MICA IN INDIA

WHY IN NEWS?

Competition from synthetic substitutes of mica affects India’s mica exports.

BACKGROUND

India is one of the leading producers and exporter of Mica in the world.

Mica is the name given to a collection of metals with similar chemical and physical properties. All the minerals in mica are silicate metals. 

PROPERTIES

• It splits easily into thin sheets. These sheets can be so thin that a thousand can be layered into a mica sheet of a few centimeters high.
• Due to its excellent di-electric strength, low power loss factor, insulating properties and resistance to high voltage, mica is one of the most indispensable minerals used in electric and electronic industries.

DISTRIBUTION OF RESERVES

Andhra Pradesh leads with 41% share

• Nellore belt is the important mica producing district in AP, followed by Vishakapatanam, West Godavari etc.

Rajasthan (28%)

• Deposits found along Aravallis in districts of Ajmer, Jaipur, Bhilwara,Udaipur
• Odisha , Jharkhand and Bihar
  • Koderma Gaya – Hazaribagh belt are important areas with mica deposits.

   

  PRODUCTION

  1. Andhra Pradesh (More than 50% some sources say 72%)
  2. Rajasthan