Bauxite

Bauxite is not a mineral itself but the primary ore from which aluminium is extracted. Aluminium is a lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant metal used in everything from aircraft to packaging, so understanding where bauxite is found is important for India's industrial geography.

The ore occurs mainly in tertiary deposits and is closely associated with laterite rocks. These laterite formations are found extensively in two broad settings: on the plateau and hill ranges of peninsular India, and along the coastal tracts of the country.

Odisha is the largest producer of bauxite in India. Within Odisha, the leading producing districts are Kalahandi and Sambalpur. Two other districts in the state that have been steadily increasing their production are Bolangir and Koraput.

Moving to other states, the patlands (plateau-like flat-topped hills) of Lohardaga in Jharkhand have rich deposits. Several other states are major producers:

• Gujarat: Major deposits are found in Bhavanagar and Jamnagar.
• Chhattisgarh: Deposits are located on the Amarkantak plateau.
• Madhya Pradesh: Important deposits are in the Katni-Jabalpur area and Balaghat. …