GEOLOGY & MINERAL RESOURCES OF
BIKANER DISTRICT
The district derives its name from its principal city Bikaner which perpetuates the memory
of its founder Rao Bika. Lying in the north western part of Rajasthan, the district is located
between 27° 11' and 29° 03' north latitude and 71° 54' and 74° 12' east longitude. The district has
an area of 27,244 sq.km. and a population of 1,209,107(1991 census). It is bounded in north by
Ganganagar & Hanumangarh districts, in east by Chum, in south by Jodhpur & Nagaur districts,
and in west partly by Jaisalmer district and partly by Pakistan. It comprises of 4 tehsils namely
Lunkaransar ,Bikaner, Kolayat and Nokra. The district head quarter Bikaner is 361 Kms. from
Jaipur and is well connected by broad gauge railway line of northern railway with Jodhpur,
Phulera and by meter gauge railway line with Delhi.
The major parts of the district covers desolate and dreary regions which form part of the
Great Indian desert of Thar. The district can be classified into two natural divisions (i) north and
western desert and (ii) south & eastern semi desert. In greater part of the district the plain is
undulating or interspersed with shifting sand hills, the slopes of which are slightly furrowed by the
action of wind. There are no hills and no rivulets or streams of. any significance. The district has a
-dry climate with large variations of temperature and scanty rainfall.
GEOLOGY
The district of Bikaner is a vast sandy tract. Three of the four tehsils are covered with sand except
some exposures near Kolayat and in Nokha tehsil. These are locally called as Magras. In these
areas various types of sandstone, clay & limestone have been revealed at different levels. Thus the
geology of the district is based on subsurface studies only.
Many geologist belive that during the Jurassic, Cretaceous and Eocene periods the western part of
Rajasthan including Bikaner district was under the sea. Later in upper Tertiary period area got up
lifted in to dry land.
Geologically the oldest rocks exposed in the limited area and encountered in dug &, tube wells etc.
have been equated to upper vindhyan of south east Rajasthan known as trans Aravalli- Vindhyans
Overlying them are Tertiary formations followed by quarternary to recent sediments.
The geological succession is as follows.
AGE
Recent
FORMATION
Quaternary Sediments
Pleistocene
Bap Boulders
and Lambariyan
ROCK TYPE
Sands and sandy alluvium calcareous
grit, Kankar and semi consolidated
conglomerate and selenite.
Associated
pebbles,cbbles,boulders
and erratices of granite, quartzite,
1
diamictite
rhyolite and dolomite.
--------------------------------------------UNCONFORMITY---------------------------------------Lower to Middle Eocene
Jogiara Formation
Shaly and crystaline Limestonewith
foraminifers and fuller's earth with
lamellibranchs and gastropods.
-----------------------------------------------DISCONFORMITY---------------------------------------------Upper Palaeocene
Marh Formation
Ferruginous gritty sandstone with
white plastic clay bands, siltstone with
leaf impressions.
Lower Palaeocene
Palana Formation
Fine grained Sandstone,
Carbonaceous shale and lignite
-----------------------------------------------UNCONFORMITY--------------------------------------------Paleozoic Cambrian Marwar
Supergroup
Nagaur Formation
of Nagaur group
Brick red to fine grained sandstone
with shales gypsum ands conglomerates.
(Source: GSI After Mukhopadhyay ,A.K.1970-75 and Ghosh,R.N.1970-71)
Rock formation belonging to Nagaur group of Trans Aravali Vindhyans (Marwar
Supergroup) include basel conglomerates, sandstone, siltstone, shale, clay ,limestone, anhydrite &
halite.
Tertiary rocks are represented by Palana, Marh and Jogiara formation comprjsing fine
grained sandstone, sandy clay varigated clays and lignite.
Quarternary formation includes. Sandy alluvium!sand, Kankar, Iron stone nodule etc.
