About Karlapat Bauxite Block:
- It is a bauxite deposit in Odisha's Kalahandi
- It is a greenfield mining block, which means it has not previously been commercially mined.
- The deposit is classified under proved and possible resource categories and records an alumina content of about 45.2 per cent with low silica content.
Bauxite Deposits in Odisha:
- India’s major bauxite resources are concentrated in the East Coast deposits of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
- Odisha accounted for 41 percent of India’s bauxite resources.
- In Odisha, bauxite occurs in Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Kendujhar, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada and Sundargarh districts.
Why is Bauxite important?
- Bauxite is the only commercial ore used to produce aluminium.
- Aluminium is the second most abundant metal used by industry after silica-based materials and finds applications across transport, construction, power, chemicals and manufacturing.
