Limestone

What it is

Calcium carbonate rock. About 97% is cement grade; also used for lime, steel flux, chemicals, glass, sugar and as filler.

Cement gradeSMS / BF grade (steel)Chemical grade (high CaO)Filler / whiting grade

Where India produces it

1. RajasthanChittorgarhNagaurJaisalmerUdaipurSirohiPaliAjmerBundi

   Leading state: 22.9% of output in 2023-24.

2. Madhya PradeshSatnaKatniRewaDamohNeemuchDharSidhi

   13.8%.

3. Andhra PradeshKurnoolY.S.R. KadapaAnanthapuramuGunturPalnadu

   13.5%.

4. ChhattisgarhBalodabazar-BhataparaRaipurDurgBilaspur

   10.9%.

5. KarnatakaKalaburagiBagalkoteBelagaviChitradurgaTumakuru

   9%.

6. Tamil NaduAriyalurPerambalurTirunelveliVirudhunagarSalem

   5.9%.

Where imports come from

Moderate for coastal cement and steel plants: 33.8 million tonnes imported in 2023-24.

• UAE — About 81% of 33.8 million tonnes imported in 2023-24

Rules before you buy or sell

• Limestone is a major mineral and leases are auctioned under the MMDR Act, 1957; limestone burnt in kilns to make lime for building is a minor mineral under state rules.
• 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 by grade; keep away from clay and soil contamination.

Businesses that use it

Lime Kiln (Burnt Lime / Quicklime) →Mineral Grinding Unit →