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 : [email protected]
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)

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.

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 associated 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 production was reported by 5 public sector mines. The
contribution of natural and processed kaolin in 201314 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 production 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.

29-2

29-3

Figures rounded off.

By States
Andhra Pradesh
Assam
Bihar
Chhattisgarh
Delhi
Goa
Gujarat
Haryana
Jammu & Kashmir
Jharkhand
Karnataka
Kerala
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Manipur
Meghalaya
Odisha
Puduchery
Rajasthan
Tamil Nadu
Uttar Pradesh
West Bengal

All India : Total

By Grades
Chemical
Ceramic/Pottery
Mixed Grade
Filler
Cement
Others
Unclassified
Not-known

Grade / State

339
240
325
835
792
715
7603
185

2948
525
181
4324
1563
506
987

48028
7926
5793
14275
17796
22924
7376

2524
834
34290
8554
943
3352
2376
70012
1232

11034

STD121

2205
344
6232
8731
280
811
22497
906

19564
1330
2892
2981
10234
1801
3205

42006

STD122

Probable

124118

Proved
STD111

Reserves

5068
1178
40762
17610
2058
4144
3902
100112
2323

70540
9781
8866
21580
29593
25231
11568

177158

Total
(A)

683
480
4654
2367
209
819
2447
942
418
11524
-

5957
256
2699
1211
9464
3888
1068

24543

Feasibility
STD211

1490
131
765
856
789
2031
738
463
256
1252
14008
202

600
10837
1784
992
321
6606
1161
677

22980

STD221

1147
1076
16
24135
3377
1565
3390
2985
61
856
2476
29483
703

34695
2725
3671
4637
13651
3820
8071

71270

STD222

Pre-feasibility

126
392
104
857
13
1936
220360
43930
11
2520
1410
223
1260
11600
38

100846
884
11
730
180195
850
1264

284781

Measured
STD331

691
39
630
878
34
7363
443
20439
415
184
6266
35393
4067
327
3447
332236

21283
607
665
1286
2758
68338
317915

412852

Indicated
STD332

Remaining resources

Table 1 : Reserves/Resources of China Clay as on 1.4.2010

(By Grades/States)

61883
3520
1296
11512
3802
40904
5485
28122
149957
24685
569226
11741
5523
76032
236421
2940
271314
56570
10018
80335

33945
337834
199355
30035
2565
41709
30644
975199

1651286

Inferred
STD333

3088
18019
6030
20200
5167
1259
749
5826

25788
18373
2804
409
676
1289
11000

60338

Total
(B)

69108
4043
1439
13833
5289
16
71427
12065
28122
181080
256465
659690
13159
7248
2520
88875
277024
2940
332405
56897
25065
419340

34545
537240
223984
40877
11159
255059
109990
1315194

2528050

Reconnaissance
STD334

74176
4043
1439
15011
5289
16
112189
12065
28122
198690
258523
663834
13159
7248
2520
88875
280926
2940
432517
56897
25065
421663

34545
607780
233765
49743
32739
284652
135221
1326762

2705208

Total
resources
(A+B)

(In '000 tonnes)

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table 2 : Details of Exploration Activities for Kaolin and other Clays, 2013-14
Agency/
State/
District

DMG
China Clay
Kerala
Kannur

Kollam

Location
Area/
Block

Mapping
Scale

Drilling

Area
No. of
(sq km) boreholes

Meterage

Sampling
(No.)

Remarks
Reserves/Resources estimated

Ulloor
Taluk: Taliparamba

16

376

Objective of exploration was investigation

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
Taluk: Taliparamba

02

45

China clay occurs as sedimentary as well

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
Taluk: Taliparamba

05

167.5

China clay occurs as a sedimentary as well

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
Taluk: Taliparamba

11

223.5

Objective of exploration was to assess

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.

Kanjoracode area
Taluk: Kollam

11

223.5

Objective of exploration was to assess

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 Concld.)

Table 3 : Principal Producers of Kaolin, 2013-14

Location of mine

Location of mine

Name & address of producer

State

District

Name & address of producer

State

Vinod P. Solanki,
Main Bazar, Junavas,
P.O. Madhapar,
Taluka Bhuj-370 427,
Distt. Kachchh
Gujarat.

Gujarat

District

Kachchh
Manoj P. Solanki,
Near Thakar Mandir, Junavas,
Madhapar -370 020,
Distt. Kachchh, Gujarat.

EICL Limited,
Kerala
TC -79/4, Veli,
Thiruvananthapuram-695 021,
Kerala.

