial and energy sectors. With over 40% of India’s total mineral reserves, this eastern state is home to an astonishing range of natural resources—from vast coalfields like Jharia and North Karanpura, to high-value uranium and thorium deposits in East Singhbhum and Ranchi Plateau. In fact, Jharkhand is India’s only producer of prime coking coal, making it indispensable to the steel industry.

This detailed infographic on the mineral resources of Jharkhand offers a visual deep-dive into the state’s geological treasures. It highlights major coal reserves by volume (2021 data), pinpoints critical uranium and thorium mining zones, and outlines the top mining projects under Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation (JSMDC)—including those for graphite, limestone, kyanite, and granite polishing. Additionally, it features Jharkhand’s state-wise share of India’s mineral reserves, through easy-to-read pie charts, and showcases rare and strategic minerals such as beryllium, ilmenite, zircon, and apatite with location-specific markers.

Backed by credible data from the Indian Mineral Yearbook 2021 and the Jharkhand Economic Survey 2022–23, this infographic serves as a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers, industry experts, and students interested in the geography and economy of India’s mineral sector. Whether you’re exploring Jharkhand’s mining map for academic insights or resource planning, this visual guide delivers an all-in-one snapshot of the state’s mineral prowess.

Key Highlights

• Jharkhand ranks first in the country in the reserves of coal, prime coking coal, medium coking coal, emerald, and rock phosphate.
• It ranks second in the reserves of iron ore, nickel, andalusite, cobalt, semi-coking coal, and apatite.
• It holds the third position in reserves of copper, granite, asbestos, non-coking coal, graphite, uranium, and silver.
• It stands fourth to seventh in several other key minerals like bauxite, chromite, mica, quartz, feldspar, manganese, gold, etc.
• As per the Indian Mineral Yearbook 2021 (Indian Bureau of Mines), Jharkhand is the only state producing Flint Stone in India.
• According to the Economic Survey 2022–23, it is the only Indian state producing coking coal, uranium, and pyrite.

Revenue from Minerals (2022–23)

• Jharkhand earned a royalty revenue of ₹4492.22 crore from minerals in FY 2022–23.
• Top three districts contributing to royalty:
  • 1st – West Singhbhum (Chaibasa)
  • 2nd – Dhanbad
  • 3rd – Chatra

Metallic Minerals in Jharkhand

(A) Ferrous Metallic Minerals

1. Iron Ore

• Jharkhand accounts for 26% of India’s total iron ore reserves.
• West Singhbhum is the richest district in hematite iron ore.
• The Noamundi mines are the largest iron ore mines in Asia.
• Chiria (West Singhbhum) hosts India’s largest iron ore deposit.
• 99% of iron ore in Jharkhand is of hematite grade (60–68% iron content).
• Magnetite deposits are found in East Singhbhum, Palamu, Gumla, Hazaribagh, and Latehar.
• First iron ore mine in Jharkhand began in 1924 in Singhbhum.
• Major producers: SAIL, Tata Steel, Rungta Mines Pvt. Ltd.

2. Chromite

• Major reserves in Jojohatu, West Singhbhum.
• Found in peridotite, serpentine, and dunite rocks.
• Reserves: ~7.36 lakh tonnes.
• Used in stainless steel and chemical industries.

3. Manganese

• Concentrated mainly in Singhbhum.
• Estimated reserves: 13.7 million tonnes.
• Used in steel-making, dry cells, and chemical industries.
• Occurs in Dharwar rocks.

4. Zinc

• Found in Santhal Pargana, Hazaribagh, Palamu, Ranchi, and Singhbhum.

5. Tin

• Extracted from Cassiterite found in igneous rocks.
• Present in Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Singhbhum, Santhal Pargana, Palamu.

6. Nickel

• Extracted as a by-product at the Ghatshila Copper Smelting Plant (HCL).
• Found with uranium in Jaduguda (East Singhbhum).

