ABSTRACT
India is a mineral producer and consumer of moderate importance, ranking about twentieth in the world in both instances. India maintains neutrality in international affairs and in economic activities as well. In terms of world output, India ranks about sixth in coal, iron ore, and manganese; first in mica; close to tenth in cement; and within the first twenty in steel. India’s mining started from the little-mechanized coal mines of the Bengal-Bihar belt. Private industry is losing ground in India’s mineral enterprise. In 1977 India’s coal industry was capable of producing 100 million tons of coal per year—three-fourths under ground and the rest on the surface. India may have a large population, but the trained work force suitable for mining and industry is relatively small. The Indian is a hard worker but faces many obstacles due to social traditions. India’s overall plan is to develop the coal industry so that it will increasingly help meet the country’s expanding energy needs.