Thiruvananthapuram

Satish Valji Chhanga,&

Harilal Hira Jatiya,
Village-Mamuara,
Taluka Bhuj - 370 020
Distt. Kachchh, Gujarat.

Gujarat

Kachchh

H.D. Enterprises Pvt. Ltd,

101, Pooja Complex 'A',
Above ICICI Bank Ltd.,
P.O. Bhuj - 370 001,
Distt. Kachchh,
Gujarat.

Gujarat

Gopal Savabhai Dangar,

Near Ramdevpir Temple,
Nadapa,
Distt. Kachchh- 370 020
Gujarat

Gujarat

Gujarat

Shree Ram Minechem International, Gujarat

G.I.D.C Area, Madhapar,

Kachchh

Kachchh

Bhuj- 370 020,

Distt. Kachchh,
Gujarat.

Kachchh

Kachchh

Mohd. Sher Khan,

Khwaja Bagh,
P.O - Sawa,
Distt. Chittorgarh-312 613,
Rajasthan.

Rajasthan

Chittorgarh

Laherchand Gangaram Thakkar,

D.B.Z.S.-157
Zanda Chowk,

Gujarat

Kachchh

Gandhidham-370 201,
Distt. Kachchh,
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
India
Andhra Pradesh

3076795

Value
652368

Quantity
4258697

Value

Quantity

Value

1157392

4752643

1159135

75115

11775

53057

8945

51957

9381

1517504

278365

2656099

496079

3080729

578880

Jharkhand

122412

61210

66235

31363

600

119

Karnataka

3214

8678

2836

7657

2540

7112

747307

149883

708257

187628

712291

161427

6950

621

11790

1114

8200

492

512145

104587

662362

355559

806189

344070

92148

37249

98061

69047

90137

57654

Gujarat

Kerala
Madhya Pradesh
Rajasthan
West Bengal

29-5

29-6

East Godavari

West Godavari

Singhbhum (West)

3(1)

Sabarkantha

Sahebganj

Patan

6(1)

Mahesana

Jharkhand

40(3)

Kachchh

54(3)

Cuddapah

Gujarat

Adilabad

11

500

52621

53121

18990

30190

31488

2540230

2620898

8677

44380

53057

4152749

Private sector 140(10)

Andhra Pradesh

4594

4157343

Qty

Value

550

4598

5148

4368

6819

7242

425428

443857

1651

7294

8945

857182

689

857871

Natural

145(10)

India

Public sector

No. of
mines

State/District
Qty

235

12879

13114

18572

16629

35201

92815

8539

567

25648

26215

28125

24097

52222

261484

38037

299521

Value

Processed

101354

2012-13

735

65500

66235

37562

30190

48117

2540230

2656099

8677

44380

53057

4245564

13133

4258697

Qty

Value

1117

30246

31363

32493

6819

31339

425428

496079

1651

7294

8945

1118666

38726

1157392

Total

43(3)

57(3)

153(7)

158(7)

No. of
mines

600

600

9787

79290

14207

2948319

3051603

9127

42830

51957

4685546

499

4686045

Qty

119

119

2265

17993

3457

516597

540312

2085

7296

9381

967496

75

967571

17018

12108

29126

59265

7333

66598

21336

17232

38568

158149

33415

191564

Value

Value

33490

600

600

26805

79290

26315

2948319

3080729

9127

42830

51957

(Contd.)

119

119

23601

17993

20689

516597

578880

2085

7296

9381

4744811 1125645

7832

4752643 1159135

Qty

Total

(Qty. in tonnes; Value in `000)

Processed
Qty

2013-14(P)

Value

Natural

Table 5 : Production of Kaolin, 2012-13 and 2013-14 (P)

(By Sectors/States/Districts/Grades)

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

697960

11790

Thiruvananthapuram
17(1)

3(2)

29-7

10

Birbhum

84319

8141

92460

1410

2847

283719

3515

46209

190168

55392

1529

56921

254

2438

23351

476

100110

541

15295

42172

184637

1114

1114

156560

689

5601

5601

38899

38899

1503

4200

2836
5703

2836

Qty

12126

12126

170922

170922

6578

23801

7657
30379

7657

Value

Processed

89920

8141

98061

1410

8337

87258

2847

38899

283719

3515

46209

190168

662362

11790

11790

697960

4594

1503

4200

2836
708257

2836

Qty

Value

67518

1529

69047

254

2438

23351

476

170922

100110

541

15295

42172

355559

1114

1114

156560

689

6578

23801

7657
187628

7657

Total

Figures in parentheses indicate the number of associated mines.

(p) : provisional
# Mines reporting production of associated minerals or labours only.