7. Gold

• Found in Singhbhum rocks, especially Kunderkocha (East Singhbhum).
• India’s first private gold mine: Kunderkocha (Manmohan Mineral Industries Pvt. Ltd.).
• Jharkhand ranks second in gold production after Karnataka.
• Traces found in sands of Subarnarekha and Son rivers.
• New deposits: Harja (Jamshedpur), Shivpahadi (Garhwa), Lava & Kuchai (Seraikela-Kharsawan), Parasi (Ranchi), Pahadiha (West Singhbhum).
• Gold traces first identified in 1838 at Hirakund (Singhbhum).

8. Silver

• Found in Ranchi and Maubhandar (Ghatshila).
• Contributes about 5% of India’s total silver reserves.

9. Molybdenum

• Used in steel and cast iron industries.
• Extracted as a by-product from uranium at Jaduguda.
• Up to 40–45 ppm concentration in Rakhi Copper Mines (East Singhbhum).

(B) Non-Ferrous Metallic Minerals

1. Copper

• Jharkhand is a leading state in copper production.
• It has 18.5% of India’s total copper reserves.
• Major copper mining areas in East Singhbhum:
  • Mosabani, Dhobani, Pathargoda, Surda, Kendadih, Rakha, Chapri-Siddheshwar, Ghatshila
  • Other areas: Turamdih, Ramchandra Pahar, Nandup, Bayanbil, Dhadkidiha
• Mosabani mines began in 1930 by Indian Copper Corporation Ltd. (British firm).
• Surda mine currently operated by India Resources Ltd. (Australian firm).
• Copper smelting done by Indian Copper Complex, Ghatshila (Hindustan Copper Ltd.).

2. Bauxite

• Concentrated in Palamu, Lohardaga, Latehar, Gumla, and Ranchi districts.
• Used for aluminium production.

3. Tungsten

• Presence confirmed in East Singhbhum, although production is limited.

Non-Metallic Minerals in Jharkhand

(Note: Though not fully expanded in this excerpt, non-metallic minerals include mica, graphite, kyanite, china clay, feldspar, quartz, fireclay, etc., which are also vital for industrial and commercial applications.)

Bauxite in Jharkhand

• Jharkhand possesses high-grade bauxite containing 52% to 55% aluminium.
• Major bauxite reserves are found in Lohardaga, Gumla, Latehar, Godda, and Sahibganj.
• Aluminium is extracted from bauxite.
• Hindalco Industries Limited operates bauxite mining in Lohardaga, Gumla, and Latehar.
• Lohardaga’s “Bal Pahari” is renowned for high-quality bauxite.
• Mineral & Mineral Ltd., under Hindalco, also extracts bauxite here.
• There is a bauxite refining plant located in Muri (Jharkhand).

Tungsten in Jharkhand

• Used in making electrical appliances and ferrous alloys.
• Found in Kalamati (East Singhbhum) and also in Hazaribagh.

Non-Metallic Minerals in Jharkhand

Mica (Abhrak)

• Jharkhand has abundant mica deposits, primarily in Koderma (notably Jhumri Telaiya), Giridih, and Hazaribagh.
• Koderma is known as the “Mica Capital of India”.
• Ruby mica, a high-quality white mica, found here has global demand.
• 90% of Jharkhand’s mica production is exported.
• Used in electrical appliances, medicine, decoration, and fire-resistant materials.

Kyanite

• Major deposits in Lipsaburu (East Singhbhum).
• Also found in West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan.
• Rajkharsawan region is actively mined by Hindustan Copper Ltd.
• Used in refractory bricks and porcelain products.

Graphite

• Palamu district has the largest graphite reserves in Jharkhand.
• Also found in Latehar and Garhwa.
• Graphite is a form of carbon, also called “Black Lead”.
• Used in refractory industries.
• Major graphite companies:
  • Tamil Nadu Mineral Ltd (Palamu)
  • Parijat Mining Industries Pvt Ltd (Latehar)
  • Krishna Kumar Poddar (Palamu)

Limestone

• Found in Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Singhbhum, Palamu, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Garhwa, Giridih, Godda, Latehar, East & West Singhbhum.
• Used in cement and iron-steel industries.
• ACC Limited is the main limestone producer.

