Mineral Resources of Odisha

Odisha is known as the "Mineral Heart of India" or the "Storehouse of all Minerals". It ranks first in India in terms of the total value of mineral output.

Metallic Minerals

• Iron Ore: Discovered in 1904 in Mayurbhanj by PN Bose. Odisha has 35% of India's iron reserves. Key zones: Bonai-Keonjhar, Gandhamardan (Bargarh), Tomka-Daitari (Jajpur), Gorumahisani-Badampahar (Mayurbhanj).
• Manganese Ore: Accounts for 45% of India's reserves. Found in Koraput, Kalahandi, Balangir, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh.
• Chromite: Holds a massive 96% of India's reserves (exported to USA, Japan). Mostly found in Sukinda area of Jajpur district.
• Nickel Ore: Odisha holds 92% of the country's Nickel ore reserves (Sukinda valley, Simlipal Ultramafic).
• Base Metals: Copper and lead found in Sargipali (Sundargarh), Kesarpur (Mayurbhanj), and Adarsh (Sambalpur).

Non-Metallic Minerals

• Bauxite Ore: Main source of aluminum. Odisha has 52.65% of India's reserves. Mined from Panchpatmali hills since 1987.
• Coal: Contains 24.57% of the nation's Gondwana coal deposits. Located in Brahmani Valley (Talcher) and Mahanadi Valley (Ib valley).
• Limestone & Dolomite: Extensive deposits in Sundargarh (Biramitrapur is famous for dolomite), Bargarh, Koraput, and Malkangiri.

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