By Editor See, when we talk about minerals, there are actually a bunch of them that are literally found in abundance in India, and just so you know, we’re referring to minerals like coal, iron ore, mica, bauxite, manganese, and limestone. Sure, the entire subcontinent of India is somewhat mineral-rich and full of reserves that are already found or yet to be found, but some states are already up there in the production scene of these minerals. Today, we’re here specifically to talk about that like the Top 5 Highest Minerals Producing States in India 2026. Here we go then.
1. Odisha
See, it might be a little surprising or shocking for some of you to see Odisha’s name on top of this list because you must have been told that Jharkhand is the highest mineral-producing state, right? But, it is not just the production amount we’re talking about, we’re also referring to the actual worth of the minerals here as well, and if we go by that metric, not a single doubt in the fact that Odisha ranks highest with almost 50% of the value of mineral production in the entirety of India. How? Well, with great confidence, Odisha stood out as the leader of the pack, making a staggering mineral output to the tune of ₹63,500 crore, and to be precise, that is approximately 45% of the total value of mineral production right here in India.
Still, it is not merely a question of quantity. Without a single doubt, by generating over half of the country’s iron ore and almost three-quarters of its bauxite, Odisha is the main supplier of these two minerals in India. In addition, the state continues to be the only major one producing chromite in India. If that is not enough, a strong coal mining sector has been added to the equation, resulting in a state that currently cannot be challenged in the mineral market. Plain and simple!
2. Chhattisgarh
And then, you must have heard of it already that at the mighty number two position is Chhattisgarh, which is responsible for nearly ₹19,600 crores in mineral value. Though it has been pretty evident that Chhattisgarh is full of coal and iron ore, you might not have known that Chhattisgarh is the sole state in India that yields tin ore. So yes, in a way, and just because of that, it has a different kind of advantage altogether.
Talking specifically about the mines here, see, this very state, which has the coal-rich Korba and the iron-rich Bailadila regions, is a major supplier of thermal power plants and steel industries. So, the importance of every fiscal year’s mineral production from this state is highly valued in the country and that’s why it ranks 2nd today.
3. Rajasthan
Coming next, well, Rajasthan takes the third position, and it is certainly deserved. The value of its mineral production is more than ₹21,900 crore, but the thing that makes Rajasthan stand out is its twofold power, you know, like, the state is the top one in both industrial and precious minerals.
Just to give you a perspective on things and how things work out in the mining or mineral scene, see, India’s construction and fertilizer industries are mainly are huge in need of limestone, gypsum, and phosphorite. And where do you think those come from mainly? Yes, it is Rajasthan that keeps up with that demand.
4. Karnataka
Oh, well, if we talk about states in India that have been historically connected with gold, then it has to be Karnataka. And that praise is quite justified, like, more than 90% of the total gold produced in the entire country is from Karnataka, essentially because of the legendary Hutti Gold Mines, which are already super famous in the country.
At present, Karnataka, which is ranked fourth, is not only a pretty face with a mineral value of about ₹16,000 crore but also a significant supplier of major metal inputs as iron ore and manganese, that are used in the steel and heavy machinery industries.
5. Jharkhand
See, we get it, over and over, you must have heard that Jharkhand is known quite literally as the “land of minerals,” but the thing is, when you look at the total worth of these minerals being mined and produced in the country, it is not much compared to some of the top states listed here today. Like, apart from a recent mineral output of around ₹5,800 crore that may not look that impressive, the reason why Jharkhand stays among the top five states is the extensive list of the state’s contributions of strategic minerals.
Here, surely, coal is still the major highlight, but it is not the only one. Jharkhand is also a source of copper, uranium, mica, and bauxite, minerals that are essential for the whole of the power and electronics industries.
Conclusion
That’s about it. If it is mineral production or reserves that we’re talking about, then no doubt, these states always lead the chart/ranking because of the already found reserves and the proper production process, mines, and supply chain in place.