By Editor Limestone is one of the most essential minerals in India which is used in the making of cement, steel, chemicals, construction and agriculture field across the country. With the continuous increase in infrastructure development, the growth in housing and roads, and increase in demand of cement, Limestone become so vital in India’s ecosystem and economy.
With the increasing demand, production is also increasing, as the record-high limestone production was reported in FY 2023-24. The total national production of Limestone in India is about 450 million tonnes, which also makes it one of the top minerals by volume. Many states contribute to these massive numbers, where a handful of states have higher contributions based on geological advantages.
Learning about the top states, key districts that contribute the most, and essential figures helps policymakers. The same data is useful for industries and their business model. Let’s get started and take a look at the top 5 highest limestone-producing states in India.
1. Rajasthan – About 100 Million Tonnes
Rajasthan is the top contributor, which produces about 100 to 104 million tonnes annually with a share of almost 23% in total national output. This became possible through the highly contributing districts like Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Kota, Sirohi, Ajmer, and Alwar. These are the top contributor that mostly send their limestone to industries for the manufacturing of cement. Rajasthan’s limestone is known for its high quality, excellent mine infrastructure, large reserves, and dry climate, which favour mining. The major challenges for Rajasthan’s limestone industry are about regulatory approvals, environmental clearance, and transport in remote areas.
2. Madhya Pradesh – About 60 Million Tonnes
Madhya Pradesh is also known for producing high-quality limestone and good reserves. MP produces about 59 million tonnes to 62 million tonnes of limestone, which makes its contribution about 14% to national output. The key districts are Satna, Rewa, Damoh, Katni, Jabalpur, among others. Many of the limestone deposits in MP are of cement grade. MP has a favorable mix of geological availability, existing cement industry presence, and infrastructure. But challenges include ensuring a stable power supply in mining areas, improving haulage roads from mines to plants, and dealing with environmental issues.
3. Andhra Pradesh – About 58 Million Tonnes
Andhra Pradesh ranks third in limestone production, and it produces about 55 to 59 million tonnes of limestone annually. The total contribution to the national share is about 12-13% which becomes possible through a handful of districts having the highest contribution. The major mines are from the Rayalseema region, like Kadapa, Kurnool, Anantapur, Guntur, Krishna, etc. Some mines of Andhra Pradesh are known for having exceptional quality of limestone, which is further used for making cement. The major issue for the Andhra Pradesh limestone industry is with water supply, consistency of quality, and regulatory delays.
4. Chhattisgarh – About 52 Million Tonnes
Chhattisgarh also contributes to limestone production with its 50 to 54 million tonnes of output. It is around 11-12% of India’s total limestone output. The producing districts include Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Bastar, etc. The state has both big deposits and several cement factories using local limestone. Chhattisgarh captures the advantages of having raw material near industrial demand centres in central India. But it has to deal with forest clearances, access to remote mines, issues of haul roads, and sometimes delays due to land or tribal rights.
5. Karnataka – About 44 Million Tonnes
Karnataka contributes about 10-12% in total national limestone output with its 45 million tonnes of annual production in FY2023-24. The districts with major contributions are Gulbarga, Belgaum, Shimoga, Chitradurga, and Bijapur. The limestone of Karnataka is excellent in quality, and it is widely used for construction, decorative stones, and cement manufacturing. The limestone industry in this state benefits from good reserves, industrial demand, and established operations. The only concerning points are with forest land permissions, transport costs, and environmental compliance.
Bottom Line
From Rajasthan to Karnataka, these five states alone account for more than 70% of limestone produced in India. These states benefit from large reserves, established cement and steel industries in proximity, and necessary infrastructure. These states lead because of their geographical positioning and favourable climate.