India’s Atomic Minerals Directorate Identifies Rich Ilmenite Deposits Along Andhra Pradesh Coastline

The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMDER), a vital part of India’s Department of Atomic Energy, has uncovered substantial ilmenite-rich deposits along the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, including Kakinada, Pentakota, Bheemunipatnam, Konada, Kandivalasa, Mukumpeta, Bendicreek, and Donkuru. These findings highlight the immense potential of India’s coastline, which stretches over 6,000 km and is known for its abundant light-heavy minerals like ilmenite, rutile, garnet, zircon, monazite, and sillimanite.

Ilmenite, a significant source of titanium, is a key component in the manufacturing of pigments, metals, and other industrial materials. India boasts an impressive 348 million tonnes of ilmenite, accounting for nearly 35% of the world’s resources. In addition, India holds about 10% of the global rutile supply, 14% of zircon, and an astounding 71.4% of the world’s monazite reserves, positioning the country as a global leader in mineral resources. India also fulfills approximately 10% of the world’s demand for garnet.

Professor Yugandhara Rao of Andhra University’s Department of Geology notes that Andhra Pradesh’s beaches are estimated to contain a remarkable 209 million tonnes of heavy minerals. Among these, ilmenite and leucoxene together account for 163.05 million tonnes, rutile for 10.25 million tonnes, zircon for 11.94 million tonnes, monazite for 3.72 million tonnes, garnet for 66 million tonnes, and sillimanite for 72.29 million tonnes.

Professor Rao emphasizes the potential for Andhra Pradesh to capitalize on these vast resources by exporting ilmenite to the global market, significantly boosting the state’s revenues. However, Rao also stresses the importance of processing these placer minerals locally rather than exporting them in raw form. This could lead to the establishment of a robust infrastructure and a thriving mineral processing industry in the state.

According to AMDER reports, the world’s total resources of anatase, ilmenite, and rutile exceed two billion tonnes, with ilmenite reserves alone estimated at 882 million tonnes in terms of TiO2 content. Andhra Pradesh stands at a pivotal moment, with the potential to harness these mineral resources for both local economic growth and global supply.