13

Bankura

14(1)

Karauli

Nagaur

West Bengal

8337

Jaipur

Chittorgarh

Bundi

Pali

(1)

Bikaner

Udaipur

87258

8(1)

Bhilwara

623463

1
37(3)

Satna#
Rajasthan

11790

2(2)

Katni

Madhya Pradesh

4594

Kollam

Kannur

702554

Value

2012-13

157249

Natural

Qty

1
21(1)

No. of
mines

Kasaragod

Hassan
Kerala

Karnataka

State/District

Table - 5 : (Concld.)

2(1)

8(1)

29(1)

(1)

1
59(2)

16(1)

1
20(1)

No. of
mines

82333

3100

85433

2050

43766

265606

222611

9500

19375

217846

780754

8200

8200

706999

499

707498

Qty

48766

481

49247

416

12448

72994

78578

2514

9853

56093

232896

492

492

135049

75

135124

Value

Natural

4704

4704

1737

23698

25435

1293

3500

2540
4793

2540

8407

8407

4396

106778

111174

5634

20669

7112
26303

7112

Value

Processed
Qty

2013-14(P)

87037

3100

90137

2050

43766

267343

23698

222611

9500

19375

217846

806189

8200

8200

706999

499

1293

3500

2540
712291

2540

Qty

57173

481

57654

416

12448

77390

106778

78578

2514

9853

56093

344070

492

492

135049

75

5634

20669

7112
161427

7112

Value

Total

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

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
mines

Production Group

Production for
the Group

2012-13 2013-14(P)

2012-13

Percentage in total
production

2013-14(P)

2012-13

Cumulative
percentage

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

14

17724

34572

0.43

0.74

1.21

1.19

3001-4000

5(1)

19633

20313

0.47

0.43

1.68

1.62

4001-5000

22589

16665

0.54

0.36

2.22

1.98

5001-10000

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

35(3)

38(3)

3774569

4180671

90.79

89.22

100.00

100.00

25001 & Above

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
mines

Production Group

Production for
the Group

2012-13 2013-14(P)

All Groups

Percentage in total
production

2012-13

2013-14(P)

2012-13

Cumulative
percentage

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

19(1)

16

101354

66598

100.00

100.00

Up to 500

647

220

0.64

0.33

0.64

0.33

501-1000

960

1.44

0.64

1.77

1001-2000

6125

7564

6.04

11.36

6.68

13.13

2001-3000

13068

10209

12.89

15.33

19.57

28.46

3001-4000

3805

3.75

23.32

28.46

4001-5000

4504

4099

4.45

6.16

27.77

34.62

5001-10000

24054

19848

23.73

29.80

51.50

64.42

1(1)

49151

23698

48.50

35.58

100.00

100.00

10001 & Above

( ) : 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)
(In tonnes)
State
India
Andhra Pradesh
Gujarat
Jharkhand
Karnataka
Kerala
Madhya Pradesh
Odisha
Rajasthan
West Bengal

At the beginning of the year

900058
15242
313762
18762
13175
36573
5126
12915
460253
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, cryofilter, 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,

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%

29-9

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 . Zetabalanced 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 noncalcined 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

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%.

29-10

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table 9 : Specifications of China Clay Required in Different Industries

Sl.
No.

Characteristics

1.

Bureau of Indian Standard Specification No.

2.

Fineness (by weight % material retained on:)

45 microns sieve
53 microns sieve
63 microns sieve
90 microns sieve

Paper
coating
Grade I

Filler in
paper,
rubber,
textile
Grade II

Cosmetics

505
(1995)

505
(1995)

1463
(1983)

7589
(1974)

0.8

1.0

2.0

0.1

1.0

Explosives

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)

6.

Loss on Drying (% max)

7.

Loss on Ignition (% max)

8.

Water Plasticity (%)

9.

Shrinkage linear
a) Dry shrinking
b) Fired shrinking

10.

Relative/Bulk density

11.

Colour reflectance to blue light (%)

12.

Chemical (% by mass, max)

Fe2O3
Matter soluble in HCl
CuO
MnO
Heavy metals (as Pb)
As2O3
pH value of aqueous extract

0.001

2.0

2.0

1.5

1.5

14-15.5

14-15.5

15

14.0

14.0

2.5-2.9

2.5-2.9

0.65-0.90(BD)

80-85

0.6
0.5-1

4.5-7.5

0.75
1.5-2.5
0.007
0.013

10 ppm
4.5-7.5

@
0.5
2.0

5 ppm
2 ppm
7.5

1.5

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
All Industries
Cement
Ceramic
Cosmetic
Glass
Paint
Paper
Pesticide
Refractory
Rubber
Others
(abrasives, asbestos-products, chemical, dry cell
battery, electrical, electrode and textile).

