Himachal Pradesh is rich in mineral resources, including copper ore, gold, galena, and gypsum, which are essential for economic development and industrial applications. Copper and gold are primarily used in electrical and jewelry industries, respectively, while galena serves as a key ore for lead and silver. Gypsum is widely utilized in construction and agriculture, highlighting the region's significance in mineral production.

1. MINERAL RESOURCES OF
HIMACHAL PRADESH
Important mineral resources in Himachal Pradesh
• Copper ore
• Gold
• Galena
• Gypsum

2. Importance of Mineral Resources
• Essential for industrial and economic development of nations.
• Copper, tin & iron ore were essential to the ancient metal-
using cultures of the Bronze & Iron Ages.
• Used in construction, engineering and chemical industries.
• Railways, computers, cars, skyscrapers etc: in modern society
depends upon the exploitation of mineral resources.

3. Copper Ore
Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity. Most copper mined today is
used to conduct electricity(mostly as wiring). It is also an excellent
conductor of heat and is used in cooking utensils, heat sinks etc.
Production of copper ore in
Himachal Pradesh
Copper Ore

4. Most of the world's gold ore is used to create jewelry and decorative items.
Like copper, gold is also mined for industry. (For example, space helmets are
plated with a thin layer of gold to protect astronaut’s eyes from
harmful solar radiation).
Production of Gold Ore in
Himachal Pradesh
Gold Ore

5. Galena, also called lead glance, is the natural mineral form of
lead(II) sulfide (PbS). It is the most important ore of lead and
an important source of silver. It is one of the most abundant and
widely distributed sulfide minerals.
Galena Ore
Production of Galena Ore in
Himachal Pradesh

6. Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. It is
widely mined and is used as a fertilizer and as the main constituent in many forms
of plaster, blackboard and drywall.
• Gypsum board is primarily used as a finish for walls and ceilings
• Gypsum blocks are used like concrete blocks in building
construction
Production of Gypsum Ore in
Himachal Pradesh