MINERALS OF BIKANER DISTRICT
Bikaner district has some very important nonmetallic mineral deposits in state. It has vast
resources of lignite and gypsum, besides clay, fullers earth, ochre and grit. The best quality
gypsum in India was found at J amsar, small occurrences of red sandstone and lime stone are also
found at places. Limestone at Sarunda is high grade at places (upto 54% CaO) but the deposit is
small and suitable for a mini cement plant. Glass sand is utilised in glass industry. There have been
continuous efforts for development and use of lignite deposits. Recetly an MOU has been signed
for exploitaion of Barsingsar deposit.
The details of mineral deposits are given below.
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Lignite
Bikaner district is well known for its lignite deposits. During the earstwhile Bikaner state
thermal power generation was based on the lignite resources of Palana. During the last two
decades the department of Mines & Geology & other exploration agencies have carried out
detailed exploration for lignite in different parts of the district. The investigation was guided by the
stratigraphic control of deposition of lignite and all tertiary formations have been examined in detail and a number of lignite bearing areas identified. A brief account of each area is summerised
below:
Palana:
It is located about 23 km. S.E. of Bikaner city. About 6.71 sq . km. area was prospected
by D.M.G. by carrying out about 35493.0 mtrs. drilling spread over 482 bore holes. The lignite
seams were intersected between 40 to 98 mts. depth with cummulative thickness of few em. to
18.0 mts. The analytical results indicate that Ash content varies from 3.5-8% V.M. 2035%, FC
21 % and C.V. 3200-3500 K.Cal/kg. Based on exploratory drilling geological reserves of the
order of 23.57 M.T. were estimated in the area. The area was previously being worked for power
generation but due to fire in the mines, it was closed.
Barsingsar:
This area is located about 25 km. S. W. of Bikaner and 3 km. S.W .of Palana lignite area.
Barsingsar lignite prospect was located and explored by the state department and M.E.C.L. by
carrying out 35487.75 mts. drilling (313 bore holes) over an area of about 5.35 sq. kms.
Exploratory drilling indicates the presence of lignite seams at about 67 mts. depth. The thickness
of lignite seams varies from 6.30 mts. to 45.50 mts. The lignite of this area contains 2.4-10%
Ash. 20-28% VM., 16-28% EC. and C.V. 3000 K. Cal/kg. Based on exploration data 77.83 M.T.
reserves have been estimated.
Gurha:
Gurha lignite deposit is located 22 km.N.W. of Kolayat. The Geological survey of India
first noticed the presence of lignite in the area. The detail exploration was initiated by state
department by carrying out 849.60 mts. drilling in 76 boreholes over an area of 9.0 sqkm.
Exploratory drilling intersected 20 to 26.90 mts. thick lignite seam at 38m to 148.0 mts. varying
depth. About 38.00 million tonnes of in situ reserves have been estimated in this area with 1:15
lignite overburden ratio. Average ash content is 11.9%, V.M. is 31.81, FC is 21.28% and calorific
value at 45% in situ moisture is 2867 K Call kg.
Subsequently M.E.C.L. has carried out 42,867.85 mts. drilling in 322 boreholes in Gurha
east and west blocks. Total insitu reserves in these two blocks are estimated to be around 50
million tonnes. The details of each block are given below
Gurha East 20.94
2010
1.48
14.21
Gurha West 29.12
2580
4.60
3
6.74
Apparently, Gurha deposits appear to be exploitable by open cast mining.
Bithnoke & Bithnoke Ext.:
Area is located about 30 km. west of Kolayat Exploratory drilling was initiated by MECL
by carrying out 9358.20 mts. drilling in 50 boreholes over an area of 3 sqkm. M.E.C.L.
interesected a 2 to 14.00 mts. thick lignite seam at depths varying from 100 to 150 mts. in this
area. About 78 M. T. geological reserves have been estimated with 1:8 to 1:10 lignite overburden
ratio, The average calorific value at 45% in situ moisture is 2500 K Call kg. (indicative). The Ash
content varies from 15 to 20% and V.M. from 20 to 25% .