2011-12
1425100
665300(8)
559900(237)(e)
2300(6)
700(3)
111300(26)
21700(23)
24800(21)
34700(30)
2400(31)
2000(40)

2012-13(R)
1454800
695200(9)
561500(237)(e)
2300(6)
700(3)
111100(26)
21700(23)
24800(21)
32800(31)
2400(31)
2300(42)

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

2013-14(P)
1432700
672300(9)
561500(237)(e)
2300(6)
700(3)
111100(26)
21700(23)
24800(21)
33600(31)
2400(31)
2300(43)

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

TRADE POLICY

Bulgaria

As per the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)

2009-2014, there are no restrictions on exports and
imports of china clay (kaolin).

WORLD REVIEW
The world production of kaolin remain steady at
26.4 million tonnes in 2013 as compared to the previous
year. Seven countries, namely, USA, Germany, China,
Brazil, Iran,Turkey and UK accounted for about 74%
world production. The share of USA in total world
production was about 23%, followed by Germany
(16%), China (12%), Brazil (8%), Iran (6%), Turkey (5%)
and UK (4%) (Table-11).

Quarzwerke GmbH, with kaolin operations in

Germany, Poland, and Ukraine, acquired Kaolin AD,
with kaolin operations in Bulgaria.

USA
Imerys, a leading U.S. kaolin producer,
purchased PyraMax Ceramics, LLC, which completed
construction of a 225,000-metric tonne per year ceramic
proppants plant in Wrens, GA. The $235 million
purchase included kaolin reserves needed to produce
the proppants. Ceramic proppants are used to enhance
nonconventional gas and oil extraction.

Table 11 : World Production of Kaolin

(By Principal Countries)

FOREIGN TRADE

(In '000 tonnes)

Country
World : Total
Belgium

(e)

Brazil
China
Czech Republic
Egypt
France

2011

2012

2013

27500

26400

26400

300

300

300

2200

1800

2100

3200

3200 (e)

660

624

609

304

(e)

(e)

3200

300

308
4399

4349

(e)

1503

1500 (e)

1052

797

847

Malaysia

443

439

293

Mexico

373

515

670

Portugal

322

322

246

Spain

384

402

393

1500

Korea, Rep. of

Turkey
(e)

UK

USA
Vietnam

(e)

Other countries

300

1229

1300

(e)

(e)

1150

(e)

1110

5950

5980

5950

650

650

650

1290

2434

Imports

1300

2411

Imports of kaolin decreased marginally to 80,204

tonnes in 2013-14 from 87,867 tonnes in 2012-13. Major
suppliers were USA (55%), China (14%), Ukraine (11%)
and France (6%) (Table - 13).

(e)

310

Iran

Exports of kaolin increased substantially to 276,165

tonnes in 2013-14 from 191,953 tonnes in 2012-13. UAE
(75%) and Bangladesh (11%) were the major importing
countries in 2013-14 (Table - 12).

300

4899

Germany

Exports

Table 12 : Exports of Kaolin

(By Countries)
2012-13

2013-14

Country
Qty
(t)

(e)

All Countries

Source : World Mineral Production, 2009-2013.

United Kingdom
Imerys, the worlds leading kaolin producer, completed
the purchase of the kaolin operations of Goonvean Ltd.
in Cornwall. Goonvean sold kaolin primarily for ceramics
and performance minerals markets. The sale was
approved by British authorities contingent upon price
controls for certain kaolin products sold in the United
Kingdom.
29-12

Value
(`'000)

276165 1053487

135125

172294

205898

313147

24254

107418

29010

134187

Germany

4549

63901

4753

78775

Iran

4817

48818

6349

68271

Bangladesh

2283

Qty
(t)

736848

UAE

191953

Value
(`'000)

Egypt

1265

30252

1938

51468

Sri Lanka

1315

18687

1896

31877

Indonesia

810

17065

1244

27220

Malaysia

1311

24342

1356

26409

Sweden

228

3846

1506

23694

UK

498

11885

1446

23426

Other countries 17781

238340

20769

275013

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table 13 : Imports of Kaolin

(By Countries)
2012-13

2013-14

Country
Qty
(t)

Value
(`'000)

All Countries

87867

1095336

80204

1420872

USA

37248

653735

44271

878669

China

12391

128700

10955

158652

France

4611

80307

4740

91538

Ukraine

1969

18162

8863

91287

Bulgaria

2594

41546

3123

64582

UK

1373

20720

2093

38112

Germany

977

14093

1058

18785

New Zealand

630

20707

399

15289

1873

10304

1918

12142

130

892

1040

9870

24071

106170

1744

41946

Iran
Brazil
Other countries

Qty
(t)

Value
(`'000)

shrinkage. It is utilised generally after mixing

with non-plastic clay to impart the desired
plasticity in pottery, porcelain and refractory
materials. It also helps in the preparation of glaze,
enamels and for imparting a dense vitrified body.

