KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Indian Minerals
Yearbook 2014
(Part- III : Mineral Reviews)

53rd Edition

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS

AND SHALE

(ADVANCE RELEASE)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MINES
INDIAN BUREAU OF MINES

Indira Bhavan, Civil Lines,

NAGPUR – 440 001

PHONE/FAX NO. (0712) 2565471

PBX : (0712) 2562649, 2560544, 2560648
E-MAIL : cme@ibm.gov.in
Website: www.ibm.gov.in

December, 2015

29-1
 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE
29 Kaolin, Ball Clay, Other Clays and Shale
1. Kaolin (China Clay)
K aolin, also known as china clay, is a natural clay
formed by chemical weathering of aluminium
silicate minerals like felspars through a complex
sequence of events. It is relatively pure clay
predominantly consisting of kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4),
associated with other clay minerals like dickite,
halloysite, nacrite and anauxite. Kaolin is commercially
valued for its whiteness and fine particle size which
distinguish it from other clays, such as, ball clay and
fireclay. Other physical characteristics that influence
commercial utility include brightness, glossiness,
abrasiveness and viscosity. It often contains small
amounts of impurities in the form of rock fragments,
hydrous oxides and colloidal materials. Kaolin is
produced and consumed in the country in crude &
processed forms. The major use of crude china clay in
is in Cement Industry and of processed china clay is in
Ceramic Industry. The insitu clay deposits in India is
often soft and easily extracted with no blasting required.
RESOURCES
China clay resources in the country as per
UNFC system as on 1.4.2010 have been placed at
2,705.21 million tonnes. The reserves constitute only
about 7% of the resources at 177.16 million tonnes. Out
of the total reserves, 70% (about 124 million tonnes)
reserves are under proved category whereas 30% (about
53 million tonnes) reserves fall under probable category.
The resources are spread over in a number of
states of which Kerala holds about 25%, followed
by West Bengal and Rajasthan (16% each) and
Odisha and Karnataka (10% each).
Out of total resources, about 22% or
608 million tonnes fall under ceramic/pottery grade,
4% are classified under chemical, paper filler and
cement grades and about 73% or 1,980 million tonnes
resources fall under mixed grade, others, unclassified
& not-known categories. The details of reserves/
resources are given in Table - 1.
EXPLORATION & DEVELOPMENT
DMG, Kerala carried out exploration for kaolin
in the districts of Kannur and Kollam,Kerala state.
The details of exploration carried out during
2013-14 are furnished in Table-2.
29-2
PRODUCTION, STOCKS &
PRICES
The production of kaolin at 4,753 thousand tonnes
in 2013-14 increased by 12% as compared to previous
year.
There were 158 reporting mines during 2013-14 as
against 145 mines in the previous year. Besides, the
production of kaolin was also reported as an associ-
ated mineral by seven mines in the year 2013-14 and
ten mines in the previous year. Nine principal
producers accounted for about 66% of the total output
of kaolin in 2013-14. The private sector mines reported
almost the entire production of kaolin, nominal pro-
duction was reported by 5 public sector mines. The
contribution of natural and processed kaolin in 2013-
14 was 99% and 1%, respectively.
During 2013-14, thirty eight kaolin mines and
three associated mines each producing more than 25,000
tonnes annually accounted for 89% of the total pro-
duction of kaolin (natural) while 18 kaolin mines and
one associated mines each in the annual production
range of 10,000 to 25,000 tonnes accounted for
6 % and the remaining production of kaolin (natural)
was shared by ninety three kaolin mines and three
associated mines producing up to ten thousand tonnes
annually.
Contribution of four kaolin mines along with one
associated mines producing more than 5,000 tonnes of
kaolin (processed) was about 65% and remaining 35%
production of kaolin (processed) was shared by twelve
kaolin mines.
Gujarat was the leading producing state of kaolin
accounting for 65% of the total production in 2013-14
followed by Rajasthan (17%), Kerala (15%) and West
Bengal (2%). The remaining 1% was shared by Andhra
Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.
Mine-head stocks of kaolin at the end of 2013-14
were 1,067 thousand tonnes as against 900 thousand
tonnes in the beginning of the year.
The average daily employment of labour during
2013-14 was 2,431 as against 2,818 in the preceding
year.
Domestic prices of kaolin are furnished in the
General Review on Prices.
 Table –1 : Reserves/Resources of China Clay as on 1.4.2010
(By Grades/States)
(In '000 tonnes)

Reserves Remaining resources

Grade / State Total
Proved Probable Total Feasibility Pre-feasibility Measured Indicated Inferred Reconnaissance Total resources
STD111 (A) STD211 STD331 STD332 STD333 STD334 (B) (A+B)
STD121 STD122 STD221 STD222

All India : Total 124118 11034 42006 177158 24543 22980 71270 284781 412852 1651286 60338 2528050 2705208
By Grades
Chemical - - - - - 600 - - - 33945 - 34545 34545
Ceramic/Pottery 48028 2948 19564 70540 5957 10837 34695 100846 21283 337834 25788 537240 607780
Mixed Grade 7926 525 1330 9781 256 1784 2725 884 607 199355 18373 223984 233765
Filler 5793 181 2892 8866 2699 992 3671 11 665 30035 2804 40877 49743
Cement 14275 4324 2981 21580 1211 321 4637 730 1286 2565 409 11159 32739
Others 17796 1563 10234 29593 9464 6606 13651 180195 2758 41709 676 255059 284652
Unclassified 22924 506 1801 25231 3888 1161 3820 850 68338 30644 1289 109990 135221
Not-known 7376 987 3205 11568 1068 677 8071 1264 317915 975199 11000 1315194 1326762

By States
Andhra Pradesh 2524 339 2205 5068 683 1490 1147 126 691 61883 3088 69108 74176

29-3
Assam - - - - - 131 - 392 - 3520 - 4043 4043
Bihar - - - - - - - 104 39 1296 - 1439 1439
Chhattisgarh 834 - 344 1178 480 765 1076 - - 11512 - 13833 15011
Delhi - - - - - - - 857 630 3802 - 5289 5289
Goa - - - - - - 16 - - - - 16 16
Gujarat 34290 240 6232 40762 4654 856 24135 - 878 40904 - 71427 112189
Haryana - - - - 2367 789 3377 13 34 5485 - 12065 12065
Jammu & Kashmir - - - - - - - - - 28122 - 28122 28122
Jharkhand 8554 325 8731 17610 209 2031 1565 1936 7363 149957 18019 181080 198690
Karnataka 943 835 280 2058 819 738 3390 220360 443 24685 6030 256465 258523
KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Kerala 3352 792 - 4144 2447 463 2985 43930 20439 569226 20200 659690 663834
Madhya Pradesh - - - - 942 - 61 - 415 11741 - 13159 13159
Maharashtra - - - - 418 256 856 11 184 5523 - 7248 7248
Manipur - - - - - - - 2520 - - - 2520 2520
Meghalaya - - - - - - - 1410 6266 76032 5167 88875 88875
Odisha 2376 715 811 3902 - 1252 2476 223 35393 236421 1259 277024 280926
Puduchery - - - - - - - - - 2940 - 2940 2940
Rajasthan 70012 7603 22497 100112 11524 14008 29483 1260 4067 271314 749 332405 432517
Tamil Nadu - - - - - - - - 327 56570 - 56897 56897
Uttar Pradesh - - - - - - - 11600 3447 10018 - 25065 25065
West Bengal 1232 185 906 2323 - 202 703 38 332236 80335 5826 419340 421663

Figures rounded off.