Mandal-Charnan:
Mandal-Chaman lignite prospects is located about 20 km S.s.W. of Kolayat. The area was
explored by the Deptt. which drilled 19 bore holes totalling 2893.05 mts. drilling over an area of 8
sq.km. Lignite seam intersected between 120 to 138 mts. depth with thickness varying from 0.20
to 6.10 mts. Based on exploration data 17.7 M.T. reserves have been estimated in the area with
1:40 lignite overburden ratio. The lignite of the area contain 12.77% Ash, 18.54% V.M.
22.94% EC. and 2626 K. Call kg. c.Y.
Raneri:
The area is located about 80 Kms. S.W. of Bikaner. The lignite prospects of the area was
explored by department of Mines & Geology and so far 10187 mts. drilling in 69 boreholeshave
been carried out over an area of 28 sq.km. Exploration is still under progress. Bore hole drilled so
far indicated the lignite seam occurs at depth varying from 48.50 to 134.40 mts. The thickness of
the seam varies from 0.50 to 12.00 mts. 30.92 million tonnes reserves have been estimated with
1:29.23 lignite overburden ratio and 4.54 million tonnes in 1:15 ratio.
Apart from above, department also carried out exploratory drilling for lignite in other parts
of Bikaner district namely; Chak-Vijaisinghpura,
. Badhnu-Bania, Hira ki Dhani, Khari Charran, Ranasar, Bhojasar, Akasar, Lalamdesar- Bada
Lalamdesar, Gajroopdesar, Surpura,. Mion-Ki-Dhani, Gajner, Sarupdesar, Pyan Chhaneri,
Mudhah- Kotri etc. The lignite prospects in above areas are not encouraging and as such has no
economic'value.
Recently department has located a good prospect of lignite in Hadla area 8 Km. west of
Barsingsar. So far 9 bore holes have been put totalling 1289 mts. drilling. In the bore holes
lignite seams were interescted at 93 to 124 mts. depth with thickness ranging from 13 to 18
mts. Work is under progress.
Gypsum
About 90% of the total Indian production of gypsum comes from western and north-western
Rajasthan having a total reserve of 1013.07 MT. As estimated by G.S.I. Bikaner contributes about
9 MT reserve Important workable gypsite deposits are located at the following localities.
4
Jamsar:
This was once the largest and most extensively worked deposit in the state. It occupies an area of
about 4 km. by 1 km. There are three main gypsite beds varying in thickness from 2.4 to 3.7
metres with 85 to 98% CaS04,2HzO content. The deposit is being worked by RSMML in 13
quarries which have gone up to 11 mts. in depth. The bulk of the reserves, however, have already
been mined out.
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Dhirera:
A gypsum bed 2.7 mts. thick, occurs in an area of about 0.83 sq. km. The deposit has a reserve of
about 0.7 million tonnes containing 85% CaS04, 2H zo. It is being worked by RSMML
Kaori:
The deposit occurs in an area of about 3.0 sq. km. with an average thickness of 0.6 mts.
(gypsite). Estimated reserves are 1 million tonnes with 70 to 85% CaSO 4' 2HzO.
Bharru:
The deposit covers an area of 3-4 sq. km. where the gypsite bed has an average thickness of 0.81.0 mts. About 3-4 million tonnes of reserves containing 20 to 80% CaS04, 2HzO are estimated.
Other minor qypsite deposits occur at Dholera, Dhirava, Akasar (west) Dher, Akasar( east) , Dher,
Juna Akhusar, Jagdeowala No.2, Dandla, Alladin ka Bera, Neushera, Seasar Sammuwak Dher,
Dandalwela Dher, Islamwala Dher and Karamwela Dher.
Selenite
. Selenite
crystals, varying in size from a few centimetres to 10 em. occur in black clay/mud at
a depth of about one metre near Lunkaransar. About 60% of the crystals are recoverable by
washing and screening.
