Madhya Pradesh: Emerging as India’s Mining Capital

• 16 Oct 2024

Why in News?

Recently, Madhya Pradesh is positioning itself as a leader in the Indian mining sector, leveraging its vast mineral wealth and infrastructure.

Key Points

• Mineral Wealth:
• Madhya Pradesh is the only state producing diamonds, and leading in manganese, copper, limestone, and coal.
• Panna diamond mine produces 1 lakh carats annually, with the Bunder Block holding 32.2 million carats.
• Madhya Pradesh led the country in mineral block auctions, with 78 blocks auctioned in 2022-23 and received top awards for mineral auctions.
• State boasts 5.1 lakh km of roads, 7 airports, and 6 inland depots.
• The District Mineral Fund has completed over 7,500 projects for local development.
• Investment Opportunities:
  • Two-day conclave on mining 17^th -18^th Oct, 2024 to discuss technology (AI/ML) and energy.
  • Madhya Pradesh will also be focusing on coalbed methane (CBM) and national gas grid connection.

Diamond Industry in India

• India is the world's largest cutting and polishing center for diamonds, accounting for over 90% of polished diamond manufacturing globally.
  • According to Indian Minerals Yearbook 2019, diamond fields of India are grouped into four regions:
    • Central Indian tract of Madhya Pradesh, comprising Panna belt.
    • South Indian tract of Andhra Pradesh, comprising parts of Anantapur, Kadapa, Guntur, Krishna, Mahabubnagar and Kurnool districts.
    • Behradin-Kodavali area in Raipur district and Tokapal, Dugapal, etc. areas in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.
    • Eastern Indian tract mostly of Odisha, lying between Mahanadi and Godavari valleys.
  • In 2022, India ranks first among the top exporters in cut & polished diamonds.