 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table – 2 : Details of Exploration Activities for Kaolin and other Clays, 2013-14

Agency/ Location Mapping Drilling

State/ Area/ Sampling Remarks
District Block Scale Area No. of Meterage (No.) Reserves/Resources estimated
(sq km) boreholes

DMG
China Clay
Kerala
Kannur Ulloor - - 16 376 - Objective of exploration was investigation
Taluk: Taliparamba for china clay by core drilling. The
average thickness of variegated clay was
found out to be about 11 m. The clay
thickness varies from 6.5 m to 15 m.
Tentative resources were estimated at 13
millon tonnes.

Vaipiriyam - - 02 45 - China clay occurs as sedimentary as well

Taluk: Taliparamba as residual deposits. The average thickness
of overburden was 0.5 m followed by
lateritic clay, greyish yellowish, yellowish
white variegated clay. The estimation of
resources will be made after completion
of drilling & chemical analysis.

Koram - - 05 167.5 - China clay occurs as a sedimentary as well

Taluk: Taliparamba as residual deposits. Resources will be
computed after completion of the
investigtion and receipt of chemical
analysis report. The average thickness of
clay is about 12 m.

Eramom - - 11 223.5 - Objective of exploration was to assess

Taluk: Taliparamba the china clay potential for the
development of mineral-based
industries.The average thickness of china
clay/variegated clay is about 7 m.
Estimation of resources will be computed
after receipt of chemical analysis report.

Kollam Kanjoracode area - - 11 223.5 - Objective of exploration was to assess

Taluk: Kollam the china clay potential of the area for
the expansion of mines. Area is partly
covered with laterite which are underlain
by sedimentary formation of cross bedded
ferruginous sandstone variegated clay to
sandy clay, pinkish clayey sand, pale white
clay, dull white clay, yellowish white sandy
clay, black carbonaceous clay. The residual
clay varies in colour from dull white to
yellow and occasionally with pink garnet
specks of parent crystalline charnockite/
leptynite. A tentative resource of 0.73
million tonnes of dull white to slightly
greyish sandy clay were estimted.

29-4
 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table – 3 : Principal Producers of Kaolin, 2013-14 (Table - 3 Concld.)

Location of mine
Name & address of producer Location of mine
State District Name & address of producer
State District
Vinod P. Solanki, Gujarat Kachchh
Main Bazar, Junavas, Manoj P. Solanki, Gujarat Kachchh
P.O. Madhapar, Near Thakar Mandir, Junavas,
Taluka Bhuj-370 427, Madhapar -370 020,
Distt. Kachchh Distt. Kachchh, Gujarat.
Gujarat.

EICL Limited, Kerala Thiruvanantha-

TC -79/4, Veli, puram Shree Ram Minechem International, Gujarat Kachchh
Thiruvananthapuram-695 021, G.I.D.C Area, Madhapar,
Kerala.
Bhuj- 370 020,
Distt. Kachchh,
Satish Valji Chhanga,& Gujarat Kachchh Gujarat.
Harilal Hira Jatiya,
Village-Mamuara,
Taluka Bhuj - 370 020 Mohd. Sher Khan, Rajasthan Chittorgarh
Distt. Kachchh, Gujarat. Khwaja Bagh,
P.O - Sawa,
Distt. Chittorgarh-312 613,
H.D. Enterprises Pvt. Ltd, Gujarat Kachchh
Rajasthan.
101, Pooja Complex 'A',
Above ICICI Bank Ltd.,
P.O. Bhuj - 370 001, Laherchand Gangaram Thakkar, Gujarat Kachchh
Distt. Kachchh,
D.B.Z.S.-157
Gujarat.
Zanda Chowk,
Gopal Savabhai Dangar, Gujarat Kachchh Gandhidham-370 201,
Near Ramdevpir Temple, Distt. Kachchh,
Nadapa,
Distt. Kachchh- 370 020 Gujarat.
Gujarat
(Contd.)

Table – 4 : Production of Kaolin (Total) 2011-12 to 2013-14

(By States)
(Qty in tonnes; Value in `'000)

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 (P)

State
Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value

India 3076795 652368 4258697 1157392 4752643 1159135

Andhra Pradesh 75115 11775 53057 8945 51957 9381
Gujarat 1517504 278365 2656099 496079 3080729 578880
Jharkhand 122412 61210 66235 31363 600 119
Karnataka 3214 8678 2836 7657 2540 7112
Kerala 747307 149883 708257 187628 712291 161427
Madhya Pradesh 6950 621 11790 1114 8200 492
Rajasthan 512145 104587 662362 355559 806189 344070
West Bengal 92148 37249 98061 69047 90137 57654

29-5
 Table – 5 : Production of Kaolin, 2012-13 and 2013-14 (P)
(By Sectors/States/Districts/Grades)
(Qty. in tonnes; Value in `’000)

2012-13 2013-14(P)

State/District No. of Natural Processed Total No. of Natural Processed Total

mines mines
Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value

India 145(10) 4157343 857871 101354 299521 4258697 1157392 158(7) 4686045 967571 66598 191564 4752643 1159135

Public sector 5 4594 689 8539 38037 13133 38726 5 499 75 7333 33415 7832 33490

Private sector 140(10) 4152749 857182 92815 261484 4245564 1118666 153(7) 4685546 967496 59265 158149 4744811 1125645

Andhra Pradesh 11 53057 8945 - - 53057 8945 9 51957 9381 - - 51957 9381

Adilabad - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - -

Cuddapah 2 44380 7294 - - 44380 7294 2 42830 7296 - - 42830 7296

East Godavari 8 8677 1651 - - 8677 1651 5 9127 2085 - - 9127 2085

29-6
West Godavari 1 - - - - - - 1 - - - - - -

Gujarat 54(3) 2620898 443857 35201 52222 2656099 496079 57(3) 3051603 540312 29126 38568 3080729 578880

Kachchh 40(3) 2540230 425428 - - 2540230 425428 43(3) 2948319 516597 - - 2948319 516597

Mahesana 4 31488 7242 16629 24097 48117 31339 4 14207 3457 12108 17232 26315 20689

Patan 5 30190 6819 - - 30190 6819 5 79290 17993 - - 79290 17993

Sabarkantha 5 18990 4368 18572 28125 37562 32493 5 9787 2265 17018 21336 26805 23601
KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Jharkhand 6(1) 53121 5148 13114 26215 66235 31363 2 600 119 - - 600 119

Sahebganj 3(1) 52621 4598 12879 25648 65500 30246 2 600 119 - - 600 119

Singhbhum (West) 3 500 550 235 567 735 1117 - - - - - - -

(Contd.)
 Table - 5 : (Concld.)
2012-13 2013-14(P)

State/District No. of Natural Processed Total No. of Natural Processed Total

mines mines
Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value

Karnataka 1 - - 2836 7657 2836 7657 1 - - 2540 7112 2540 7112

Hassan 1 - - 2836 7657 2836 7657 1 - - 2540 7112 2540 7112
Kerala 21(1) 702554 157249 5703 30379 708257 187628 20(1) 707498 135124 4793 26303 712291 161427
Kannur 2 - - 4200 23801 4200 23801 2 - - 3500 20669 3500 20669
Kasaragod 1 - - 1503 6578 1503 6578 1 - - 1293 5634 1293 5634
Kollam 1 4594 689 - - 4594 689 1 499 75 - - 499 75
Thiruvanantha-
puram 17(1) 697960 156560 - - 697960 156560 16(1) 706999 135049 - - 706999 135049