Clay
From mineral point of view Bikaner district can be called clay district. Out of 89 major mining
leases in this district 78 are for various clays (china clay, ball clay & fire clay). Bikaner district
alone accounts for 80% of Rajasthan's total clay production.
Kolayat, Kotri, Madh, Gurha:
Clay occurs near Gurha, Kotri, Marh and Kolayat and was investigated by G.5.1. Three horizons
of clay interbedded with sandstone are noted in this area.
The middle horizon is traceable for about 18 km. length and provides clay of the best
quality. It comprises fire clay beds 1 to 3 mts, thick. The clay is white to creamy or brownish
white, and turns white on firing. The clay contains 57.02% SiOz 27.73%Alz031.73% TiO, with
10.49% LOI. Fez03 ,CaO, alkalies and MgO are in traces up to 1 %.
The Upper horizon consists of a single clay bed 3mts. to 7 mts thick, exposed over a strike
length of 5 km. between Madh and Jogira Talao. It is similar to that of the middle horizon in
physical and chemical properties.
The two bands in the lower horizon are 1.5 to 2.5 mts. in the thickness.lt is highly plastic, fine
grained and composed mostly of kaolinite. The water of plasticity is about 27.6%
A total reserve of 13.10 million tonnes of clay was estimated for a dip extension of 30mts.
& 43.67 million tonnes for a dip extension of 100mts.
Khari Charnan:
Near Khari char an, clay occurs in two horizons. The upper one is 1 m thick while the lower one
1.70 mts thick These are seperated by 0.5 m to 1 m thick ferruginous siltstone. The clay is fine
grained, plastic, free from grits, whitish grey in colour with occasional iron stains.
5
Chandi:
The deposit occurs 1 km. north of Chandi. the thickness of the clay band varies from 1 to 8 mts.
Estimat~d reserve is 3 million tonnes. The water of plasticity is 27.6% The P.C.E. value of orton
cone is 1650o-1688°C.
Gurha:
A large clay deposit is located near village Gurha. The deposit is very extensive with an average
thickness of about 3mts. The estimated reserve is about 2 million tonnes. The dull white colour
clay is good & plastic, stakes in water readily and has a soapy hand feeling. Sub surface clay
horizons have been encountered in exploratory b6reholes over vast area for lignite.
Mudh:
Deposit lies N.W. of village Mudh, about 4.8 km. from Shri Kolayatji railway station. It is greyish
white in colour, practically free from grit and is mainly kaolinite, fine grained in nature having
good plastictiy, water of plasicity 27.6 % and has a clay substance of 61.2% PCE values of orton
cone 30-31 ie 165016800C , fires to a cream colour.
Indo-Ka-Bala, Madhogarh and Suraj Ki Dhani. are other small deposit of clay in the
district.
Limestone
Sarunda- Mendelia :
The limestone occurs near Sarunda-Mandelia, tehsil Nokha in form of isolated patches. Mandelia
is about 55 km. S.W. of Nokha. Limestone is dirty white grey in colour. Grey colour limestone is
cement grade in nature and dirty white pinkish colour is dolomitic and cherty. Investigation have
been carried out by the department and a reserve of 10.2 million tonnes have been assessed
containing CaO 40 to 54% ,MgO 2 to 6% and Si02 5 to 10%
Dawa, Selwa :
It is located about 23 kms. south of Nokha. Limestone and dolomitic limestone occurs as five
isolated mounds over a strike length of 3.2 kms. with width varying from 30 to 200 mts. Limestone
is fine grained hard compact, light grey in colour with bangs of cherty and dolomitic limestone.
About 5.50 million tonnes geological reserves are inferred. The analytical result, indicate 23.38%
to 43.19% CaO, 12.7% to 18.70% MgO and 6.84% to.24.9% Si02,
Sandstone
Sandstone of Dulmera has been an important source for Patti, Khanda, Katla and dimensional
stones. The sandstone is of red colour and can be easily given shapes by chieseling. Sandstone is
also found near Lalaji Ki Dhani in Nokha tel1sils.