RESOURCES
Deposits of ball clays are relatively scarce
due to the combination of geological factors
needed for their formation.The total resources of
ball clay as on 1.4.2010 in the country are placed
at 83.39 million tonnes. Out of these resources,
the reserves are about 16.78 million tonnes and
the remaining resources are 66.61 million tonnes.
More than 62% resources are in Andhra Pradesh,
followed by Rajasthan with 38%. Resources in
Gujarat are nominal. Out of the total resources,
ceramic/pottery grade constitutes 89%. All India
reserves/resources of ball clay are given in
Table-14.

PRODUCTION, STOCKS &

PRICES

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 Hightech 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

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 production. 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

29-14

Figures rounded off.

Rajasthan

Gujarat

Andhra Pradesh

By States

Unclassified

Others

Ceramic/Pottery

By Grades

All India : Total

Grade/State

6275408

6017412

40440

12252380

12292820

Proved
STD111

350832

350832

350832

STD121

2845470

1288720

74800

4059390

4134190

STD122

Probable

Reserves

9471710

7306132

115240

16662602

16777842

Total
(A)

4301217

1821233

2897171

3225279

6122450

Feasibilty
STD211

1100691

2806267

42784

46134

3818040

3906958

STD221

2875062

9512513

1161648

67320

11158607

12387575

STD222

Pre-feasibility

18676

249810

268486

268486

2279330

2279330

2279330

Measured Indicated
STD331 STD332

Remaining resources

Table 14 : Reserves/Resources of Ball Clay as on 1.4.2010

(By Grades/States)

14045369

49670

27555824

4553122

107800

36989941

41650863

Inferred
STD333

22341015

299480

43975167

8654725

221254

57739683

66615662

Total
(B)

31812725

299480

51281299

8654725

336494

74402285

83393504

Total
resources
(A+B)

(In tonnes)

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table 15 : Principal Producers of Ball Clay,

2013-14

(Table - 15 Concld.)
Location of mine
Name & address of producer

Location of mine

State

Name & address of producer

State

District

District

Sunder Lal Daga,

Bagree Mohalla,
Bikaner - 334 001.
Distt. Bikaner, Rajasthan

Rajasthan

Bikaner

Bikaner

Bikaner

Rajasthan

Bikaner

Narendra Kumar Devra,

Rajasthan
C/o Harish Clays, Harasar House,
Near M.N. Hospital,
Bikaner - 334 001, Rajasthan

Harish Clays,
Harasar House, P.B.No. 57,
Near M. N. Hospital,
Bikaner-334 001, Rajasthan

Rajasthan

Bikaner

Anirudh Mines & Minerals,

Near Ramdeo Park,
Outside Nathusar Gate,
Bikaner 334 004, Rajasthan

Rajasthan

Bikaner

Tahlaram & Sons,

Ramnath Sadan,
Rathkhana Colony,
Bikaner-334 001, Rajasthan

Rajasthan

Bikaner

Sampat Lal Daga,

Labhu Ji ka Katla 1st Floor,
Bikaner 334 001, Rajasthan

Rajasthan

Bikaner

Shanta Sales Corporation,

House of Mohanlal Mathur,
Behind Rajasthan Pan Bhandar,
Rani Bazar, Bikaner-334 001,
Rajasthan.

Rajasthan

Jaichand Lal Daga,

1st Floor, Labhuji Ka Katla,
Kotegate, 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
India
Andhra Pradesh
Gujarat
Rajasthan
Tamil Nadu

1646516
276799
13527
1351705
4485

Value
693714
88705
1488
598843
4678

Quantity
1750559
184345
10900
1541981
13333

Value

Quantity

780732
99828
1853
665585
13466

1874049
138702
8600
1722103
4644

Value
902647
71471
1462
826463
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
mines

Quantity

Value

No. of
mines

Quantity

India
Public Sector
Private Sector
Andhra Pradesh
Chittor
West Godavari
Gujarat
Kachchh
Patan

48(11)
2
46(11)
13(1)
1
12(1)
2
1
1

1750559
14293
1736266
184345
715
183630
10900
350
10550

780732
13529
767203
99828
127
99701
1853
60
1793

49(11)
1
48(11)
13(1)
1
12(1)
2
1
1

1874049
4644
1869405
138702
360
138342
8600
200
8400

902647
3251
899396
71471
199
71272
1462
34
1428

Rajasthan
Bikaner
Pali

32(10)
31(10)
1

1541981
1533935
8046

665585
664217
1368

33(10)
32(10)
1

1722103
1717778
4325

826463
824478
1985

Tamil Nadu
Cuddalore

1
1

13333
13333

13466
13466

1
1

4644
4644

3251
3251

Figures in parentheses indicate associated mines of ball clay, clay (others), fireclay & kaolin.