Madhya Pradesh 3(2) 11790 1114 - - 11790 1114 2 8200 492 - - 8200 492
Katni 2(2) 11790 1114 - - 11790 1114 1 8200 492 - - 8200 492
Satna# 1 - - - - - - 1 - - - - - -
Rajasthan 37(3) 623463 184637 38899 170922 662362 355559 59(2) 780754 232896 25435 111174 806189 344070
Bhilwara 8(1) 190168 42172 - - 190168 42172 9 217846 56093 - - 217846 56093
Bikaner (1) 46209 15295 - - 46209 15295 (1) 19375 9853 - - 19375 9853

29-7
Bundi 1 3515 541 - - 3515 541 2 9500 2514 - - 9500 2514
Chittorgarh 9 283719 100110 - - 283719 100110 8 222611 78578 - - 222611 78578
Jaipur 1 - - 38899 170922 38899 170922 2 - - 23698 106778 23698 106778
Karauli 1 2847 476 - - 2847 476 1 - - - - - -
Nagaur 14(1) 87258 23351 - - 87258 23351 29(1) 265606 72994 1737 4396 267343 77390
Pali 2 8337 2438 - - 8337 2438 6 43766 12448 - - 43766 12448
Udaipur 1 1410 254 - - 1410 254 2 2050 416 - - 2050 416

West Bengal 13 92460 56921 5601 12126 98061 69047 8(1) 85433 49247 4704 8407 90137 57654
KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Bankura 3 8141 1529 - - 8141 1529 2(1) 3100 481 - - 3100 481
Birbhum 10 84319 55392 5601 12126 89920 67518 6 82333 48766 4704 8407 87037 57173

Figures in parentheses indicate the number of associated mines. (p) : provisional

# Mines reporting production of associated minerals or labours only.
 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table – 6: Production of Kaolin (Natural), 2012-13 and 2013-14 (P)

(By Frequency Groups)
(Qty in tonnes)

No. of Production for Percentage in total Cumulative

Production Group mines the Group production percentage

2012-13 2013-14(P) 2012-13 2013-14(P) 2012-13 2013-14(P) 2012-13 2013-14(P)

All Groups 143(9) 149(7) 4157343 4686045 100.00 100.00 - -

Up to 500 48(3) 42 1980 2645 0.05 0.06 0.05 0.06
501-1000 5(2) 7(1) 5712 6047 0.14 0.13 0.19 0.19
1001-2000 14(1) 6(1) 24650 12260 0.59 0.26 0.78 0.45
2001-3000 7 14 17724 34572 0.43 0.74 1.21 1.19
3001-4000 6 5(1) 19633 20313 0.47 0.43 1.68 1.62
4001-5000 5 4 22589 16665 0.54 0.36 2.22 1.98
5001-10000 8 15 56879 109983 1.37 2.35 3.59 4.33
10001-25000 15 18(1) 233607 302889 5.62 6.46 9.21 10.78
25001 & Above 35(3) 38(3) 3774569 4180671 90.79 89.22 100.00 100.00

Figures in parentheses indicate the number of associated mines.

Table – 7: Production of Kaolin (Processed), 2012-13 and 2013-14(P)

(By Frequency Groups)
(Qty in tonnes)

No. of Production for Percentage in total Cumulative

Production Group mines the Group production percentage

2012-13 2013-14(P) 2012-13 2013-14(P) 2012-13 2013-14(P) 2012-13 2013-14(P)

All Groups 19(1) 16 101354 66598 100.00 100.00 - -

Up to 500 4 1 647 220 0.64 0.33 0.64 0.33

501-1000 - 1 - 960 - 1.44 0.64 1.77

1001-2000 4 5 6125 7564 6.04 11.36 6.68 13.13

2001-3000 5 4 13068 10209 12.89 15.33 19.57 28.46

3001-4000 1 - 3805 - 3.75 - 23.32 28.46

4001-5000 1 1 4504 4099 4.45 6.16 27.77 34.62

5001-10000 3 3 24054 19848 23.73 29.80 51.50 64.42

10001 & Above 1(1) 1 49151 23698 48.50 35.58 100.00 100.00
( ) : Figures in parentheses indicates no. of associated mines

