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Difficulty: HardState Economy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources

Arrange the following major mineral-producing districts of Odisha in descending order of their total estimated bauxite reserves (from highest to lowest reserve capacity):

  1. 1Koraput District
  2. 2Rayagada District
  3. 3Kalahandi District
  4. 4Sundargarh District

Answer

The correct sequence in descending order of estimated bauxite reserves is Koraput District, followed by Rayagada District, Kalahandi District, and Sundargarh District.
The East Coast Bauxite deposit of Odisha is concentrated heavily in the southern plateau districts. Koraput leads with the massive Panchpatmali deposit, followed by Rayagada with the Baphlimali plateau, Kalahandi with the Niyamgiri and Karlapat reserves, and Sundargarh which primarily features iron and limestone with only minor bauxite deposits.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary bauxite belt of the state
The East Coast Bauxite belt in southern Odisha accounts for over 70% of India's total bauxite deposits.
Geological survey mapping establishes the spatial concentration of metallurgical-grade bauxite in southern districts.
2
Evaluate district-level reserve capacities
Koraput (Panchpatmali) contains over 300 million tonnes of reserves. Rayagada (Baphlimali/Kodingamali) contains approximately 200 million tonnes. Kalahandi (Niyamgiri/Karlapat) holds around 80-90 million tonnes, while Sundargarh in northern Odisha contains only minor pockets.
Detailed exploration data from the Directorate of Geology and Mineral Exploration provides accurate reserve estimates.
3
Rank the districts in descending order
The sequence from highest to lowest is Koraput District → Rayagada District → Kalahandi District → Sundargarh District.
Aligning total reserve tonnages yields the specified descending order.

Key Concept

Spatial Distribution of Natural Mineral Resources in State Economy
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Topics

State Economy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources

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