Limestone mines in India are a cornerstone of the nation’s economic development, serving as the primary source of raw material for the cement industry and playing a crucial role in the agricultural sector.
These limestone deposits are found across the country, majorly concentrated in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
As urbanization accelerates and the demand for construction materials like cement surges, the demand for limestone grows. Which is characterized by the increased scope of Limestone mining in India.
Limestone also plays a critical role in steel manufacturing, paper industries, pharmaceuticals, and waste-water treatment plants.
While these mines drive India’s growth forward, let’s take a closer look at the limestone mines in India, various aspects of limestone mining, production techniques and additional insights.
Production Stats and Details of Limestone Mines in India
India possesses substantial limestone deposits totalling 2,27,589 million tonnes. Whereas, the limestone production in India is standing at 393 million tonnes for the year 2021-22.
Analyzing the production statistics reveals the substantial potential for expanding limestone mining operations in the country.
In 2021-22, there were 689 limestone mines in India, contributing to the overall production.
Of these, 36 mines exceeded production of 3 million tonnes each, accounting for 47% of total output.
Moreover, 21 mines produced between 2 to 3 million tonnes per year, contributing an additional 13% to the total.
The remaining 40% of production came from other mines.
Among the limestone producing states in India, Rajasthan was the leading producer of limestone, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka.
Coming to the reserves, Karnataka tops the list, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
List of Limestone mines in India
Here is the list of Limestone mines in India that are known for their production.
- Aditya Limestone Mines, Chittorgarh & Nimbahera, Rajasthan
- Adityana Limestone & Marl Mine, Rnavav, Porbandar, Gujarat
- Aniali Limestone Mine, Porbandar, Gujarat
- Baga Bhalag Limestone & Shale Mine, Arki, Solan district, Himachal Pradesh
- Bhadanpur &Piprahat Limestone Mines, Maihar, Satna District, Madhya Pradesh
- Bharathi Cement Limestone Mine, Nallalingayapalli, YSR Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh
- Bhimdeval Limestone Mines, Gujarat
- Choutapalli Limestone Mine, Mellacheruvu, Suryapet District, Telangana
- Devapur Limestone Mine, Devapur, Manchiryal district, Telangana
- Diamond Patharia Limestone Mines, Patharia, Damoh district, Madhya Pradesh
- Gop 2 Limestone Mine, Gop, Jamnagar district, Gujarat
- Halki Limestone Mine, Halki, Bagalkot district, Karnataka
- Harudi-Kharai Limestone Mines, Kharai and Harudi, Kutch district, Gujarat
- JSW Cement Limestone Mine, Bilkalaguduru, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh
- Kovaya Limestone Mine, Kovaya, Amreli district, Gujarat
- Manikgarh Cement Limestone Mine, Gadchandur, Chandrapur district, Maharashtra
- Melavenkateswarapuram Limestone Mine, Pudur, Nadukattur and Sennayampatti, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu
- Morak Limestone Mines, Morak, Kota district, Rajasthan
- Mukutban Limestone And Dolomite Mine, Mukutban, Yavatmal district, Maharashtra
- My Home Limestone Mine, Mellacheruvu, Suryapet district, Telangana
- Naokari Limestone Mines, Naokari, Chandrapur, Maharastra
- Nawabpet – Talamanchipatanam Limestone Mine, Nawabpet, YSR Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh
- Paraswani Limestone Mine, Paraswani, Baloda Bazar district, Chhattisgarh
- Periyathirukonam Limestone Mine, Periyathirukonam, Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu
- Prashnawada-Morasa Limestone Mine, Prashnawada, Junagadh district, Gujarat
- Rain Limestone Mine, Mellacheruvu, Suryapet district, Telangana
- Rkba Limestone & Marl Mine, Gir, Somnath district, Gujarat
- Sadhera Limestone Mines, Sadhera, Satna district, Madhya Pradesh
- Sagar Cements Limestone Mine, Pedaveedu, Suryapet district, Telangana
- Sagmania Limestone Mines, Bathiya Khurd, Satna district, Madhya Pradesh
- Sitapuri Limestone Mine, Sitapuri, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh
- Tamoria Limestone Mine, Tamoria, Satna district, Madhya Pradesh
- Tummalapenta Limestone Mine, Tummalapenta, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh
- Yanakandla Limestone Mine, Yanakandla, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh
Limestone Mining in India
Limestone Mining in India is primarily conducted using the opencast method. A significant amount of the limestone obtained through mining acts as the primary raw material for the cement industry.
A significant usage of limestone is also present in paper, steel, textile and Chemical industries.
In large mining enterprises, the process of limestone extraction predominantly happens through hydraulic excavators paired with dumpers.
On the other hand, medium-scale mines generally operate with a mixture of machinery and manual mining practices to carry out their operations.
Export and Imports
Limestone was primarily imported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The UAE is the biggest importer, comprising approximately 88% of total limestone imports, followed by Oman importing 8%.
Regarding exports, there has been a substantial increase in limestone exports in recent years. The majority of these exports are with neighbouring countries, specifically Bangladesh and Nepal.