Dolomite

• Found abundantly in Daltonganj (Palamu) and Garhwa.
• Used in paper, lead, steel, and cement industries.

Asbestos

• A fibrous mineral found in rocks of the Dharwar series.
• Found in East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan.
• Used in roofing materials.

Bentonite

• Aluminium silicate clay, formed from volcanic ash.
• Commonly known as Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth).
• Found in Sahibganj (Barharwa, Taljhari, Bakudih, Tin Pahad) and Pakur.
• Used in cosmetics, detergents, paper, and engineering industries.

Granite

• Found near Tupudana (Ranchi) but largely unexploited.
• Used in building construction.
• Varieties found in Jharkhand:
  • Tiger Skin
  • Mayurakshi Blue
  • Sawan Rose
  • English Teak
  • Black Granite (Black Cheetah, Black Zebra)

Soapstone & Quartz

• Found throughout the Chotanagpur Plateau and other districts.

Energy Minerals in Jharkhand

Coal

• Jharkhand has the highest coal reserves in India.
• As per Jharkhand government stats, about 27.3% of India’s coal is found here.
• According to Indian Minerals Yearbook (2021), 16.66% of India’s total coal production came from Jharkhand.
• In terms of coal reserves, Jharkhand ranks 1st; in production, it ranks after Chhattisgarh (22.12%), Odisha (21.53%), and Madhya Pradesh (18.51%).
• Jharkhand has 113 coal mines – the highest in India.
• 95% of coal production comes from the Damodar Valley Coalfield region.
• Damodar Valley produces 100% of India’s coking coal – Jharkhand is the only state producing it.
• Major mines in Damodar Valley: Piparwar, Saradhu, Magadh, Ashok, Sanghamitra, Amrapali, Chandragupt – all in Barkagaon (Hazaribagh) under North Karanpura Coalfield.
• First coal mining began in Jharia (Dhanbad).
• Jharia produces 60% of Jharkhand’s coal output.
• Jharia is under Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
• Rourkela steel plant is supplied coal from Bokaro.
• Both Bituminous (78-86% carbon) and Anthracite (94-98% carbon) coals are found in Jharkhand.
• 75% of the mineral revenue of Jharkhand comes from coal.
• Largest coal mine (by production): Jharia
• Largest coalfield (by area): Karanpura

Foreign-Assisted Coal Projects

• Russia-aided Projects:
  • Jharia to Kumari OCP coalfield development
  • Jharia to Sitanala coalfield development
• World Bank-aided Projects:
  • Jharia Coking Coal Project
  • Rajrappa Project
  • Damodar Project
  • Rajmahal Project
  • Katras Project

Types of Coal in Jharkhand

• Three types: Coking, Semi-Coking, and Non-Coking
• Coking and semi-coking used in blast furnaces
• Non-coking used in:
  • Sponge iron, thermal power, railways, cement, fertilizer, brick kilns, and domestic fuel

Central Coalfields Ltd. (CCL) Operations

• Active in Bokaro, Giridih, Ramgarh, North Karanpura, and South Karanpura.
• Operates coal washeries in:
  • Kathara & Swang (Bokaro)
  • Rajrappa & Kedla (Ramgarh)

Major Coal Fields and Coal Reserves in Jharkhand (as on 01-04-2021)

(Source: Indian Mineral Yearbook 2021 & Jharkhand Economic Survey 2022-23)

S.No	Coal Field	Total Resources (Million Tonnes)
1.	Jharia	19531
2.	North Karanpura	18967
3.	Rajmahal	18852
4.	East Bokaro	8284
5.	South Karanpura	7632
6.	West Bokaro	5218
7.	Aurangabad	2997
8.	Raniganj	2036
9.	Ramgarh	1906
10.	Deoghar	400
11.	Hutar	250
12.	Daltonganj	144

Prime Coking Coal in Jharkhand

• **Jharkhand is the only producer of Prime Coking Coal in India.
• Jharia (Dhanbad) is the leading region globally for Prime Coking Coal production.
• Reserve: Approximately 5313 million tonnes, which is 100% of India’s total.
• Jharkhand also contributes:
  • 90% of Medium Coking Coal
  • 44% of Semi Coking Coal
  • 18.4% of Non-Coking Coal
• Usage: Primarily in metallurgical industries.