Ochres
Ochres are mineral pigments in which iron acts as the colouring material either in the form of
hematite (Red) or limonite (Yellow) or b~th. In Bikaner district ocheres have been known to occur
in Mudh-Kolayat areas as pockets with clay deposits.
Potash
The discovery of Halite at Lakhasar (28°06'-73°52 ') in a drilling hole put there as a part of the
UNDP Project by GSI has led to believe that potash minerals are occuring near Bikaner city. It is
expected that the potash mineralization is extending further in the Bikaner district also, looking to
the general geological setting of the area.
Bajri and Grit
These are clastic rocks consisting of medium size
6
grains of silica, and found south of Bikaner city where it is being mined for building purpose. The
paleochannel of river Saraswati can be good source of Bajri . Department has identified some areas
by remote sensing study of imageries.
Glass Sand
Huge deposits of good quality glass sand are found near Mudh. The exposures are along the sides
of the Nallah, presently being used by glass factory of Bikaner glass wares.
MINERAL BASED INDUSTRIES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
Presently Mineral based industries e$tablished on the basis of minerals produced in the district are
as given below:
(a) Clay based Industries
(1) Electric-high-tension-insulators
(2) Ceramic-Pottery industries.
(3) Sanitary-ware industries.
(4) Sewrage-waste pipe industries.
Future prospects:
There is ample scope for following industries:
(1) For manufacture of conduit, cleats, sockets,
switches and insulators.
(2) For cup, saucer and art pottery units.
(3) Ceramic glaze tiles manufacturing units.
(4) Establishplent of clay washing plants.
(5) Special refractory fire-bricks units.
(b) Gypsum based Industries:
(1) Plaster of paris manufacturing units.
(2) Building grade plaster- manufacturing units. (3) Surgical gr"de plaster manufacturing. units.
(4) Reclaimation of saline alkali soils by using
gypsum as soil conditionor.
(5) Mini cement plants.
Future prospects:
(1) Gypsum Fibre- BoC)rd manufacturing unit. . (2) Gypsum ba~ed sulphuric-acid manufacturing
units can be setup.
(C) Lignite based industries:
Presently there are no industries based on Lignite. However there is scopes for following:
(1) Thermal power-generation.
(2) As fuel in industires replacing coal.
(3) Brquetting unit for lignite, for domestic and
industrial use of lignite.
(4) Lignite fuelled brick-clins and lime clins. Future Prospects:
7
An M.O.V. has been signed by Govt. of Rajasthan with Hindustan Viduet Corporation for
development
of
Barsingsar
deposits
for
power
generation.
MINERAL
ADMINISTRATION
The state department of Mines & Geology has three offices in the district.
Suptdg. Mining Enginner, Bikaner having jurisdiction over Bikaner , Naguar, Jaisalmer
Hanumangarh and
Ganganagar. Mining Engineer Bikaner with jurisdk tion over Bikaner & Ganganagar districts.
Assistant Mining Engineer Bikaner- Bikaner District. The Production of Minerals, revenue,
number oflease~ etc. of Bikaner district are given in annexure.
The geological propsecting work is looked after by Superintending Geologist Bikaner and Sr.
Geologist Bikaner. 3 Projects have been proposed in BikaneI district for year 1997-98
(1) Continuation of exploration for lignite near village
Raneri, tehsil Kolyat, distt. Bikaner.
(2) Exploration for lignite around villages Hadla,
Bhatia, tehsil Kolayat, district Bikaner.
(3) Evaluation of gypsum deposits of Bikaner,
Hanumangarh and Churn Districts. Production, Revenue, No. of Leases etc. for major & minor
minerals for 1995-96
TABLE MAKING …………………………
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ROCK PHOSPHATE IN RAJASTHAN
""""""""""""".......................................................................................................................................................................................