29-8
 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE
Table – 8 : Mine-head Stocks of Kaolin (Total), 2013-14 (P)
(By States)
State At the beginning of the year
India 900058
Andhra Pradesh 15242
Gujarat 313762
Jharkhand 18762
Karnataka 13175
Kerala 36573
Madhya Pradesh 5126
Odisha 12915
Rajasthan 460253
West Bengal 24250
MINING, PROCESSING &
MARKETING
China clay deposits worked in India are mostly of
pocket-type. Opencast manual mining is followed in
most kaolin mines. The most common practice is to dig
trial pits for locating clay pockets or beds which are
gradually enlarged into pits of various dimensions.
China clay is often soft and easily extracted with no
blasting required. Clay and overburden are quarried in
benches. In few mines, bulldozers and excavators are
used to remove the overburden which is then
transported through trucks/tractors/trailers.
Crude china clay is normally processed. Almost,
all the china clay user industries except cement,
insecticide and refractory units consume processed
china clay. The natural china clay is processed in the
country mostly by conventional method of levigation/
washing. In addition, hi-tech processes, such as,
Mozeley hydrocyclone separator, high-intensity
magnetic separator, bleaching (chemical
decolourisation), spray drying and calcination are in
practice. There is a need to use more sophisticated
processing techniques like ultra froth-flotation, cryo-
filter, etc.
The recovery percentage of processed china clay
from raw china clay ranges from as low as 14% to as
high as 56%, depending upon the quality of china clay
available in different states. Large number of levigation
plants are installed in the country mostly in Kerala,
Gujarat, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Rajasthan. Kerala
has become a hub for India's processed kaolin
production. The important plants in the country are
English Indian Clays Ltd (EICL) (240,000 tpy capacity),
Veli, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; Kerala Clays and
Ceramic Products Ltd, (10,000 tpy capacity) Payangadi,
29-9
(In tonnes)
At the end of the year
1067264
20105
287871
23702
13270
32137
3904
23792
641223
21260
Kannur district, Kerala; 20 Microns Ltd, Mamuara, Bhuj
district Kachchh, Gujarat (80,500 tpy capacity; a new
plant of 33,600 tpy is also installed); Amrapali China
Clay Washing Plant, Nadapa, Bhuj, district Kachchh,
Gujarat; Mokdumnagar China Clay Processing Plant
of West Bengal Projects Ltd, Mohammad Bazar,
Birbhum district, West Bengal and Hindalco's
Beneficiation Plant at Bagru Plateau in Lohardaga
district, Jharkhand. EICL has capacity to produce
240,000 tpy paper coating and filler grades of processed
china clay (hydrous), besides 60,000 tpy of calcined
clays. Popular Minerals are reported to be developing
its mine and plant in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. Ashapura
is also establishing new production unit in
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala with a 180,000 tpa kaolin
capacity of various grades - air floated, lumps, hydrous
and hydrous calcined kaolin reserves with 96%
kaolinite content. It also has china clay processing plant
at Bhujodi,taluka & district Bhuj, Gujarat.The new
facility is the company's second facility after the one
operational in Kerala, and make Ashapura one of the
largest producer of kaolin in Asia. Ashapura has
already acquired new mines having reserves of about
2.5 to 3.0 million tonnes in Kerala to meet high demand
for kaolin. Satish Minerals is also leading manufacturer
and processor of china clay with 18,000 tpy capacity
plant at Kachchh,Gujarat.Uma group of kaolin
located in district, Gujarat engaged in mining,
processing & trading of china clay. It possess
mining area in Dagara & Mamuara. Koat
manufacturing company is engaged in processing
of hydrous kaolin, calcined kaolin & metakaolin,
having plant of capacity 1000 mtpm at Kachchh,
Gujarat. Hydrous Kaolin, Vadodara manufacturers
Levigated/Water Washed/Deaminated/spray dried
kaolin products available from 75% to 84%(ISO)
brightness. Particle size 2 Micron-49% to 93%
 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE
(packing options available - 25 kg/50 kg/500 kg
jumbo bags). China clay powder manufacturers:
Shree Umia Sales Corpn. in GIDC Ahmedabad are
exporters, suppliers Indian china clay powder, ball
clay.
Processed kaolin is presently marketed
under various trade names mostly in levigated
and spray dried forms. A small quantity of
crude kaolin is also marketed. The various trade names
under which the levigated kaolin is marketed are
Highest brightness calcined clays for coated paper,
excellent partial replacement for TiO 2 . Zeta-
balanced kaolin, highest brigntness calcined clays
for architectural decorative and industrial
coatings/inks. High brightness finer hydrous clays
for all kinds of acqueous paints, excellent
functional clays for all paints formulations.
Calcined lumps for refractory grade materials non-
calcined lumps for refractories. Highly reactive
pozzolan, Meta kaolin for RMC and cement
application; kaolin for Agrochemicals, Rubber &
Plastics, soaps & detergents, Fibre glass &
ceramics. Improved processing techniques could
increase further the prospects of Indian kaolin in
the international markets.
USES AND SPECIFICATIONS
China clay (kaolin) is used in a number
of industries in both crude and processed forms.
The major use for crude china clay in India is
in the Cement Industry, whereas Ceramic Industry
accounts for consumption of a major share of
processed form of china clay. Besides ceramics,
processed china clay finds use in other industries
in the country, such as sealants, paper coatings,
as extender in fibre glass, paint and as a filler for
paper, rubber, plastic, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals
and textiles. Crude china clay also finds use in
Insecticide and Refractory Industries. Other
uses of china clay are in ink, ultramarine, synthetic
zeolite, catalyst, water filter candles, soaps &
detergents and explosives & pyrotechnic
industries. Some of the areas where use of
china clay is gaining importance are in the
manufacture of plastic film, video and audio tapes
where clays are used as anti-blocking agents, and
in the field of biotechnology, where ceramics are
widely in use for its light weight & high strength
properties. EICL has been producing Metakaolin
for the concrete industry for over a decade and
now exporting regularly to the UAE, Kuwait and
Germany for the durability of concrete by lime
fixation and arresting of deterioration of concrete
by weathering. Himacem has high chemical
29-10
resistance which makes the product suitable for
construction of high span bridges, under-water
structures and chemical plants.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
has prescribed specifications for china clay to be
used in different industries. They are IS:505-1995
(Third Revision, Reaffirmed 2011) for paper
coating and filler for paper, rubber, textile
industries, IS:1463-1983 (Third Revision,
Reaffirmed 2000) for cosmetics and IS:7589-1974
(Reaffirmed 2011) for Explosive & Pyrotechnic
Industry. BIS has revised the specifications for
china clay for Ceramic Industry to IS:2840-2002
(Second Revision, Reaffirmed 2008) and for
paint industry to IS:68-2006. The whiteness,
particle size, plasticity, contents of alumina, iron
and titanium are some important factors which
control the specifications of china clay for
different end-uses. China clay for ceramic and
refractory applications is analysed for grit,
brightness, green and dry strength, fixed colour,
iron and alumina contents. For filler and extender
applications, it must meet very rigid
specifications, such as, particle size, colour,
b r i g h t n e s s a n d v i s c o s i t y ( Ta b l e - 9 ) . T h e
replacement of kaolin as a filler with precipitated
calcium carbonate (PCC) and ground calcium
carbonate (GCC), results in lowering consumption
of kaolin in paper industry.Now they are using
GCC due to a switch over by paper makers from
an acid-based processing route to an alkali-based
route for production.
CONSUMPTION
The main consuming industry for raw
china clay is the china clay processing/refining
plants. The china clay processed by these
plants in turn is consumed by various industries
except cement, refractory and pesticide
industries. The data on raw china clay
consumption by various china clay processing
plants are not readily available. However, the
consumption of china clay by various industries
is given in Table-10.
Consumption of china clay decreased slightly
to 1,432 thousand tonnes in 2013-14, from
1,455 thousand tonnes in 2012-13. Cement
Industry accounted for 47% consumption
followed by ceramic (39%), the major consumer of
raw china clay. Pesticide, paint, refractory, paper,
cosmetic, rubber, abrasive, asbestos products,
chemical, dry cell batteries, textile, electrical,
electrode and glass industries together accounted
for the remaining 14%.
 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE
Table – 9 : Specifications of China Clay Required in Different Industries
Filler in
Paper paper,
Sl. Characteristics coating rubber, Cosmetics Explosives
No. Grade I textile
Grade II

1. Bureau of Indian Standard Specification No. 505 505 1463 7589

(1995) (1995) (1983) (1974)
2. Fineness (by weight % material retained on:)
45 microns sieve – – 2.0 –
53 microns sieve 0.8 1.0 – –
63 microns sieve – – – 1.0
90 microns sieve – – 0.1 –
3. Larger than 10 microns in diameter (% by mass, max) 5.0 15.0 – –
4. Smaller than 10 microns in diameter (% by mass, min) 75.0 60.0 – –
5. Grit (% by mass, max) – – – 0.001
6. Loss on Drying (% max) 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5
7. Loss on Ignition (% max) 14-15.5 14-15.5 15 14.0
8. Water Plasticity (%) 14.0 – – –
9. Shrinkage linear
a) Dry shrinking – – – –
b) Fired shrinking – – – –
10. Relative/Bulk density 2.5-2.9 2.5-2.9 * 0.65-0.90(BD)
11. Colour reflectance to blue light (%) 80-85 * – –
12. Chemical (% by mass, max) – – @ –
Fe2O3 0.6 0.75 0.5 –
Matter soluble in HCl 0.5-1 1.5-2.5 2.0 1.5
CuO – 0.007 – –
MnO – 0.013 – –
Heavy metals (as Pb) – – 5 ppm –
As2O3 – 10 ppm 2 ppm –
pH value of aqueous extract 4.5-7.5 4.5-7.5 7.5 6.0-7.5
13. Oil absorption (ml/100 g) – 50 (min) – 35-45
14. Water soluble matter (%, max) – 0.5 – 0.5

* As agreed.
@ To pass test for iron and carbonate as well.

Table -10: Consumption of Kaolin (China clay)*, 2011-12 to 2013-14(P)

(By Industries)
(In tonnes)

Industry 2011-12 2012-13(R) 2013-14(P)

All Industries 1425100 1454800 1432700

Cement 665300(8) 695200(9) 672300(9)
Ceramic 559900(237)(e) 561500(237)(e) 561500(237)(e)
Cosmetic 2300(6) 2300(6) 2300(6)
Glass 700(3) 700(3) 700(3)
Paint 111300(26) 111100(26) 111100(26)
Paper 21700(23) 21700(23) 21700(23)
Pesticide 24800(21) 24800(21) 24800(21)
Refractory 34700(30) 32800(31) 33600(31)
Rubber 2400(31) 2400(31) 2400(31)
Others 2000(40) 2300(42) 2300(43)
(abrasives, asbestos-products, chemical, dry cell
battery, electrical, electrode and textile).

