Mineral Resources of Vidarbha: Economic Significance and Environmental Impact

thenewsdirt
Apr 30
5 min read

The mineral landscape of Vidarbha holds a significant place in the industrial map of Maharashtra.

Spread across the eastern belt of the state, this region carries abundant reserves of both major and minor minerals, many of which support key industries within Maharashtra and beyond.

Coal and manganese lead the list of commercially exploited resources, while the terrain also offers limestone, iron ore, copper, quartz, granite, marble, gold, and diamonds.

Each of these minerals contributes differently to the economic framework of the region, yet their extraction often comes with ecological disruptions that reshape the land and affect local biodiversity.

Mineral Wealth Across Districts

The coalfields of Vidarbha are among the largest in India. The Wardha Valley coalfield, covering around 4,130 square kilometres along the Wardha River in Chandrapur district, holds reserves estimated at over 5,000 million tonnes of non-coking coal.

The Kamptee coalfield in Nagpur, with around 2,300 million tonnes of reserves, further strengthens the position of this resource in the region’s economy.

The area also features smaller coalfields like Bokhara and Umrer. Coal mining in these districts fuels power generation at thermal plants, supports cement industries, and feeds into steel production.

Chandrapur emerges as one of the most mineral-rich districts of Vidarbha, contributing nearly a third of the state's mineral output.

Limestone deposits here are significant, used extensively by cement factories spread across the district and neighbouring regions.

Gadchiroli, known for its dense forest cover, holds confirmed reserves of high-grade iron ore in areas like Surjagad and Bhamragad. Exploratory surveys also point to the presence of copper ore in Sindewahi, Chandrapur, with occurrences noted in Bhandara, Nagpur, and Gadchiroli districts as well.

Manganese mining has deep roots in Nagpur and Bhandara districts. MOIL Ltd. operates several mines in these regions, with the Dongri Buzurg open-cast mine in Bhandara producing manganese dioxide for battery manufacturing.

Limestone, quartz, granite, and marble are spread across Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, and Nagpur, with quarrying operations supporting local construction and ceramic industries.

Quartzite, often used as road metal, is extracted in Gondia and Nagpur, while barytes and sillimanite deposits add to the list of available minerals.

Diamonds from the Wairagad area of Gadchiroli and gold-bearing zones in Chandrapur reflect the mineral diversity of Vidarbha. Although these resources are not yet exploited at a commercial scale, exploration activities continue to highlight their potential.

Commercial Drivers and Industrial Demand

The presence of these minerals has led to the development of several industries directly linked to mining and mineral processing.

Coal remains the primary fuel for power generation in the region, with the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station depending on local supplies. The availability of non-coking coal supports cement plants, brick kilns, and small-scale industries.

Manganese ore from Vidarbha plays an essential role in the production of ferroalloys, which are vital for the steel industry.

Dry-cell battery manufacturing and micronutrient formulations for agriculture also rely on manganese dioxide sourced from these mines. The ferroalloy plant in Chandrapur benefits from the proximity to these mineral reserves.

Limestone mining feeds the cement industry, an important sector for Maharashtra’s infrastructure growth.

High-grade limestone extracted in Chandrapur finds usage in cement production and lime manufacturing, which further links to the steel sector. Quartz and silica sand contribute to glass manufacturing, foundry work, and the ceramics sector, while granite and marble remain in demand for construction, flooring, and decorative purposes.

Iron ore deposits in Gadchiroli hold strategic importance for steel production.

Although Maharashtra does not yet host large-scale iron ore mining, the reserves identified in Surjagad could eventually supply local steel units and reduce dependence on iron ore from other states. Copper ore, if developed, could support the electrical, electronics, and alloy manufacturing sectors, meeting demand for wiring, motors, and electrical goods.

Barite finds its use as a weighting agent in drilling operations, while sillimanite contributes to refractory materials used in high-temperature industries like steel and cement production.

The presence of gold and diamonds adds to the long-term economic possibilities, although these resources remain largely untapped at present.

Ecological Disruptions and Environmental Effects

The extraction of minerals across Vidarbha has resulted in considerable ecological consequences, altering landscapes and affecting the health of natural systems.

Coal mining, particularly through open-cast methods, causes large-scale deforestation, soil erosion, and land subsidence.

Excavation activities displace topsoil and disrupt surface water drainage patterns. Runoff from coal mines can carry sediments and pollutants into nearby rivers and streams, affecting water quality and aquatic life. The burning of coal and associated mining activities contribute to air pollution through the release of particulate matter and methane emissions.

Manganese mining introduces metal contamination risks to soil and groundwater. Dust generated during mining and crushing spreads fine particles that impact air quality. Overburden dumps from these operations cover large tracts of land, preventing vegetation growth and reducing soil fertility.

Limestone quarrying involves blasting and removal of significant land mass, leaving deep pits and altered land contours.

Dust from quarry operations settles on crops and water bodies, affecting agriculture and aquatic systems.

In areas where karst limestone formations exist, mining disrupts groundwater flows and can lower the water table, impacting both agriculture and forest ecosystems.

Iron ore mining, particularly in the forested zones of Gadchiroli, poses a threat to wildlife corridors and local biodiversity.

Open-pit mining in these areas requires the clearing of forest cover, leading to habitat fragmentation. Tailings from iron ore processing, if not properly managed, can leach harmful substances into nearby streams and groundwater.

Copper mining presents some of the most significant risks due to acid mine drainage from sulfide ores. This process releases acids and heavy metals into the environment, contaminating soil and water resources. The scale of copper extraction, if it proceeds, may challenge the ecological balance of the forest zones where the ore bodies are located.

Sand and quartz mining, especially from riverbeds, contributes to riverbank erosion and sedimentation.

Removal of sand from streams lowers the riverbed, disrupts spawning grounds for fish, and affects wetland ecosystems. Land-based quartzite quarrying also removes vegetation, leaving the ground vulnerable to erosion.

Dimension-stone quarrying, such as granite and marble extraction, causes permanent alterations to the landscape. Large blocks are cut from the hillsides, leaving open pits and waste rock heaps. These quarries fragment wildlife habitats and degrade the surrounding areas. Dust from cutting and processing operations impacts local air quality and can affect nearby agriculture.

The mining of barytes and sillimanite, though on a smaller scale, still brings environmental risks. Dust emissions, improper waste handling, and potential contamination from associated minerals like lead or zinc need to be addressed to limit the environmental damage.

Gold and diamond extraction methods, particularly where cyanide or mercury are used in processing, carry significant risks of chemical pollution in water bodies and soils.

Balancing Economic Potential with Environmental Realities

The mineral deposits of Vidarbha shape much of the region’s industrial activity. These resources have fuelled power generation, supported manufacturing sectors, and contributed to Maharashtra’s construction and steel industries.

Their role in driving economic activity remains central to the region's growth.

However, the commercial benefits from these minerals are often matched by the ecological pressures they impose. The mining landscape of Vidarbha, while abundant, operates near forests, rivers, and tribal settlements.

Extraction activities frequently overlap with zones that are home to wildlife and biodiversity. The costs to the environment, including loss of forest cover, habitat fragmentation, and contamination of soil and water, are evident across many mining sites.

Industrial development rooted in mineral extraction continues to shape the future of Vidarbha. The choices made around resource use and the management of ecological consequences will determine how these mineral-rich districts evolve over time.