Reclassification of Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz as Major Minerals

GS 3 – GEOGRAPHY

Context: The Ministry of Mines has reclassified Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz from minor minerals to major minerals.

What is a Mineral?

A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic material that has a specific chemical composition and a crystalline structure.

Distinction Between Major and Minor Minerals

Aspect	Major Minerals	Minor Minerals
Definition	Minerals with significant economic importance and high value.	Minerals with lower economic value and local importance.
Examples	Coal, Iron ore, Bauxite, Manganese, Limestone, Copper, Gold.	Sand, Clay, Gravel, Marble, Quartz, Slate, Building stones.
Regulation Authority	Regulated by the Central Government under the MMDR Act, 1957.	Regulated by the State Governments.
Licensing & Leases	Requires approval from the Central Government.	State Governments grant mining leases and permits.
Revenue Beneficiary	Revenue shared between Central and State Governments.	Revenue goes directly to the State Government.
Economic Impact	Plays a crucial role in industrial development and exports.	Supports local industries like construction and pottery.
Environmental Impact	Large-scale extraction leading to significant environmental impact.	Usually has a smaller environmental footprint.
Mining Scale	Typically involves large-scale and mechanized mining.	Small-scale or manual extraction methods.

Reclassification of Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz

This reclassification supports the National Critical Mineral Mission, which aims to enhance domestic exploration, mining, and the recovery of critical minerals from existing mines and waste. Based on their importance, the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Mines & Minerals, led by Dr. V.K. Saraswat, recommended changing their status from minor to major minerals.

Reasons for Reclassification

• Quartz, Felspar, and Mica are primarily sourced from pegmatite rocks, which also contain vital critical minerals like Beryl, Lithium, Niobium, Tantalum, Molybdenum, and Tin. These minerals are key to emerging technologies, energy transition, aerospace, and the healthcare sector.
• Baryte typically forms in limestone and dolostone and is often found with ores of Antimony, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, and Silver. It has diverse industrial uses, including in oil and gas drilling, electronics, TV screens, rubber, glass, ceramics, paints, and radiation shielding.

Impact of the Reclassification

• Under the MMDR Act, 1957, leases for these minerals will now last up to 50 years from the grant date or until any renewal period ends, whichever is later.
• The move is expected to stimulate exploration and scientific mining, helping to tap into critical mineral reserves.
• This strategic decision is aimed at strengthening India’s self-sufficiency in critical minerals.