Figures rounded off.

Figures in parentheses denote the number of units in organised sector reporting consumption.
* Includes reported consumption and/or estimates wherever required.

29-11
 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

TRADE POLICY Bulgaria

As per the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) Quarzwerke GmbH, with kaolin operations in
2009-2014, there are no restrictions on exports and Germany, Poland, and Ukraine, acquired Kaolin AD,
imports of china clay (kaolin). with kaolin operations in Bulgaria.

WORLD REVIEW USA

The world production of kaolin remain steady at
26.4 million tonnes in 2013 as compared to the previous Imerys, a leading U.S. kaolin producer,
year. Seven countries, namely, USA, Germany, China, purchased PyraMax Ceramics, LLC, which completed
Brazil, Iran,Turkey and UK accounted for about 74% construction of a 225,000-metric tonne per year ceramic
world production. The share of USA in total world proppants plant in Wrens, GA. The $235 million
production was about 23%, followed by Germany purchase included kaolin reserves needed to produce
(16%), China (12%), Brazil (8%), Iran (6%), Turkey (5%)
the proppants. Ceramic proppants are used to enhance
and UK (4%) (Table-11).
nonconventional gas and oil extraction.
Table – 11 : World Production of Kaolin
(By Principal Countries)
(In '000 tonnes) FOREIGN TRADE
Country 2011 2012 2013 Exports
World : Total 27500 26400 26400
Exports of kaolin increased substantially to 276,165
(e) tonnes in 2013-14 from 191,953 tonnes in 2012-13. UAE
Belgium 300 300 300
(75%) and Bangladesh (11%) were the major importing
Brazil 2200 1800 2100
countries in 2013-14 (Table - 12).
e
China 3200 3200 3200 (e)
Czech Republic 660 624 609 Imports
(e) (e)
Egypt 304 300 300 Imports of kaolin decreased marginally to 80,204
France 310 308 300 (e)
tonnes in 2013-14 from 87,867 tonnes in 2012-13. Major
Germany 4899 4399 4349 suppliers were USA (55%), China (14%), Ukraine (11%)
Iran 1500 (e)
1503 1500 (e)
and France (6%) (Table - 13).
Korea, Rep. of 1052 797 847
Table – 12 : Exports of Kaolin
Malaysia 443 439 293
(By Countries)
Mexico 373 515 670
Portugal 322 322 246
2012-13 2013-14
Spain 384 402 393 Country
(e) (e) Qty Value Qty Value
Turkey 1229 1300 1300 (t) (`'000) (t) (`'000)
(e) (e) (e)
UK 1290 1150 1110
All Countries 191953 736848 276165 1053487
USA 5950 5980 5950
(e) UAE 135125 172294 205898 313147
Vietnam 650 650 650
Bangladesh 24254 107418 29010 134187
Other countries 2434 2411 2283
Germany 4549 63901 4753 78775
Source : World Mineral Production, 2009-2013. Iran 4817 48818 6349 68271

United Kingdom Egypt 1265 30252 1938 51468

Sri Lanka 1315 18687 1896 31877
Imerys, the world’s leading kaolin producer, completed Indonesia 810 17065 1244 27220
the purchase of the kaolin operations of Goonvean Ltd.
Malaysia 1311 24342 1356 26409
in Cornwall. Goonvean sold kaolin primarily for ceramics
and performance minerals markets. The sale was Sweden 228 3846 1506 23694
approved by British authorities contingent upon price UK 498 11885 1446 23426
controls for certain kaolin products sold in the United Other countries 17781 238340 20769 275013
Kingdom.

29-12
 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table – 13 : Imports of Kaolin shrinkage. It is utilised generally after mixing

(By Countries) with non-plastic clay to impart the desired
plasticity in pottery, porcelain and refractory
2012-13 2013-14 materials. It also helps in the preparation of glaze,
Country
Qty Value Qty Value enamels and for imparting a dense vitrified body.
(t) (`'000) (t) (`'000)

All Countries 87867 1095336 80204 1420872

RESOURCES
Deposits of ball clays are relatively scarce
USA 37248 653735 44271 878669 due to the combination of geological factors
China 12391 128700 10955 158652 needed for their formation.The total resources of
ball clay as on 1.4.2010 in the country are placed
France 4611 80307 4740 91538
at 83.39 million tonnes. Out of these resources,
Ukraine 1969 18162 8863 91287 the reserves are about 16.78 million tonnes and
Bulgaria 2594 41546 3123 64582 the remaining resources are 66.61 million tonnes.
More than 62% resources are in Andhra Pradesh,
UK 1373 20720 2093 38112
followed by Rajasthan with 38%. Resources in
Germany 977 14093 1058 18785 Gujarat are nominal. Out of the total resources,
New Zealand 630 20707 399 15289 ceramic/pottery grade constitutes 89%. All India
reserves/resources of ball clay are given in
Iran 1873 10304 1918 12142
Table-14.
Brazil 130 892 1040 9870

Other countries 24071 106170 1744 41946 PRODUCTION, STOCKS &

FUTURE OUTLOOK
India has abundant resources of kaolin which
can easily meet both the internal and the external
demands. The processing of kaolin in the country
is done mostly by conventional methods like
levigation and washing. New capacities for High-
tech processing have to be established and
existing capacities in the country have to be
augmented to meet the demand of processed
kaolin in the future.
In the Indian kaolin market, good growth is
expected both for hydrous and calcined clay
particularly in paint, cables, plastics, rubber and
ceramics. The apparent demand of china clay is
estimated at 4.61 million tonnes by 2016-17 and
that of ball clay at 1.82 million tonnes by 2016-17
at 9% growth rate by the Planning Commission of
India.
2. Ball Clay
Ball clay commonly consists of 20-80%
kaolinite, 10-25% mica & 6-65% quartz. Ball clay
and china clay differ only in the degree of
plasticity. China clay is less plastic than ball clay.
Ball clay is a highly plastic variety of kaolin having
h i g h b i n d i n g p o w e r, t e n s i l e s t r e n g t h a n d
PRICES
The production of ball clay at 1,874 thousand
tonnes in 2013-14 increased by 7% as compared to that
in the previous year.
During the year under review, there were 49
reporting mines as against 48 in 2012-13. Besides,
production of ball clay was reported as an associated
mineral by eleven mines during 2013-14. Eight principal
producers accounted for about 71% of total produc-
tion. The share of public sector mines in the total
production was nominal as compared to about 1% in
the preceding year.
Rajasthan continued to be the leading state in
ball clay production accounting for 92% of the total
production followed by Andhra Pradesh with 7%. The
remaining one percent production was from Gujarat and
Tamil Nadu.
Mine-head stocks of ball clay at the end of the
year 2013-14 was 1,111 thousand tonnes as against
1,046 thousand tonnes in the beginning of the year.
The average daily employment of labour in
2013-14 was 594 as against 527 in the previous year.
Domestic prices of ballclay are furnished in the
General Review on 'Prices'.