29-15

Value

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table 18 : Mine-head Stocks of Ball Clay

2013-14 (P)
(By States)

Table 19 : Consumption* of Ball clay

2011-12 to 2013-14(P)
(By Industries)

(In tonnes)
State

At the beginning
of the year

At the end
of the year

India

1046643

1111 4 0 5

Andhra Pradesh

141572

156843

Gujarat

395151

267707

Rajasthan

499088

679251

10832

7604

(In tonnes)
Industry

2011-12

2012-13 (R)

579600

585000

582500

100(3)

100(3)

100(3)

565000(222) 565200(222)

565200(222)

All Industries
Abrasive
(e)

Ceramic

Refractory

14500(28)

2013-14(P)

19700(30)

17200(30)

SPECIFICATIONS

Figures rounded off.

Figures in parentheses denote the number of units in the
organised sector.
* Includes actual reported consumption and/or estimates
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,
reaffirmed 2008 ).

Table 20 : Exports of Ball Clay

(By Countries)

Tamil Nadu

CONSUMPTION

2012-13

Consumption of ball clay decreased slightly

from 585,000 tonnes in 2012-13 to 582,500 tonnes
in 2013-14. About 97% consumption was
accounted for by the Ceramic Industry. The
remaining consumption was reported by the
Refractory and Abrasive industries (Table - 19).

2013-14

Country
Qty
(t)

Value
(`'000)

Qty
(t)

Value
(`'000)

All Countries

29497

131329

35694

158847

Bangladesh

26123

108649

27248

125715

6902

23088

Malaysia

702

3533

420

3555

Kenya

151

696

240

1597

Kuwait

++

252

1452

2322

17196

380

1183

Ethiopia

100

880

Mauritious

17

386

94

432

35

316

26

222

105

819

74

453

Oman

FOREIGN TRADE
Exports
Exports of ball clay increased marginally to
35,694 tonnes in 2013-14 from 29,497 tonnes
in the previous year. Exports were mainly to
Bangladesh (76%) (Table - 20).

Imports
Imports of ball clay decreased considerably
to 130,804 tonnes in 2013-14 as compared to
156,527 tonnes in the previous year. Imports were
mainly from Ukraine (40%), Malaysia (35%), UK
(14%) and China (8%) (Table -21).

29-16

UAE

Nepal
Sri Lanka
Other countries

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Mine-head stocks of clay (others) was 197

thousand tonnes at the end of 2013-14 as against 233
thousand tonnes in the beginning of the year.

Table 21 : Imports of Ball Clay

(By Countries)
2012-13

The average daily employment of labour was 588

during 2013-14 as against 461 in the previous year.

2013-14

Country
Qty
(t)

Value
(`'000)

Qty
(t)

Value
(`'000)

All Countries

156527

1044148

130804

915231

Ukraine

104835

684369

52554

400319

UK

14422

163496

18267

226682

Malaysia

23867

74482

45363

145379

9946

79504

9995

80512

Thailand

134

1337

1960

20440

Portugal

1216

11438

1508

16887

China

USA

161

1646

518

11548

Germany

605

13859

263

6795

France

204

2579

236

3081

Japan

260

6352

100

2565

Other countries

877

5086

40

1023

Domestic prices of clay are furnished in the

General Review on 'Prices'.
Table 22 : Principal Producers of Clay
(Others), 2013-14
Location of mine
Name and address of producer
State

3. Clay (others)
Clay under this category includes aluminous,
ferruginous and tile & brick making clays.

PRODUCTION, STOCKS &

PRICES
The production of clay (others) at 2,361 thousand
tonnes in 2013-14 decreased by about 12% as compared
to that in the previous year.
There were 54 reporting mines in 2013-14 as against
51 mines in the previous year. Besides production of
clay (others) was reported by 32 mines as associated
mineral. About, 58% of the total production of clay
(others) was reported as an associated mineral. Entire
production of clay (others ) was contributed by private
sector. About 67% of the total production was contributed by eight principal producers.
Gujarat, the major producing state, accounted for
about 67% of the total production during the period
under review, followed by Madhya Pradesh (18%),
Andhra Pradesh (6%) and the remaining 9 percent was
reported from Kerala and Rajasthan.
Nineteen mines and thirteen associated mines
having annual production more than 10,000 tonnes contributed about 96% of the total production.