Uranium in Jharkhand

• Uranium is a nuclear mineral.
• Major locations: Jaduguda, Bagjata, Narwapahar, Kerua Dumri, Dhalbhumgarh, Turamdih, Mohuldih, Bhatin, and Banduhurang.
• Jaduguda (East Singhbhum) is the first uranium mine operated by Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL) since 1967.
• India’s total uranium production (~100%) is concentrated in Jharkhand.

Thorium

• Thorium is also a nuclear mineral.
• Found in Ranchi Plateau and Dhanbad districts.

Ilmenite

• Ilmenite is a nuclear-related mineral.
• Found in Ranchi district.
• Only 0.12% of India’s Ilmenite is in Jharkhand.
• Uses: In spacecraft and titanium production.

Beryllium

• Extracted from beryl stones.
• Found in Koderma and Giridih districts.

Zircon

• Found in Ranchi and Hazaribagh districts.

Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation (JSMDC)

• Formed to manage and utilize mineral resources.
• Established in 2002.
• Major projects:

S.No	Project Name	Location	District
1.	Sikni Coal Project	Sikni	Latehar
2.	Benti-Bangra Limestone Project	Patratu	Ranchi
3.	Kyanite Project	Baharagora	East Singhbhum
4.	Semra-Saltua Limestone Project	Daltonganj	Palamu
5.	Bishrampur Graphite Project	Bishrampur	Palamu
6.	Chandula-Simalgoda Stone Chips Project	Barharwa	Sahibganj
7.	Granite Polishing Unit	Tupudana	Ranchi

Mineral Reserves of Jharkhand

Mineral	Total Reserves (MT)	% of India’s Reserve	Major Districts
Coal	80356.2	27.37%	Dhanbad, Bokaro, Chatra, Hazaribagh, Dumka, etc.
Iron Ore (Hematite)	4596.62	25.70%	West Singhbhum
Iron Ore (Magnetite)	10.542	0.10%	Palamu, East Singhbhum
Apatite/Phosphate Rock	7.27	27.70%	West Singhbhum
Cobalt	9	20.04%	East Singhbhum
Silver Ore	23.84	5.10%	Ranchi, East Singhbhum
Copper Ore	288.12	18.48%	East Singhbhum
Kyanite	6.03	5.84%	W. Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan, E. Singhbhum
Graphite	12.91	7.38%	Palamu
Asbestos	0.154	0.69%	W. Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan
Fireclay	66.619	9.33%	Dhanbad, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Palamu, etc.
Quartz/Silica	156.521	4.47%	E/W Singhbhum, Deoghar, Palamu, etc.
Bentonite	0.98	0.17%	Sahibganj
Bauxite	146.323	4.20%	Lohardaga, Latehar, Gumla, Godda, Sahibganj
China Clay/Kaolin	198.69	7.33%	Lohardaga, Ranchi, Dumka, etc.
Feldspar	1.634	1.23%	Dumka, Hazaribagh, Deoghar
Garnet	0.11	0.19%	Koderma, Chatra
Baryte	0.035	0.04%	Ranchi, Palamu, E. Singhbhum
Soapstone	0.338	1.25%	W. Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan, Palamu
Dolomite	41.43	0.53%	Garhwa, Palamu, Ranchi
Limestone	634.41	0.37%	Ramgarh, Hazaribagh, Bokaro
Chromite	0.73	0.35%	W. Singhbhum
Manganese Ore	13.7	3.18%	W. Singhbhum
Nickel	9	4.76%	East Singhbhum
Gold Ore	8.15	0.09%	Ranchi, Singhbhum
Ochre	0.215	0.14%	Ranchi, Palamu, Simdega
Vermiculite	0.03	1.23%	Singhbhum, Simdega, Seraikela-Kharsawan
Mica	0.002	0.30%	Koderma, Giridih, Hazaribagh
Granite	8875340	19.36%	Dumka, Koderma, Ranchi, Palamu, Simdega, Garhwa