29-13
 Table – 14 : Reserves/Resources of Ball Clay as on 1.4.2010
(By Grades/States)
(In tonnes)

Reserves Remaining resources

Total
Grade/State Proved Probable Total Feasibilty Pre-feasibility Measured Indicated Inferred Total resources
STD111 (A) STD211 STD331 STD332 STD333 (B) (A+B)
STD121 STD122 STD221 STD222

All India : Total 12292820 350832 4134190 16777842 6122450 3906958 12387575 268486 2279330 41650863 66615662 83393504

By Grades

Ceramic/Pottery 12252380 350832 4059390 16662602 3225279 3818040 11158607 268486 2279330 36989941 57739683 74402285

29-14
Others 40440 - 74800 115240 - 46134 67320 - - 107800 221254 336494

Unclassified - - - - 2897171 42784 1161648 - - 4553122 8654725 8654725

By States

Andhra Pradesh 6017412 - 1288720 7306132 1821233 2806267 9512513 - 2279330 27555824 43975167 51281299
KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Gujarat - - - - - - - 249810 - 49670 299480 299480

Rajasthan 6275408 350832 2845470 9471710 4301217 1100691 2875062 18676 - 14045369 22341015 31812725

Figures rounded off.

 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table – 15 : Principal Producers of Ball Clay, (Table - 15 Concld.)

2013-14 Location of mine
Name & address of producer
Location of mine
Name & address of producer State District
State District
Sunder Lal Daga, Rajasthan Bikaner
Shanta Sales Corporation, Rajasthan Bikaner Bagree Mohalla,
House of Mohanlal Mathur, Bikaner - 334 001.
Behind Rajasthan Pan Bhandar, Distt. Bikaner, Rajasthan
Rani Bazar, Bikaner-334 001,
Rajasthan.
Narendra Kumar Devra, Rajasthan Bikaner
Jaichand Lal Daga, Rajasthan Bikaner C/o Harish Clays, Harasar House,
1st Floor, Labhuji Ka Katla, Near M.N. Hospital,
Kotegate, Bikaner - 334 001, Bikaner - 334 001, Rajasthan
Rajasthan.
Anirudh Mines & Minerals, Rajasthan Bikaner
Harish Clays, Rajasthan Bikaner
Harasar House, P.B.No. 57, Near Ramdeo Park,
Near M. N. Hospital, Outside Nathusar Gate,
Bikaner-334 001, Rajasthan Bikaner – 334 004, Rajasthan

Tahlaram & Sons, Rajasthan Bikaner Sampat Lal Daga, Rajasthan Bikaner
Ramnath Sadan,
Labhu Ji ka Katla 1st Floor,
Rathkhana Colony,
Bikaner 334 001, Rajasthan
Bikaner-334 001, Rajasthan
(Contd.)
.
Table – 16 : Production of Ball clay, 2011-12 to 2013-14 (P)
(By States)
(Qty in tonnes; Value in `'000)

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 (P)

State
Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value

India 1646516 693714 1750559 780732 1874049 902647

Andhra Pradesh 276799 88705 184345 99828 138702 71471
Gujarat 13527 1488 10900 1853 8600 1462
Rajasthan 1351705 598843 1541981 665585 1722103 826463
Tamil Nadu 4485 4678 13333 13466 4644 3251

Table – 17 : Production of Ball clay, 2012-13 and 2013-14 (P)

(By Sectors/States/Districts)
(Qty in tonnes; Value in `’000)

2012-13 2013-14 (P)

State/District
No. of Quantity Value No. of Quantity Value
mines mines

India 48(11) 1750559 780732 49(11) 1874049 902647

Public Sector 2 14293 13529 1 4644 3251
Private Sector 46(11) 1736266 767203 48(11) 1869405 899396
Andhra Pradesh 13(1) 184345 99828 13(1) 138702 71471
Chittor 1 715 127 1 360 199
West Godavari 12(1) 183630 99701 12(1) 138342 71272
Gujarat 2 10900 1853 2 8600 1462
Kachchh 1 350 60 1 200 34
Patan 1 10550 1793 1 8400 1428
Rajasthan 32(10) 1541981 665585 33(10) 1722103 826463
Bikaner 31(10) 1533935 664217 32(10) 1717778 824478
Pali 1 8046 1368 1 4325 1985
Tamil Nadu 1 13333 13466 1 4644 3251
Cuddalore 1 13333 13466 1 4644 3251
Figures in parentheses indicate associated mines of ball clay, clay (others), fireclay & kaolin.

29-15
 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table – 18 : Mine-head Stocks of Ball Clay Table – 19 : Consumption* of Ball clay

2013-14 (P) 2011-12 to 2013-14(P)
(By States) (By Industries)
(In tonnes) (In tonnes)

State At the beginning At the end Industry 2011-12 2012-13 (R) 2013-14(P)
of the year of the year
All Industries 579600 585000 582500
India 1046643 1111 4 0 5
Abrasive 100(3) 100(3) 100(3)
Andhra Pradesh 141572 156843 (e)
Ceramic 565000(222) 565200(222) 565200(222)
Gujarat 395151 267707
Refractory 14500(28) 19700(30) 17200(30)
Rajasthan 499088 679251

Tamil Nadu 10832 7604 Figures rounded off.

Figures in parentheses denote the number of units in the
organised sector.
* Includes actual reported consumption and/or estimates
SPECIFICATIONS made wherever required.

The specifications for plastic clay and washed

plastic clay for use in Ceramic Industry are
prescribed vide IS:4589-2002 (Third Revision, Table – 20 : Exports of Ball Clay
reaffirmed 2008 ). (By Countries)

CONSUMPTION 2012-13 2013-14

Consumption of ball clay decreased slightly Country
from 585,000 tonnes in 2012-13 to 582,500 tonnes Qty Value Qty Value
in 2013-14. About 97% consumption was (t) (`'000) (t) (`'000)

accounted for by the Ceramic Industry. The All Countries 29497 131329 35694 158847
remaining consumption was reported by the
Bangladesh 26123 108649 27248 125715
Refractory and Abrasive industries (Table - 19).
Oman - - 6902 23088

FOREIGN TRADE Malaysia 702 3533 420 3555

Exports
Kenya 151 696 240 1597
Exports of ball clay increased marginally to
35,694 tonnes in 2013-14 from 29,497 tonnes Kuwait ++ 4 252 1452
in the previous year. Exports were mainly to
UAE 2322 17196 380 1183
Bangladesh (76%) (Table - 20).
Ethiopia - - 100 880

Imports Mauritious - - 17 386

Imports of ball clay decreased considerably
Nepal 94 432 35 316
to 130,804 tonnes in 2013-14 as compared to
156,527 tonnes in the previous year. Imports were Sri Lanka - - 26 222
mainly from Ukraine (40%), Malaysia (35%), UK Other countries 105 819 74 453
(14%) and China (8%) (Table -21).

29-16
 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table – 21 : Imports of Ball Clay Mine-head stocks of clay (others) was 197
thousand tonnes at the end of 2013-14 as against 233
(By Countries)
thousand tonnes in the beginning of the year.

