Top Silver-Producing States in India: Where the Shine Comes From
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India ranks among the world's top consumers of silver, using it in jewellery, industry, coins, and religious rituals. While the demand is ever-growing, silver production within the country is still modest - placing India 11th globally with around 743.75 tonnes produced annually. But where does this silver come from? Let’s explore the states that fuel India’s silver output and the mines that make it possible.
1. Rajasthan: The Reigning Silver Giant
Rajasthan leads silver production in India , accounting for more than half of the national output. The state yields over 43 tonnes annually, thanks to its rich mineral reserves. Major mines like Sindesar Khurd and Zawar in the Udaipur district, operated by Hindustan Zinc Limited, are known for their dual abundance of silver and zinc.
2. Andhra Pradesh: Southern Silver Powerhouse
Andhra Pradesh ranks second, producing around 9.2 to 11.5 tonnes annually. The regions of Tummalapalle and Agnigundala are significant contributors, where silver is extracted as a by-product of copper and lead-zinc mining. These mineral-rich belts are vital for the state’s output.
3. Telangana: Emerging with Steady Gains
Telangana adds about 5-6 tonnes of silver each year. Mining zones like Khanapur and the Singareni region are key areas where silver is obtained alongside base metals. With increasing exploration, Telangana’s role in silver production is gradually expanding.
4. Haryana: A New Entrant in Refining
Though not known for traditional mining, Haryana produces around 4–5 tonnes annually through lead-zinc refining operations in Ambala and Hisar. The state is carving its place in the silver map via its mineral processing industries.
5. Jharkhand: Rich in Hidden Treasures
Jharkhand contributes approximately 3–4 tonnes of silver per year. Districts like Ranchi and Singhbhum, known for their uranium and copper mines, yield silver as a secondary product during metal processing.
6. Karnataka: Silver from Gold Mines
Producing 2–3 tonnes annually, Karnataka’s contribution comes mainly from the Hutti Gold Mines in Raichur. While primarily gold-rich, these mines also provide silver as a by-product, making the state a southern player in silver extraction.
7. Madhya Pradesh: Copper and Silver Hub
Madhya Pradesh generates around 2–3 tonnes of silver each year. The Malanjkhand copper mines in Balaghat district serve as the key source, where silver is recovered during the copper extraction process.
8. Gujarat: Small-Scale but Significant
Gujarat’s annual silver output ranges from 1 to 2 tonnes. Areas like Vadodara and Jamnagar support small-scale operations where silver is recovered during lead-zinc smelting and refining.
While India’s silver output may not match its consumption levels, its mining and refining infrastructure across various states ensures a steady domestic supply. Rajasthan clearly dominates, but states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka are also stepping up to meet the growing demand. With continued investment and exploration, India's silver story is bound to shine brighter.
1. Rajasthan: The Reigning Silver Giant
Rajasthan leads silver production in India , accounting for more than half of the national output. The state yields over 43 tonnes annually, thanks to its rich mineral reserves. Major mines like Sindesar Khurd and Zawar in the Udaipur district, operated by Hindustan Zinc Limited, are known for their dual abundance of silver and zinc. 2. Andhra Pradesh: Southern Silver Powerhouse
Andhra Pradesh ranks second, producing around 9.2 to 11.5 tonnes annually. The regions of Tummalapalle and Agnigundala are significant contributors, where silver is extracted as a by-product of copper and lead-zinc mining. These mineral-rich belts are vital for the state’s output.3. Telangana: Emerging with Steady Gains
Telangana adds about 5-6 tonnes of silver each year. Mining zones like Khanapur and the Singareni region are key areas where silver is obtained alongside base metals. With increasing exploration, Telangana’s role in silver production is gradually expanding. 4. Haryana: A New Entrant in Refining
Though not known for traditional mining, Haryana produces around 4–5 tonnes annually through lead-zinc refining operations in Ambala and Hisar. The state is carving its place in the silver map via its mineral processing industries.5. Jharkhand: Rich in Hidden Treasures
Jharkhand contributes approximately 3–4 tonnes of silver per year. Districts like Ranchi and Singhbhum, known for their uranium and copper mines, yield silver as a secondary product during metal processing. 6. Karnataka: Silver from Gold Mines
Producing 2–3 tonnes annually, Karnataka’s contribution comes mainly from the Hutti Gold Mines in Raichur. While primarily gold-rich, these mines also provide silver as a by-product, making the state a southern player in silver extraction. 7. Madhya Pradesh: Copper and Silver Hub
Madhya Pradesh generates around 2–3 tonnes of silver each year. The Malanjkhand copper mines in Balaghat district serve as the key source, where silver is recovered during the copper extraction process. 8. Gujarat: Small-Scale but Significant
Gujarat’s annual silver output ranges from 1 to 2 tonnes. Areas like Vadodara and Jamnagar support small-scale operations where silver is recovered during lead-zinc smelting and refining.While India’s silver output may not match its consumption levels, its mining and refining infrastructure across various states ensures a steady domestic supply. Rajasthan clearly dominates, but states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka are also stepping up to meet the growing demand. With continued investment and exploration, India's silver story is bound to shine brighter.
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