INTRODUCTION
T
he term "Rock phosphate" is applied to the rock in which one or more phosphate min
era Is, usually calcium phosphate of ~uffi cient grade and suitable composition are
present which permits its use directly or after concentration, in the manufacture of commercial
products. The chemical analysis of rock phosphate is usually reported as a percentage of P 20S or a
tricalcium phosphate Ca3 (P04)2.,
Out of the three major plant nutrients nitrogen, phosp}:lorous and potassium, the phosphrous is
essential for root development, hastening maturity of crops and in increasing the protein content of
grains.
The rock phosphate is an important constituent for the manufacture of the superphosphate, triple
super
phosphate, nitro phosphate, mono and diammonium . phosphate and dicalcium phosphate
besides other phosphorous based chemicals.
The total reserves of rock phosphate known so far in the country are about 175 million tonnes out
of which 122 M.T. are of low grade containing 10-20% P20S'
In India, rock phosphate is found in the states of Madhya Pradesh (Jhabua), Uttar Pradesh
(Mussoorie)Pithoragarh, Durmula), Himachal Pradesh (Sirmur) Tamilnadu and Rajasthan. Out of
these rock phosphate, only Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are of economic importance. ~he rest
all are small deposits of low grade ore. In Madhya Pradesh about 35 million tonnes Rock
phosphate reserves have been assessed containing 20-30% P20S' .
OCCURRENCE IN RAJASTHAN
The Rajasthan deposits are most important from the view point of their P20s content and total
reserves. In the state. The phosphorite deposit ar~ located in Jaisalmer, Udaipur Banswara, Jaipur
and Alwar districts. In Rajasthan it occurs both as rock phosphate and in apatite form.
~_: ___ L._-
..:__~_I ~. .11_":
The description of the deposits in.Rajasthan is given below:
J aisalmer District
(i) Birmania deposit:
The rock phosphate deposit near Birmania is located about 100 km. northwest of Barmer. It occurs
in the rocks of Palaeozoic age. It can be traced for about 4 kms. in NNE- SSW direction and is'1 to
4 meters thick. The phosphate rock is either calcareous, slaw or sandy in the north but to the south
it occurs as thick black band in limestone. Phosphorite is also associated with cherty bands.
Detailed prospecting which included geological mapping on 1:500 Scale, trenChing and 2054
meters drilling has been carried out and reserve of about 4.34 million tonnes of rock phosphate
with 12.15%P2Os has been estimated in this area.
(ii) Fatehgarh deposit:
The phosphorite horizon occurs about 88 kn\. north of Barmer on Barmer-Jaisalmer road. It can be
traced from Sarda in the east to the small hill, 3 km. S20° E of Bhiyasar, for a distance of 12 km.
The Fatehgarh formation comprises ferruginous sandstone interbedded with yellowish white
friable sandstone and sub bentonitic clays of probably Upper Cretaceous to Eocene age. Its
15
aggregate thickness is 60-70 metres but the lower 7 to 10 metres only is phosphatic. The grade of
the deposit is quite low.
U dai pur District
Udaipur district is the most important district for phosphate deposits. A large number of
occurrences/ deposits have been located around Udaipur city. The
important ones are given ~w:
(i) Kanpur deposit:
It is located 8 km. ...east of Udaipur on Udaipur Jhamarkotra road. The rock formation in the area
belong to the Aravalli Supergroup intruded at places by post- Aravalli granites. The general trend
of the formation is NNE- SSW, dipping at 20°-40° due NNW.
1'7
Due to complex folding the phosphate horizon is repeated. The phosphatic material occurs mainly
within light to bluish grey compact limestone or calcareous rocks. The Phosphatic band has a
strike length of about 600 mts. and its thickness varies from 4 to 6 mts. The indicated reserves
have been put at 3.0 million tonnes having 12-13% P205 content. The deposit is being worked by
MI s R.S.M.D.C. Ltd.
