Bauxite

What it is

Main ore of aluminium; also used in cement, refractories, abrasives and alum (aluminium sulphate).

Metallurgical (40 to 50%+ Al2O3)Cement gradeRefractory grade (low iron)Chemical gradeAbrasive grade

Where India produces it

1. OdishaKoraputRayagada

   About 73% of India's output in 2023-24; NALCO (Koraput) is the largest producer.

2. GujaratKachchhJamnagarDevbhumi DwarkaPorbandar

   Holds about 85% of mine-head closing stocks.

3. JharkhandLohardagaGumlaLatehar
4. ChhattisgarhSurgujaKabeerdham
5. MaharashtraKolhapurRatnagiriRaigad
6. Madhya PradeshKatniShahdolAnuppur

Where imports come from

Low: India mines about 24 million tonnes; imports were 4.49 million tonnes in 2023-24.

• Guinea — About 96% of 4.49 million tonnes imported in 2023-24
• China — About 3%

Rules before you buy or sell

• Bauxite is a major mineral; mining leases are granted by auction under the MMDR Act, 1957.
• Check the current import and export policy for your exact 8-digit HS code in the DGFT ITC(HS) schedules.

Storage and handling

Open stockpiles; keep grades apart and cover fine material in the monsoon.

Businesses that use it

Non-Ferric Alum (Aluminium Sulphate) →Alum (Phitkari) Manufacturing →Fire Clay Refractory Bricks and Blocks →