1. Mineral Resources of Karnataka

2. Minerals : An Introduction
A mineral is a naturally occurring substance usually present in the earth’s crust.
It has following properties:
naturally occurring
inorganic
solid
definite chemical composition
ordered internal structure
Minerals are found in rocks, ores and natural mineral deposits.

3. Importance of Minerals
Used in construction, utensils, machinery, and many more.
Used in making acids, used for chlorine, mineral waters, photography, and for medicinal purposes.
Heart of industries.
Source of foreign exchange.
Symbol of development.

4. Mineral Resources of Karnataka
Karnataka state has rich and diverse mineral resources.
Some of the important minerals of Karnataka:
Iron Ore
Gold
Manganese
Bauxite
Limestone, copper, mica, granite are also found in the state.

6. Iron Iron ore is the raw material for iron & steel industry
Magnetite & hematite grade iron is found vastly in Karnataka.
Karnataka is ranked 2nd in India in the production of iron ore.
Iron ore is supplied to Iron & Steel factories in Bhadravathi, Jindal Vijayanagar Iron & Steel factory.
Iron from Karnataka is also exported.
Magnetite
Hematite

7. Iron : Distribution
Bellary, Chikamagalur, Bagalkot, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Shimoga, Dakshin Kannada, Uttara Kannada & Gadag districts.
Sandur in Bellary & Hospet are the largest producers.
Chikkamagalur ranks 2nd in iron ore production.
Kemmannagundi, Bababudangiri hills, Kudremukh, Ameengarh, Chikkanayakanahalli are some of the major iron producing areas.

8. Manganese
Manganese ore is mainly found in oxide form in sedimentary & metamorphic rocks.
Used in the manufacture of steel to increase its hardness.
Used in electrical industries, chemicals & paints, fertilizers.
‘Jack of all trades’

9. Manganese : Distribution
27% of total production in India. Ranks 2nd in India.
Manganese ores are found near the iron ores.
Sandur in Bellary is an important producer of Manganese.
Kumsi, Shankaragudda & Hosahalli in Shimoga; Chikkanayakanahalli in Tumkur; Sirsi, Supa in Uttara Kannada.

10. Bauxite Used in the preparation of aluminum.
It is also used in the manufacture of cement, steel and electrical wires.
Indian Aluminum Company in Belgaum.

11. Bauxite : Distribution
Belgaum, Chikamagalur, Chitradurga, Dakshin Kannada & Udupi.
Belgaum district is the leading producer of Bauxite in Karnataka.
Khanapur taluk in Belgaum district is the major producer.

12. Gold
Bright, slightly reddish yellow, dense, soft, malleable and ductile metal.
Used in making ornaments & valuable articles.

13. Gold : Distribution
80% of total production in India. Ranks 1st in India. Karnataka is the ‘Land of Gold’.
Kolar Gold Fields (K.G.F.)
Hatti Gold mines. – Biggest Gold mine in India.
Bellara, Ajjanahalli, Mulgud, Kappadagudda in Gadag district & Kempinkote in Hassan district.