(ii) Dakan Kotra:- .. /
The phosphate deposit is lOcated about 12 km. SSE of Udaipur. The rock formations here are
similar to those found at Kanpur. The rock phosphate occurs within dark grey & bluish limestone
and cherty quartzites. The reserves have been estimated at 1.4 million tonnes having 12 to 20% P
2°5 content. The deposit is also being worked by MI s. R.S.M.D.C. Ltd.
(iii) Karbaria Ka Guda:
It is situated 1 km. west of Kanpur deposit. The discontinuous horizon of phosphatic rock is 1-5
metres thick. The trend of the rock is N-S which can be seen up to a distance of 1.5 km. In the
northern part rock phosphate occurs at the contact of phyllite and quartzite while in the sourthern
part, it is associated with yellow brown cherty, brecciated quartzite. It~ aggregate length is about
300 mts. The reserves have been estimated at 0.5 million tonnes containing 22 to 25% P205'
(iv) Matoon deposit:-
./
It is located 15 km. SE of Udaipur City. The rock formations belong to Aravali Supergroup and
are represented by dolomitic marbles, calcareous grits, chert, brecciated quartzite, quartzite &
phyllite. The phosphate band about 1 to 25 mts. thick is traceable for. 3.5 km. length and shows
pinching and swelling but it is usually thick (20m) in cherty quartizite. Based on 25 boreholes
covering 2250 mts. drilling the reserve has been estimated to about 9.2 million tonnes.This deposit
is being exploited by Mis Hindustan Zinc
Limited
.
I
I
(v) Sisarma deposit:,/
It is located 10 km. SW of Udaipur and extends over
a length of about 2 km. The phosphorite is associated' with cherty dolomitic and siliceous
limestone of Aravalli Supergroup having a width of 7-20 metres. 20 channel were cut across the
mineralised zone and
11 bore holes with an aggregate drilling of 492.86 mts. have been drlled in the area. About
0.84 million
tonnes of rock phosphate reserves with 5 to 10% P 2°5 up to 50 mts. depth. have been estimated.
J
(vi) Neemuch Mata deposit:The deposit is located in Kataria hill about 3 km. north-west of Udaipur. The rock formations
are phyllites, shale, dolomite and siliceous limestone of Aravalli Supergroup. The phosphorite
occurs in form of small bends & lenses within 0.75 sq.km. area. On the basis of 32 boreholes
16
with an aggregate drilling of 1250.45 mts, reserves of 0.11 million tonnes containing 10% P
2°5 and 0.22 million tonnes with 5-10% P 2°5 have been estimated in this area.
(vii) Badgaon deposit :- /"
The rock phosphate deposit is located about 6 km. north of Udaipur on way to Gogunda. The
rock formations are phyllites, dolomitic and siliceous limestone and quartzite of Aravalli
Supergroup. The rock phosphate occurs in isolated patches, lenses within the limestone. The
width of rock phosphate varies from 3 to 22mt. On the basis of 704.85 mts: drilling spread over
23 boreholes reserves of 3,47,405 tonnes
. of rock phosphate have been estimated with 3 to 23%P205content. .
J
(viii) Jhamarkotra deposit:It is the biggest and high grade phosphorite deposit located about 24 km. SE of Udaipur. The
nearest railway station Kharwa Chanda, is about 10 km. from the deposit and lies on
Udaipurcity-Ahmedabad metergauge section of the western railway. However Umra is the
convenient railway station. The rock phosphate occurs in metasedimentary rocks of Aravalii
Supergroup (Precambrian age). It is of algal origin occuring in benyeen siliceous,
ferJ;Uginous, and cherty dolomitic limestone resting over basal quartzite and gritty quartzite
which unconformably rest over the Banded Gneissic Complex of Pre-Aravalli age. The deposit
extends over a strike length of 16 kms in horseshoe shape with average thickness of 15 meters.
Detailed prospecting was carried out by the state department of Mines & Geology, which
located this <;ieposit. Aresenre of 77.0 million tonnes of rock phosphate has been proved on
the basis of 60,000 mts. drilling in 500 bore holes. Out of these 17 million tonnes.