District

Bhupndra Reva Sankar Gor,

66, Devkrupa Limbda Street,
Bhuj, Kachchh - 370 001
Gujarat

Gujarat

Kachchh

*The ACC Ltd.

Cement House,
121, Maharshi Karve Road,
Mumbai 400 020
Maharashtra.

MadhyaPradesh

Katni

*Sampat Lal Daga,

Labhuji ka Katla,1 st Floor,
Bikaner-334 001
Rajashtan.

Rajasthan

Bikaner

*Shankarlal Gangaram Thakkar, Gujarat

DBZ South-157,
Zanda Chowk,
Gandhidham-370 201
Distt. Kachchh,
Gujarat.

Patan

Ishwarlal Nanjibhai Bhavani,

113-114, Pooja-B,
B/h ICICI Bank, Station Road,
Bhuj-370 001, Distt. Kachchh,
Gujarat.

Gujarat

Kachchh

Ratanbhai Dalabhai Gohil,

Bhimasar,
Rapar-370 160,
Distt. Kachchh,
Gujarat

Gujarat

Kachchh

Kissan MInerals,
Mate Building, Salari Naka,
Rapar-370 165,
Distt. Kachchh,
Gujarat.

Gujarat

Kachchh

Raju Mahadeva Chaudhary

Gujarat
C/o Kissan Minerals
Mate Building, Salari Naka Road,
Rapar-370 165,
Distt. Kachchh,
Gujarat.

Kachchh

* 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

India
Andhra Pradesh
Chhattisgarh
Gujarat
Karnataka
Kerala
Madhya Pradesh
Rajasthan
Tamil Nadu

Quantity

Value

Quantity

1417684
99919
720
877579
12900
426256
50
260

128017
8502
86
85588
3019
30776
12
34

2680726
158674
1928419
436329
152534
4770

Value

Quantity

353628
18029
256099
44447
34361
692

Value

2360871
136295
1572439
78703
433136
140298
-

407713
14644
248640
9439
53817
81173
-

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

(By Sectors/States/Districts)
(Qty in tonnes; Value in `000)
2012-13
State/District
India
Private Sector
Andhra Pradesh
Adilabad
Anantapur
Cuddapah
Godavari East
Krishna
Kurnool
Visakhapatnam

No. of
mines

2013-14 (P)

Quantity

51(32)
51(32)
12(7)
2
(5)
3
(1)
5(1)

2680726
2680726
158674
82100
13176
14583
15200
33615

Value

No. of
mines

353628
353628
18029
8380
2067
2152
775
4655

54(32)
54(32)
12(7)
2(1)
(3)
3
1
(1)
6(2)

Quantity
2360871
2360871
136295
73245
9843
4319
673
14100
34115

Value
407713
407713
14644
7597
1121
786
135
916
4089

*2

27(15)

1928419

256099

29(16)

1572439

248640

Amreli

70471

9864

34071

5110

*Bhavnagar

1
23(12)
(3)
*1
*1

43278
1597580
217090
-

4761
217594
23880
-

27(13)
(3)
2
2

1413718
124650
78703
78703

224227
19303
9439
9439

Gujarat

Jamnagar
Kachchh
Patan
Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram
Madhya Pradesh

(7)

436329

44447

1(7)

433136

53817

Jabalpur
Katni

(3)
(2)

15350
417007

3328
40450

(2)
(3)

13600
416345

3331
49959

Satna

(2)

3972

669

1(2)

3191

527

Rajasthan

8(2)

152534

34361

8(2)

140298

81173

6(1)
-

148394
-

32515
-

6(1)
*1

132911
-

77849
-

Karauli

(1)

4050

1823

(1)

7387

3324

Nagaur

90

23

*1

3(1)

4770

692

*2

Bikaner
Jaisalmer

Tamil Nadu
Cuddalore

(1)

4770

692

Perambalur*

Tiruchirapalli*

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
the group

Production
group
2012-13
All Groups

2013-14 (P)

Percentage in total
production

2013-14(P)

2012-13

2012-13

Cumulative
percentage

2013-14 (P)

2012-13 2013-14(P)

51(32)

54(32)

2680726

2360871

100.00

100.00

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

11(10)

