| The refractory materials form a major portion of the developing minerals
industry in India. The requirement of refractories and related raw materials are
anticipated to double up during the fourth plan period. For basic refractories)
Indian resources of magnesite) dolomite and the dunite type of rocks are adequate)·
the resources of refractory grade chrome ore with low Si02 and Fe20 J are known
to be limited. Detailed prospecting around Orissa) M aharashtra ( Bhandara) and
other localities) as also utilisation of low grade ores) on beneficiation, are likely
to improve the situation. Although) the resources of bauxite in India are vast)
bulk of them) .excepting those of Saurashtra and few other deposits) are not suitable
for refractories in view of high Fe20 and Ti0 2 contents. Detailed information on
high aluminious and plastic clays are lacking. The positions with respect
to quartzite, sillimanite, kyanite and other raw materials are satisfactory and have
been reviewed in outline. Timely publication of data) sufficient for evaluating the
quality and economy of the resources will facilitate planning and exploitation of
the deposits-new and old. |