1A
u-. .. ft'"...is of +30%P 20S' grade and rest is of 12 to 30% P 20S
A beneficiation plant of 2000 tonnes per day capacity has been installed to up grade the low grade
phosphate having 16 - 17% P20s to 34% P20S' Presently M/ s. Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals
Limited, a state government undertaking is doing mining in part of the area.
In addition to above small occurrences/ incidences of phosphorite were also located near Amberi(
10kIn. from Udaipur on Udaipur Rajsamand road), Berwas (8 kIn. From Udaipur on Udaipur
Chittor road, Undari (16 km. from Udaipur on Udaipur }harol Road.)
(ix) Apatite deposit:
The Apatite deposit is located near Niwania-Kikawas villages about 60 km. east of Udaipur.
Apatite occurs as thin veins and stringers, crisscrossing a large mass of crystalline limestone of
Aravalli Supergroup over an area of about 1.5 sq. km. Based on geological investigation by 912.52
mts. drilling in 28 bore holes, about 30,000 tonnes of apatite with 32-35% and one million tonnes
with 6 to 9% P20s were estimated in Kikawas area. 500 tonnes of apatite with 32-35% P 20S
content were estimated in Niwania area.
Banswara District (i) Sallopat deposit:
Phosphate rock associated with the dolotmte chert horizon of Aravalli Supergroup was located
near Sallopat, about 67 kms. SW of Banswara. The phosphorite zone 120mts. to 280 mts wide
extends over a length of 1-2 km. in NW-SE direction. Within this zone several lenses of phosphate
rock of different sizes and grade are present. The grade of the mineral varies from less than 10%
P20s to 20% P20s
Small occurrences of rock phosphate were also located near Ram-Ka-Munna and Jhermoti
Villages.
Siker District
(i) Kerpura deposit:
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The apatite deposit is located near Kerpura Salwari villages in rocks of Delhi Supergroup
and Post Delhi intrusives. Apatite occurs as irregular veins, stringers and disseminations in
quartz veins, amphibolites and granite pegmatites intruded in garnetiferous biotite schist.
A reserve of 21,520 tonnes of ore con
c..;..-+ ......... ...: --------roo .11_"'
taining 15.14% P20s has been proved with another 16,000 tonnes of 15% P 20S grade in probable
cafegory.
J aipur District
Rock phosphate occurrenceswere located near Achrol village on Jaipur-Alwar road. Phosphorite is
associated with phyllite of Alwar formation. The P20s content is quite low and is about 5% only.
Alwar District
The occurrence of phosphorite were reported from Rajgarh teh. of Alwar district. Near Aduka
Adwani hills G.S.I. has located small band of phosphorite associated with horn stone breccia of
Alwar formation. The analytical results reveal that the P 20S content is up to 11% only.
Production of Rock Phosphate in India Year Production
(thousand tonnes)
617.42
1033.82 1096.65 1345.58
1992-93 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96
Production, Sale value, Revenue & number of leases of rock 'phosphote in Rajasthan.
Year
Production
SaleValue
Revenue
No. of leases.
(thous. tons.)
(thous. Rs.)
(thous.Rs.)
234.54
128849.40
27866.00
4
1993-94 977.98
586057.80
87943.00
8
1994-95 891.83
624421.00
100726.00
8
1995-96 900.87
630105.60
118525.60
8
1992-93
\
(Source: Statistical Section DMG)
SPECIFICATIONS OF pHOSPHATE MINERALS FOR INDUSTRIAL
USES.
Phosphorus, Nitrogen and Potash are the three main plant nutrients. PhosphQrous plays an
impOrtant role in root development and in the synthesis of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Its
deficiency in the soil can be made up by adding natural or manufactured phosphorous bearing
minerals/rocks. Apatite and rock phosphate are the two important minerals of phosphorous.
Apatite is of two types Le. chlorapatite hav
18