Graphite mining in Arunachal Pradesh

Mains Paper 3 : Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth |

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level : Graphite and its properties

Mains level : India-China Border Issues

Arunachal Pradesh has asked the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to explore the possibility of surveying and drilling for minerals along the India-China border.

What is Graphite?

Graphite is a naturally-occurring form of crystalline carbon.
It is a native element mineral found in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
It is extremely soft, cleaves with very light pressure, and has a very low specific gravity.
It is the only non-metal element that is a good conductor of electricity.
It is also known as a dry lubricant for its greasy feel.

Why mine in Arunachal?

Beijing is carrying out “massive” mining activities very close to the border in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Arunachal could be the leading producer of graphite, going a long way in cutting down India’s import of the mineral.

Arunachal holds highest deposits of graphite

The GSI presented the status of mineral deposits in Arunachal Pradesh at the meeting.
Data showed that the State has 35% of the total graphite reserves in India – the highest in the country.
The GSI’s 2013 report showed Arunachal Pradesh sits on 43% of the country’s graphite resources followed by Jammu & Kashmir (37%), Jharkhand (6%), Tamil Nadu (5%), and Odisha (3%).
But in terms of resources, Tamil Nadu led with 37% followed by Jharkhand with 30% and Odisha with 29%.

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