Mineral resources are the backbone of industrial and economic development. A total of 79 types of minerals are available in the State whereas 58 minerals are produced on a commercial basis. The State enjoys a near monopoly status in production of some non-ferrous minerals in the country and is a significant contributor to the national production of numerous minerals.


Cement
Rajasthan has huge reserves of cement grade and SMS grade limestone. Currently, the Statehas 14 major and 2 medium cement plants. Looking to the availability of huge cement grade limestone reserves, more than 10 cement plants will be installed in the State in near future.


Base Metals and Noble Metals
Rajasthan has the largest potential belt for base metals and noble metals in the country. Large deposits of copper and lead have recently been discovered in the State. Gold prospects have also been recently reported in Banswara, Udaipur, Alwar and Dausa districts. The State has taken the lead in grant of Large Area Prospecting License and Reconnaissance Permits to various national and multinational companies for exploration of base metals and noble metals.


Fuel Source
Rajasthan is also emerging as fuel producing state. M/s Cairn Energy has discovered huge petroleum and gas reserves in Barmer district – it has mapped 480 million tones of oil reserves – and production will commence from 2009. Detailed prospecting has proven more than 4300 million tones of lignite reserves.