About Memc
History of Mining in Karnataka
Karnataka State is abundant in mineral resources which covers an area of 1.92 lakh sq.km. The state is having valuable mineral deposits such as iron ore and manganese in Ballari, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Uttara Kannada and Chikmagalur districts. Besides these ores, chromium (Chromite) deposits in Hassan and Mysore districts, Aluminium (Bauxite) reserves in Belgaum, copper (malachite) reserves in Hassan, Chitradurga and Raichur are also found. State is rich in industrial minerals such as kyanite, soapstone, corundum and a wide variety of ornamental stones such as granite, gneisses, pink porphyries and felsites deposits
Karnataka is rich in its mineral wealth which is distributed fairly evenly across the state. Karnataka’s Geological Survey department started in 1880 is one of the oldest in the country. Rich deposits of asbestos, bauxite, chromite, dolomite, gold, iron ore, kaolin, limestone, magnesite, Manganese, ochre, quartz and silica sand are found in the state.
Karnataka falls under two well-defined mineral belts of India: The Southern Belt: The Southern Belt mostly covers the Karnataka plateau and extends over the state of Tamil Nadu. This belt is rich in ferrous metals such as iron ore and manganese. Bauxite and limestone are also found. The Southern belt lacks in mica and copper deposits. The South-Western Belt: The South-Western Belt stretches over Southern Karnataka and Goa. It has rich deposits of iron ore, garnet and clay. c. Mineral resource diversity in Karnataka Karnataka has more than with 40,000 sq. km of green stone belts abundant with a variety of mineral resources like gold, silver, copper, iron, kaolin, manganese, limestone, ochre, quartz, dolomite, chromite, silica sand, granite, and other useful rock formations. The state is the sole producer of felsite and leading producer of gold, moulding sand, and fuchsite quartzite. Karnataka has two major centres for gold mining at Kolar and Raichur and together they produce about 3000 kg of gold every year. With 84 percent of India’s annual gold production coming from Karnataka, the state boasts of being the highest gold producer of the county. It has rich deposits of iron and manganese ores that measure to the tune of 1,000 million tonnes. Its granite rock deposits extend over 4200 sq. km and provide ornamental granites of splendid hues
Facts about minerals in Karnataka:
Only state that produces felsite in India
- Leads national gold production (99 %) and Dunite production (43 %)
- More than 75 % of the state’s mined area is occupied by just four minerals – iron ore, limestone, gold and manganese.
- The chief mining districts of Karnataka include Bellary (18 %), North Kanara and Kolar (11 %), Chitradurga (10 %) and Chikkamagaluru (9 %)
- Kollegal forests are known for dense forests, sandalwood and abundant black granite reserve, Western Ghats is famous for iron ore, Gulbarga for limestone and sand mining is popular in Tungabhadra.
Mineral Resources
As per National Mineral Inventory as on 01.04.2020(P), Karnataka hosts the country’s 79% vanadium ore, 69% iron ore (magnetite), 41% tungsten ore, 36% asbestos, 25% limestone, 19% gold ore (primary), 25% manganese ore, 12% kyanite and 7% PGM (metal) resources.
Karnataka state is rich in mineral resources. The major minerals found in the state are Iron Ore, Limestone & Gold.
Karnataka is one of the major producer of iron ore in India after Orissa, with the Bellary-Hospet region being a significant mining hub. The only state to have gold reserves is Karnataka , and the Kolar Gold Fields were historically one of the deepest gold mines in the world.
Karnataka is also leading producer of manganese ore, contributing to the country’s overall production. The state has substantial bauxite reserves, supporting the production of aluminum. Abundant limestone deposits are found in northern region of Karnataka which is crucial for the sustenance of cement industry.
The major exporter of granite, with various colors and patterns quarried for domestic and international markets. The state has copper reserves, though extraction levels are not as high as some other minerals. The state contributes to India’s chromite production, with deposits found in various parts of the state.
History of MEMC
Mineral and Mining Conservation Week in India was initiated by the Ministry of Mines to promote awareness about sustainable mining practices and the crucial need for conservation of minerals. Mines Environment Mineral Conservation week celebration is being observed under the ageis of Indian Bureau of Mines, Bengaluru since 1991. The week aims to engage various stakeholders, including mining companies, government bodies, and local communities, By bringing together stakeholders, including mining companies, government entities, and local communities, the week serves as a platform for discussions and cross learning and initiatives geared towards the effective management of mineral resources. It underscores the vital concept of striking a balance between economic development and environmental conservation within the mining sector, thereby contributing to long-term sustainability.
Evaluation Criteria
Afforestation
The criteria include afforestation and top-soil management which is scored in various sub criteria’s such as afforestation within and outside the mine lease, survival rate of plants, avenue plantation, after care, collection & storage of topsoil, etc.
Waste Dump Management
The criteria include design and maintenance of waste dumps, construction & maintenance of retaining wall, check dams, stabilization of dump slopes by geotextile & plantation.
Systematic & Scientific development
The criteria include implementation of proposals approved in mining plan, bench formations, use of mine planning software, overall layout, etc.
Mineral Conservation
The criteria include efforts made for grade wise staking of minerals, stack maintenance records, blending of subgrade minerals, recovery from tailings & old dump, etc.
Reclamation & rehabilitation
This category is evaluated on the efforts made to reclaim and rehabilitate the area by the mining company.
Mineral Beneficiation
The criteria includes beneficiation practices adopted, maintenance equipment installed, technological upgradation for optimum yield, etc.
Environmental monitoring
In this category efforts taken by the mining company in dust suppression, effective utilization of water, water harvesting, etc. Also, monitoring conducted as per the statutory requirements and beyond.
Sustainable development
This Criteria includes efforts towards Zero Waste Mining, Community Development, Innovation in energy saving, etc. to reflect the efforts for sustainable future while promoting economic growth & Social Development
Publicity Propaganda
The criteria includes initiatives taken by the mining company to propagate and create awareness among stakeholders about importance of responsible mining, conservation of ecosystem by conducting various competitions, including digital publicity, involving the nearby villagers and employees and celebrating the MEMC week with enthusiasm.
