You might have known Udaipur for its mesmerizing beauty of lakes, palaces, architecture, temples, romantic cafes, and morning bliss. Maharana Udai Singh II beautified it, but this City of Lakes is more than that. Do you know what Udaipur has given us despite its natural beauty? It is also known as the Land of Minerals in the Aravalli Mountains.
It is not just one of the major tourist hubs of Rajasthan, India, but also a Commercial hub of the world-famous handicrafts and marble mining. Isn’t this fascinating? Let us see which mineral is found abundantly in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
Here are the top natural (mining) minerals of Udaipur, and we are exploring mining industries in Udaipur:
- White Marble
- Zinc
- Rock Phosphate
- Calcite
- Quartz
- Wollastonite
- Pyrophyllite
- Sillimanite
Top Mineral Industries in Udaipur
Let’s discuss the popular mineral industries in and near Udaipur:
1. R.K. Marble
It is the world’s largest hub of white marble mining and processing, and Asia’s largest market for white, green, pink, and other colored marbles. All these are extracted, processed, and supplied worldwide. However, marble is found in many cities of Rajasthan too. Makrana-Nagaur remains the world’s leading marble mining center, known as the Marble City of India, with 56 million tonnes of marble deposits.
With the newest infrastructure and technology, Udaipur’s marble industry is well-established. It is giving employment to thousands of people around the city and villagers. This business is so vast that nearby areas have processing and supplying units for better networking. The areas are Sukher, Rajasmand, Rajnagar, Kesariyaji, Kishangarh, Chittor, etc. More than 5000 small and major businesses engage in marble mining, processing, exporting, and trade.
A ban on mining was once imposed by the Indian Government, but it was later lifted due to employment and other reasons. Now, the industries are flourishing.
About R.K. Marble
The largest producer and supplier of marble in the world is R.K Marble with 60,000 square meters per day. This company has earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
- Owner- Mr. Vikas Patni
- Address- Makrana Road, Madanganj- Kishangarh, Rajasthan, 305801
- Phone no– 1463-250501, 277777
- E-mail– [email protected]
2. Hindustan Zinc
In India, only Hindustan Zinc produces zinc managed by the Government of India but now it’s part of the Vedanta Group. It is one of the largest producers of zinc about 7,54,000 Tonnes Yearly. More than 7000 people work here, and their mines operate in Dariba, nearby Udaipur where they produce Zinc concentrate and Lead concentrate.
Also Read about: Anil Agrawal
About Hindustan Zinc Limited
- CEO- Mr. Arun Misra
- Address- Yashad Bhawan, Fateh Sagar Road, Swaroop Sagar, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313004
- Phone no- 0294-6604000
- Email- [email protected]
3. Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited, RSMML
Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited, RSMML is one of the largest and fully mechanized rock phosphate mining at Jhamarkotra. It is about 26 km from Udaipur and plays a pivotal role in Indian agriculture and farming. Fertilizer plays a crucial role in agriculture in India.
And India relies heavily on imports to meet its phosphate fertilizer needs. Domestic sources fulfill only around 35% to 40% of the raw material requirement, with the remaining 60-65% met through imports of rock phosphate, phosphoric acid, and direct fertilizers. In this scenario, the Jhamarkotra mine plays a critical role by contributing nearly 98% of India’s domestic rock phosphate production.
About Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited- RSMML
- Address- 4, Meera Marg, Madhuban, Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Phone no- 0294-2410299
- Email- info@[email protected]
4. Wolkem India, Golcha Group and Shri Kailash Khanij Udhyog
Udaipur, Rajasthan is a hub for white industrial minerals in India. White Industrial Minerals like Talc, Wollastonite, Dolomite, Feldspar, Pyrophyllite, China Clay, and Calcite ( Ground Calcium Carbonate) are of the same category used as fillers, strengthening agents, whiteners in the manufacturing of paints, plastics, and paper, detergents and cosmetics. These minerals are mined in neighboring villages, processed and supplied across the globe. The major demand comes from Europe and Middle Eastern nations.
Wolkem India is the leading producer of Wollastonite and Calcite worldwide. Golcha Group, Udaipur Minerals Development SYndicate leads in Soapstone (Talc). Shri Kailash Khanij Udhyog is the sole miner of Pyrophyllite and Sillimanite here. These two minerals are used in many factories and other industrial applications.
In Udaipur, Mewar Industrial Area has many Grinding Units of these minerals and New Industrial Areas are being developed by the Government for new growth aspects. Currently, around 500 units are involved in Mining, Grinding, and Processing in and around the White City of Rajasthan.
About Wolkem India Limited:
- Owner- Gaurang Singhal
- Address- Post Box no 21, E-101, Mewar Industrial Area, Madri, Udaipur
- Phone no- 0294- 294-249-3600, 002
- Email- [email protected]
About Shri Kailash Khanij Udhyog, SKKU Minerals:
- Owner- Mr. S.L. Chohan
- Address- 1068-69 Hiran Magri sector 4, Udaipur- 313002, Rajasthan, INDIA
- Fax- +91 294 2461907
- Mobile- +91 98293 33206, +91 98290 43206
- Email- [email protected], [email protected]
About Golcha Minerals Group- Udaipur Minerals Development Syndicate Pvt. Ltd.
- Owner- Seth Sohanmull Golcha
- Address- Golcha Trade Centre, 4th Floor MI Road, Jaipur
- Phone no- 0141-4056666
- Email- [email protected]
Employment and economic impact
The mineral industry in Udaipur is a significant economic driver presenting a complex picture of its impact on nature and society. On the positive side, it provides much-needed employment opportunities, particularly in a region where other industries are limited. This is true for smaller, family-run operations that rely on local labor. Additionally, the industry contributes to the national supply chain of essential minerals, playing a vital role in various sectors like construction and manufacturing.
However, mining can have a significant negative influence on the ecosystem. Open-cast mining, a prevalent practice in Udaipur, can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and air and water pollution. Dust from blasting and processing activities can harm respiratory health, while improper waste disposal can contaminate water sources. The Aravalli Range, ecologically sensitive due to its unique flora and fauna, faces particular threats from mining activities.
Societal perspectives on the industry are also divided. While some residents appreciate the economic benefits, others raise concerns about environmental degradation and potential health risks. There are also worries about sustainability, as excessive mining can deplete mineral reserves.
Also Read: Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited- A Pillar of Progress in Udaipur
Conclusion:
We cannot deny the fact that these Mining Industries of Udaipur have given employment to thousands of people across the nation and have a key role in the Indian economy.
However, these industries are already implementing sustainable mining practices, and exploring opportunities for reclamation of mined land. But we have to be awakened to find a balance between economic benefits and environmental protection, a crucial challenge for the future of Udaipur’s mineral industry.
