Mineral Resources of Meghalaya: Coal, Limestone, Uranium & Map
The mineral resources of Meghalaya are closely linked with the geology of the Meghalaya Plateau. The state contains major deposits of limestone and coal as well as kaolin, clay, granite, glass sand, sillimanite, bauxite, rock phosphate, quartz, feldspar, iron ore and identified uranium mineralisation.
Mineral occurrence is not uniform. Limestone is especially important along the southern Khasi-Jaintia-Garo belt, while coal occurs in several small coalfields. For the geological background, read Meghalaya Plateau: Physiography, Geology, Climate & Biodiversity.
Mineral Resources of Meghalaya at a Glance
| Mineral | Official Resource/Reserve Figure | Major Occurrence |
|---|---|---|
| Limestone | 15,100 million tonnes | Sohra/Shella, Lakadong-Lumshnong, Siju-Chokpot and other belts |
| Coal | 576.48 million tonnes | Langrin, Bapung, Darranggre and other coalfields |
| Kaolin | 5.24 million tonnes | Mawphlang, Smit, Thadlaskein, Darugiri |
| Granite | 50 million m³ | Nongpoh, Mylliem, Mawkyrwat, Rongjeng |
| Iron ore | 3.60 million tonnes proved | West Khasi Hills and East Garo Hills |
| Bauxite | 1.45 million tonnes inferred | Sung Valley |
| Uranium | 9.22 million tonnes ore reserve reported by AMD | Domiasiat, West Khasi Hills area |
Note: Resource and reserve figures are those published by the Meghalaya Department of Mining & Geology and should be read according to the geological classification used by that department.
Limestone Deposits of Meghalaya
Limestone is Meghalaya's most extensive mineral resource. The Department of Mining & Geology reports about 15,100 million tonnes across proved, indicated and inferred categories. Major occurrences include Cherrapunjee/Sohra, Mawlong, Ishamati, Shella, Komorrah, Borsora, Lakadong, Lumshnong, Nongkhlieh, Siju and Chokpot.
High-grade limestone supports the cement industry and is also suitable for chemical and metallurgical uses. Limestone dissolution has additionally produced Meghalaya's famous karst topography and cave systems.
Coal in Meghalaya
Official mineral inventory figures list about 576.48 million tonnes of coal resources. Meghalaya coal is mainly sub-bituminous and is known for relatively low ash but medium to high sulphur content. Important coal areas include Langrin, East and West Darranggre and Bapung.
Coal mining has had major economic significance, but the narrow and discontinuous nature of many seams, environmental impacts and the need for scientific mine planning make mining governance especially important.
Uranium Mineralisation
The state mineral inventory records uranium at Domiasiat in West Khasi Hills, where the Atomic Minerals Directorate reported an ore reserve of 9.22 million tonnes at the grade published by the Directorate of Mineral Resources. Uranium remains a sensitive mineral-resource subject because resource assessment, mining feasibility, environmental safeguards and local consent are separate questions.
Other Minerals of Meghalaya
Other important mineral resources include kaolin, lithomargic clay, granite, sillimanite, glass sand, feldspar, quartz, bauxite, rock phosphate, gypsum and base-metal occurrences. Sung Valley is notable for bauxite and rock phosphate, while sillimanite has been reported from the Sonapahar area.
Regional Distribution
| Region | Important Mineral Associations |
|---|---|
| Khasi Hills | Limestone, coal, granite, kaolin, sillimanite and uranium occurrences |
| Jaintia Hills | Limestone, coal, bauxite, rock phosphate and kaolin |
| Garo Hills | Coal, limestone, clay, granite, feldspar and glass sand |
Economic Importance
- Raw material for cement and lime industries
- Employment and royalty revenue
- Potential for mineral-based value addition
- Construction materials such as granite and clay
- Geotourism through limestone and cave landscapes
Mining and Environmental Issues
Mining in Meghalaya must be understood together with groundwater, cave systems, forests, community land rights and river quality. Scientific mine planning, legal compliance, mine closure, slope stability and water-quality monitoring are essential for reducing environmental damage.
Minerals of Meghalaya for MPSC
Most extensive mineral: Limestone
Major coal character: Sub-bituminous, generally low ash and relatively high sulphur
Important limestone belt: Southern Khasi-Jaintia-Garo sector
Uranium occurrence: Domiasiat area
Important bauxite/rock phosphate area: Sung Valley
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major minerals of Meghalaya?
Limestone and coal are the principal commercially important minerals, with granite, kaolin, clay, sillimanite, bauxite, glass sand and other minerals also present.
Where is limestone found in Meghalaya?
Major deposits occur in the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills, including Shella-Sohra, Lakadong-Lumshnong and Siju-Chokpot belts.
Where is uranium found in Meghalaya?
Important uranium mineralisation has been reported from the Domiasiat area of West Khasi Hills.
Conclusion
Meghalaya's mineral wealth reflects the complex geology of the plateau. Limestone dominates the resource base, coal occurs in several coalfields, and a wide range of industrial minerals adds economic potential. Sustainable development requires that extraction be balanced with protection of caves, rivers, forests and community landscapes.
Read More from AAMMNEST
Sources
- Department of Mining & Geology, Government of Meghalaya
- Directorate of Mineral Resources, Meghalaya
- Meghalaya Government Portal – Industry and Minerals