2012-13 2013-14 The average daily employment of labour was 588

Country during 2013-14 as against 461 in the previous year.
Qty Value Qty Value
(t) (`'000) (t) (`'000) Domestic prices of clay are furnished in the
General Review on 'Prices'.
All Countries 156527 1044148 130804 915231
Ukraine 104835 684369 52554 400319 Table – 22 : Principal Producers of Clay
UK 14422 163496 18267 226682 (Others), 2013-14
Malaysia 23867 74482 45363 145379 Location of mine
Name and address of producer
China 9946 79504 9995 80512
State District
Thailand 134 1337 1960 20440
Bhupndra Reva Sankar Gor, Gujarat Kachchh
Portugal 1216 11438 1508 16887
66, Devkrupa Limbda Street,
USA 161 1646 518 11548 Bhuj, Kachchh - 370 001
Gujarat
Germany 605 13859 263 6795
France 204 2579 236 3081 *The ACC Ltd. Madhya- Katni
‘Cement House’, Pradesh
Japan 260 6352 100 2565 121, Maharshi Karve Road,
Mumbai – 400 020
Other countries 877 5086 40 1023
Maharashtra.

3. Clay (others) *Sampat Lal Daga, Rajasthan Bikaner

Labhuji ka Katla,1 st Floor,
Clay under this category includes aluminous, Bikaner-334 001
ferruginous and tile & brick making clays. Rajashtan.

*Shankarlal Gangaram Thakkar, Gujarat Patan

PRODUCTION, STOCKS & DBZ South-157,
Zanda Chowk,
PRICES Gandhidham-370 201
Distt. Kachchh,
The production of clay (others) at 2,361 thousand Gujarat.
tonnes in 2013-14 decreased by about 12% as compared
to that in the previous year. Ishwarlal Nanjibhai Bhavani, Gujarat Kachchh
113-114, Pooja-B,
B/h ICICI Bank, Station Road,
There were 54 reporting mines in 2013-14 as against Bhuj-370 001, Distt. Kachchh,
51 mines in the previous year. Besides production of Gujarat.
clay (others) was reported by 32 mines as associated Ratanbhai Dalabhai Gohil, Gujarat Kachchh
mineral. About, 58% of the total production of clay Bhimasar,
(others) was reported as an associated mineral. Entire Rapar-370 160,
Distt. Kachchh,
production of clay (others ) was contributed by private Gujarat
sector. About 67% of the total production was contrib-
uted by eight principal producers. Kissan MInerals, Gujarat Kachchh
Mate Building, Salari Naka,
Rapar-370 165,
Gujarat, the major producing state, accounted for Distt. Kachchh,
about 67% of the total production during the period Gujarat.
under review, followed by Madhya Pradesh (18%),
Raju Mahadeva Chaudhary Gujarat Kachchh
Andhra Pradesh (6%) and the remaining 9 percent was C/o Kissan Minerals
reported from Kerala and Rajasthan. Mate Building, Salari Naka Road,
Rapar-370 165,
Distt. Kachchh,
Nineteen mines and thirteen associated mines Gujarat.
having annual production more than 10,000 tonnes con-
tributed about 96% of the total production. * Producing clay (others) as an associated mineral

29-17
 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table – 23 : Production of Clay (Others), 2011-12 to 2013-14 (P)

(By States)
(Qty in tonnes; Value in `’000)
2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 (P)
State
Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value

India 1417684 128017 2680726 353628 2360871 407713

Andhra Pradesh 99919 8502 158674 18029 136295 14644
Chhattisgarh 720 86 - - - -
Gujarat 877579 85588 1928419 256099 1572439 248640
Karnataka 12900 3019 - - - -
Kerala - - - - 78703 9439
Madhya Pradesh 426256 30776 436329 44447 433136 53817
Rajasthan 50 12 152534 34361 140298 81173
Tamil Nadu 260 34 4770 692 - -

Table – 24: Production of Clay (Others), 2012-13 and 2013-14(P)

(By Sectors/States/Districts)
(Qty in tonnes; Value in `’000)

2012-13 2013-14 (P)

State/District No. of Quantity Value No. of Quantity Value

mines mines

India 51(32) 2680726 353628 54(32) 2360871 407713

Private Sector 51(32) 2680726 353628 54(32) 2360871 407713
Andhra Pradesh 12(7) 158674 18029 12(7) 136295 14644
Adilabad 2 82100 8380 2(1) 73245 7597
Anantapur (5) 13176 2067 (3) 9843 1121
Cuddapah 3 14583 2152 3 4319 786
Godavari East - - - 1 673 135
Krishna (1) 15200 775 (1) 14100 916
Kurnool 5(1) 33615 4655 6(2) 34115 4089
Visakhapatnam *2 - - - - -
Gujarat 27(15) 1928419 256099 29(16) 1572439 248640
Amreli 2 70471 9864 1 34071 5110
*Bhavnagar 1 - - 1 - -
Jamnagar 1 43278 4761 - - -
Kachchh 23(12) 1597580 217594 27(13) 1413718 224227
Patan (3) 217090 23880 (3) 124650 19303
Kerala *1 - - 2 78703 9439
Thiruvananthapuram *1 - - 2 78703 9439
Madhya Pradesh (7) 436329 44447 1(7) 433136 53817
Jabalpur (3) 15350 3328 (2) 13600 3331
Katni (2) 417007 40450 (3) 416345 49959
Satna (2) 3972 669 1(2) 3191 527
Rajasthan 8(2) 152534 34361 8(2) 140298 81173
Bikaner 6(1) 148394 32515 6(1) 132911 77849
Jaisalmer - - - *1 - -
Karauli (1) 4050 1823 (1) 7387 3324
Nagaur 2 90 23 *1 - -
Tamil Nadu 3(1) 4770 692 *2 - -
Cuddalore (1) 4770 692 - - -
Perambalur* 1 - - - - -
Tiruchirapalli* 2 - - 2 - -

Figures in parentheses indicate number of Associated mines of Clay (Others) with ball clay, dolomite, kaolin, laterite,
laterite,limestone, ochre & steatite.
* only labour or production of associated mineral reported.

29-18
 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table – 25 : Production of Clay (Others), 2012-13 and 2013-14 (P)

(By Frequency Groups)
(Qty in tonnes)

No. of mines Production for Percentage in total Cumulative

Production the group production percentage
group

2012-13 2013-14 (P) 2012-13 2013-14(P) 2012-13 2013-14 (P) 2012-13 2013-14(P)

All Groups 51(32) 54(32) 2680726 2360871 100.00 100.00 - -

Upto 5000 29(17) 29(15) 58465 37112 2.18 1.57 2.18 1.57

5001 to 10000 1(2) 6(4) 27880 68656 1.04 2.91 3.22 4.48

10001 to 20000 6(2) 2(3) 124966 72350 4.66 3.07 7.88 7.55

20001 to 30000 4(1) 4(3) 110832 179950 4.13 7.62 12.01 15.17

30001 & above 11(10) 13(7) 2358583 2002803 87.99 84.83 100.00 100.00

Figures in parentheses indicate number of Associated mines of Clay (Others) with laterite, limestone, steatite &
ochre.

Table – 26: Mine-head Stocks of Clay (Others), 2013-14

(By States)
(In tonnes)

State At the beginning of the year At the end of the year

India 232982 197161

Andhra Pradesh 27196 24473

Gujarat 96449 81016

Karnataka 6001 6001

Madhya Pradesh 69598 38712

Rajasthan 32105 45326

West Bengal 1633 1633

FOREIGN TRADE Imports

Exports Imports of clay (others) increased to
Exports of clay (others) decreased to
17,016 tonnes in 2013-14 from 14,638 tonnes
19.60 thousand tonnes in 2013-14 from 22 thousand
tonnes in 2012-13. Exports were mainly to Bangladesh in 2012-13. Ukraine (55%), USA (16%) and Belgium
(22%), Saudi Arabia (20%), Malaysia (19%), Nepal (13%)
(7%) were the main suppliers (Table - 28).
and Sri Lanka (6%) (Table- 27).