13(7)

2358583

2002803

87.99

84.83

100.00

100.00

Upto 5000

30001 & above

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

India

At the end of the year

232982

197161

Andhra Pradesh

27196

24473

Gujarat

96449

81016

6001

6001

Madhya Pradesh

69598

38712

Rajasthan

32105

45326

1633

1633

Karnataka

West Bengal

Imports

FOREIGN TRADE
Exports

Imports of clay (others) increased to

Exports of clay (others) decreased to

19.60 thousand tonnes in 2013-14 from 22 thousand
tonnes in 2012-13. Exports were mainly to Bangladesh
(22%), Saudi Arabia (20%), Malaysia (19%), Nepal (13%)
and Sri Lanka (6%) (Table- 27).

17,016 tonnes in 2013-14 from 14,638 tonnes

in 2012-13. Ukraine (55%), USA (16%) and Belgium
(7%) were the main suppliers (Table - 28).

29-19

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

Table 27 : Exports of Clay (Others)

(By Countries)
2012-13

Table 28 : Imports of Clay (Others)

(By Countries)

2013-14

2012-13

Country

2013-14

Country
Qty
(t)

Value
( `'000)

Qty
(t)

Qty
(t)

Value
( `'000)

Qty
(t)

All Countries

22019

179317

19604

172389

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

648

3951

3799

23341

Japan

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

42

1213

9240

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

438

7112

494

1102

Malaysia

Uganda

Value
( `'000)
All Countries

Other countries

Value
( `'000)

PRODUCTION & STOCKS

4. Shale
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 manufacturing 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 employment of labour in shale mines in 2013-14 was 52 as against
32 in the previous year.

29-20

29-21

Figures rounded off.

Andhra Pradesh

By State

All grades

By Grade

All India : Total

Grade / State

14,992

14,992

14,992

STD111

Proved

76

76

76

STD121

263

263

263

STD122

Probable

Reserves

15,331

15,331

15,331

(A)

Total

STD211

Feasibility

STD221

245

245

245

STD222

Pre-feasibility

STD331

Measured

STD332

Indicated

Remaining resources

Table 29 : Reserves/Resources of Shale as on 1.4.2010

(By Grades/States)

252

252

252

STD333

Inferred

83

83

83

STD334

Reconnaissance

580

580

580

(B)

Total

15,911

15,911

15,911

(A+B)

resources

Total

(In '000 tonnes)

KAOLIN, BALL CLAY, OTHER CLAYS AND SHALE

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,

Cement House
121, Maharshi Karve Road,
Churchgate, Mumbai 400 020

Karnataka
Himachal Pradesh
Maharashtra

Gulbarga
Bilaspur
Yavatmal

*Jaiprakash Associates Ltd,

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

Himachal Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh

Solan
Rewa

*Ambuja Cements Ltd,

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

Himachal Pradesh

Solan

*Ultratech Cement Ltd,

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

Maharashtra

Chandrapur

Rain Cements Limited

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

Andhra Pradesh

Nalgonda

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

Andhra Pradesh

Cement Corp. of India Ltd,

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

Andhra Pradesh

Kurnnol

Rangareddy

* 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
Value

Quantity

Value

3067718

165924

2990579

162793

8833

142617

12628

157373

15916

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

India
Andhra Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh

Quantity

Value

3439775

139066

115998

Quantity

29-22

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
India

Quantity

Value

No. of mines

Quantity

Value

8(26)

3067718

165924

10(31)

2990579

39000

3276

24100

2042

Private Sector

7(26)

3028718

162648

9(31)

2966479

160751

Andhra Pradesh

6(15)

142617

12628

7(20)

157373

15916

1(7)

19897

2620

1(10)

24292

3580

2086

440

700

140

(8)

31634

3347

2(10)

73281

8337

Nalgonda

50000

2945

35000

1817

Rangareddy

39000

3276

24100

2042

(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

2(5)

519521

5514

3(5)

452235

4629

2145

858

1290

570

(5)

517376

4656

(5)

450945

4059

(2)

347393

32335

(2)

280601

28738

Chandrapur

(1)

37450

3820

(1)

33552

3096

Yavatmal

(1)

309943

28515

(1)

247049

25642

Public Sector

Anantpur
Guntur
Kurnool

Himachal Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh
Mandsaur
Rewa
Maharashtra

162793

Figures in parentheses indicate associated mines with Limestone.

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

(By States)
(In tonnes)
State
India

At the beginning of the year

At the end of the year

70696

85153

Andhra Pradesh

44913

59405

Karnataka

25668

25668

115

80

Madhya Pradesh

29-23