As per the Annual Report 2023 24 of the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, which of the following are the major bauxite producing states in India?

The correct answer is Odisha and Jharkhand.

Key Points

• Odisha is the largest producer of bauxite in India, accounting for a significant portion of the country's production.
• Jharkhand is another major bauxite-producing state, known for its rich mineral deposits.
• India ranks among the top five producers of bauxite globally, with Odisha and Jharkhand playing a pivotal role.
• Bauxite is an essential raw material for the production of aluminum, making these states critical contributors to India's industrial sector.
• Other bauxite-producing states include Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, but Odisha and Jharkhand dominate production levels.

Additional Information

• Bauxite:
  • Bauxite is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of aluminum oxide minerals like gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore.
  • It is the primary ore used to produce aluminum through refining processes such as the Bayer method.
  • India's bauxite reserves are estimated to be about 3,480 million tons, making it one of the world's largest holders of this resource.
• Aluminum Production:
  • Aluminum is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and packaging due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties.
  • India is one of the key players in global aluminum production, with states like Odisha leading the way due to their vast bauxite reserves.
• Other Bauxite-Producing States:
  • Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat also contribute significantly to India's bauxite production.
  • These states have smaller but commercially viable bauxite deposits.
• Environmental Concerns:
  • Mining of bauxite has environmental impacts, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat destruction.
  • Sustainable mining practices are being encouraged to minimize these adverse effects.