29-19
 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table – 27 : Exports of Clay (Others) Table – 28 : Imports of Clay (Others)

(By Countries) (By Countries)

2012-13 2013-14 2012-13 2013-14

Country Country
Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value
(t) ( `'000) (t) ( `'000) (t) ( `'000) (t) ( `'000)

All Countries 22019 179317 19604 172389 All Countries 14638 194203 17016 256640

Saudi Arabia 6611 35104 3990 28624 USA 2298 80817 2656 89382

Bangladesh 3739 29483 4355 25322 Ukraine 7997 55210 9424 67704

Malaysia 648 3951 3799 23341 Japan 2 1518 306 32132

Nepal 2828 19832 2503 19054 Spain 580 16815 1003 25481

Kenya 2655 31593 719 8581 China 3093 28008 1194 12878

Sri Lanka 1072 7586 1125 8097 Belgium 1 42 1213 9240

Uganda 21 56 125 6826 Netherlands - - 151 9110

Mozambique 182 3064 382 6715 UK 142 2598 486 6152

UK 142 2085 115 5395 France 87 1971 67 1935

UAE 1112 8447 689 5139 Italy ++ 112 22 1524

Other countries 3009 38116 1802 35295 Other countries 438 7112 494 1102

4. Shale PRODUCTION & STOCKS

Shale is a fine grained, clastic sedimentary rock
comprised of mud that is a mixture of flakes of
clay minerals and tiny fragments of minerals like
quartz and calcite. The ratio of clay to other
minerals is variable.
Shale which occurs with limestones as parting
is rich in alumina content. Hitherto, shale was
considered as implacable substance that reduced
the quality of limestone due to presence of clay
minerals. Now, with advancements and better
knowledge, it is utilised as a source of alumina in
cement making.
RESOURCES
The resources of shale were placed at
15.9 million tonnes as on 1.4.2010, comprising
15.3 million tonnes reserves and 0.6 million tonnes
remaining resources. All the estimated resources
are located in Andhra Pradesh (Table - 29).
Production of shale, primarily used in manufactur-
ing of cement, at 2,991 thousand tonnes in 2013-14
decreased by 3% over the previous year. There were 10
reporting mines as against 8 in the previous year. About
97% of total production of shale was reported as an
associated mineral by 31 limestone mines in 2013-14.
The share of public sector was only 1% in both the
years.
As regards to State-wise production, Himachal
Pradesh contributed 48% of the total production of shale
followed by Karnataka 22%, Madhya Pradesh 15%,
Maharashtra 9% and Andhra Pradesh 6%.
Mine-head stocks at the end of 2013-14 was
85 thousand tonnes as against 71 thousand tonnes in
the beginning of the year.The average daily employ-
ment of labour in shale mines in 2013-14 was 52 as against
32 in the previous year.

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 Table – 29 : Reserves/Resources of Shale as on 1.4.2010
(By Grades/States)
(In '000 tonnes)

Reserves Remaining resources

Total
Grade / State Proved Probable Total Feasibility Pre-feasibility Measured Indicated Inferred Reconnaissance Total resources
STD111 (A) STD211 STD331 STD332 STD333 STD334 (B) (A+B)
STD121 STD122 STD221 STD222

All India : Total 14,992 76 263 15,331 - - 245 - - 252 83 580 15,911

By Grade

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All grades 14,992 76 263 15,331 - - 245 - - 252 83 580 15,911

By State

Andhra Pradesh 14,992 76 263 15,331 - - 245 - - 252 83 580 15,911

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Figures rounded off.

 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table – 30: Principal Producers of Shale, 2013-14

Location of mine
Name and address of producer
State District

*The ACC Ltd, Karnataka Gulbarga

Cement House Himachal Pradesh Bilaspur
121, Maharshi Karve Road, Maharashtra Yavatmal
Churchgate, Mumbai – 400 020

*Jaiprakash Associates Ltd, Himachal Pradesh Solan

Sector-128, Noida-201 304, Madhya Pradesh Rewa
Uttar Pradesh.

*Ambuja Cements Ltd, Himachal Pradesh Solan

Elegant Business Park,
MIDC Cross Road B Off, Andheri Kurla Road,
Andheri East, Mumbai- 400 059

*Ultratech Cement Ltd, Maharashtra Chandrapur

'B'Wing, 2nd floor, Ahura Centre,
Mahakali Caves road, Andheri(E), Mumbai-400 093

Rain Cements Limited Andhra Pradesh Nalgonda

No.34, Rain Centre, Srinagar colony,
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh-500 073

T. Ramalingeswaram Andhra Pradesh Kurnnol

H-No.6-181, Bavipalli, Peapully,
Andhra Pradesh-518 221

Cement Corp. of India Ltd, Andhra Pradesh Rangareddy ,

Core-5 Scope Complex,7
Lodhi Road, New Delhi -110 003

* Producing as an associated mineral with limestone.

Table – 31 : Production of Shale, 2011-12 to 2013-14 (P)

( By States)
(Qty in tonnes; Value in `'000)

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 (P)

State
Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value

India 3439775 139066 3067718 165924 2990579 162793

Andhra Pradesh 115998 8833 142617 12628 157373 15916

Himachal Pradesh 1535493 49648 1512161 77717 1430233 82014

Karnataka 825027 42901 546026 37730 670137 31496

Madhya Pradesh 543481 6321 519521 5514 452235 4629

Maharashtra 419776 31363 347393 32335 280601 28738

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 KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table – 32 : Production of Shale, 2012-13 & 2013-14

(By Sectors/States/Districts)
(Qty in tonnes; Value in `'000)

2012-13 2013-14(P)
State/District
No. of mines Quantity Value No. of mines Quantity Value

India 8(26) 3067718 165924 10(31) 2990579 162793

Public Sector 1 39000 3276 1 24100 2042

Private Sector 7(26) 3028718 162648 9(31) 2966479 160751

Andhra Pradesh 6(15) 142617 12628 7(20) 157373 15916

Anantpur 1(7) 19897 2620 1(10) 24292 3580

Guntur 2 2086 440 1 700 140

Kurnool (8) 31634 3347 2(10) 73281 8337

Nalgonda 2 50000 2945 2 35000 1817

Rangareddy 1 39000 3276 1 24100 2042

Himachal Pradesh (3) 1512161 77717 (3) 1430233 82014

Bilaspur (1) 404100 28287 (1) 493000 28542

Solan (2) 1108061 49430 (2) 937233 53472

Karnataka (1) 546026 37730 (1) 670137 31496

Gulbarga (1) 546026 37730 (1) 670137 31496

Madhya Pradesh 2(5) 519521 5514 3(5) 452235 4629

Mandsaur 2 2145 858 3 1290 570

Rewa (5) 517376 4656 (5) 450945 4059

Maharashtra (2) 347393 32335 (2) 280601 28738

Chandrapur (1) 37450 3820 (1) 33552 3096

Yavatmal (1) 309943 28515 (1) 247049 25642

Figures in parentheses indicate associated mines with Limestone.

Table – 33 : Mine-head Stocks of Shale, 2013-14(P)

(By States)
(In tonnes)

State At the beginning of the year At the end of the year

India 70696 85153

Andhra Pradesh 44913 59405
Karnataka 25668 25668
Madhya Pradesh 115 80

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