Read about the Evolution of the Mining Industry in India

Mining in India has a lengthy, chequered history. It underwent many twists and turns throughout the changing phases of technological, economic and political situations. To gain a total comprehensive understanding of the nature and scale of mining in this country, one has to know how the industry evolved. Studies say that India has the second largest mining industry just after agriculture. It has played a very significant role in the building up human civilizations. Slowly, the industry began to evolve in response to the demand for minerals and resources as well as their depletion. Today, mining is hugely responsible for bringing about modern social-economic expansion and progress.

The process of mining by the Mining Company in Kolkata is conducted in both hilly and plain areas. Since they are a very crucial raw material, the rate of extraction has increased in the present 20th and 21st century. Gradually, it took up a rapid pace, and the mineral industry flourished. It began to contribute significantly to the national income as well as foreign exchange. Over the years, the realization about the value of minerals increased.

Mining in Ancient Industry :

In the pre-Vedic period, mining of metals like gold, silver, copper, gemstones, etc was done. Though iron and coal were least known in the Indus valley civilization, other metallurgical industries were quite developed.

By the latter Purana period, the state ownership of mines started to be established. One of the most informative works ( a comprehensive treatise on political economy, statecraft and arts, it also dealt with regulations in other fields) written by Chanakya mentioned an authentic record about geological minerals and the mining sector of those times. Proving how progressive this industry was even in those times, the mining organization was completely under government monopoly and the Ministry of Revenue.

Similarly, descriptions of metals, like the use of good quality steel and mineral salts was mentioned in the (200-400 BC) Charaka and Susruta Samhitas. It can also be presumed that large masses of coal began to be used as a burning fuel or for iron ore smelting. The ruins of Smruthi show how furnaces and slag heaps were situated closer to coal regions and that it was used widely for commercial purposes. With the arrival of Muslims in 1200 AD, rulers like Shershah were very well competent in controlling the mining and metallurgical industry. The presence of older mines like mine workings and slag heaps testify how well the industry flourished. However, by the end of the 19th century, the practice increased by an appreciable extent. Consequently, mineral mining began at a full scale and become a major source of income. 

 

The present condition :

Today, “Abhinaa Group” has some of the largest reserves of mines in West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh. Mining in West Bengal consists of sand blocks for industrial and construction purposes, The group controls large means of graphite reserves, dolomite and limestone mines as well as sand blocks. The company employs new age technology and sophisticated modern types of equipment to bring successful productivity in this sector.

Successful Graphite Mining Initiative in Arunachal Pradesh

Mineral is a very important economic resource for Arunachal Pradesh. This north eastern state of India is blessed with many rich mineral resources. The mineral resources are in huge demand by the various industries. Dolomite and Graphite are two very important mineral resources that is supplied by Mining in Arunachal Pradesh. Both of these rare minerals are mined in Arunachal Pradesh.

Here’s a more on Graphite mining in Arunachal Pradesh

‘Graphite’ is derived from Greek word that means: ‘to write’. It is a form of carbon that naturally occurs. Graphene which is found in graphite is known to be one of the strongest substances on earth and is known to be 200 times stronger than steel. It is also a good conductor of electricity and heat.

The uses of graphite is multiple and the extent of usage is also vast – whether in pencils or in nuclear plants. It is used in brake linings, in electrodes, in batteries and manufacture of steel. In India Graphite is available in different parts of the country, Arunachal Pradesh being the lead manufacturer. It ranks among the five top manufacturers. The country’s reserve of crystalline allotrope of carbon is pegged at 11 million tonnes in the current years. The state which has the highest graphite reserve is Arunachal Pradesh. It accounts for 43% of graphite reserves in Arunachal Pradesh.

Graphite Mining is thus economically profitable in Arunachal Pradesh due to the following:

* Graphite is a crucial industrial mineral and always has a heavy demand in the industry. Since the demand is on the higher side always the mining requirement is also high and that makes it an economically viable mining option.

* The state has the highest reserve of graphite in the country. It is thus an ideal source for the supply of graphite demand.

* The people of Arunachal Pradesh are very hardworking and thus form a very important human resource support to the mining industry.

* A lot of attention is paid in the state to do responsible mining, where the mining is done without causing intense damage to the local flora and fauna and local ecological system.