- Kerala discovers high-grade bauxite in Kasaragod
- Strengthens India’s aluminium ecosystem and reduces imports
India’s mineral exploration push is gaining pace. After the Geological Survey of India (GSI) unveiled major bauxite and limestone reserves in Meghalaya, Kerala has now emerged as the next key player in the country’s aluminium value chain.
In Karadukka, Kasaragod district, GSI has discovered 0.21 million tonnes (mnt) of high-grade bauxite and 5.14 mnt of aluminous laterite across 150 hectares, with 40-45% bauxite content-significantly higher than the national average. Up to 100 hectares are deemed fit for phased mining, with revenue potential touching INR 5,000 crore.
“This is a strategic find. Kerala can now play a pivotal role in supporting India’s aluminium ecosystem and reducing import dependence” said an official from the Aluminium Association of India.
To ensure sustainable mining, excavation will be limited to five metres depth, private forest land will not be touched without consent, and post-mining land will be repurposed for agriculture or development.
This discovery follows Meghalaya’s recent identification of 1.915 mnt of bauxite and 5,737.82 mnt of limestone, setting the tone for a resource-led industrial upswing.
Together, these finds are expected to strengthen India’s raw material security, attracting investment across aluminium, cement, and clean-tech sectors.
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