Mining and Minerals Industry in Kerala

The Department of Mining and Geology, Government of Kerala, is the statutory body under the State's Industries Department responsible for mineral exploration, prospecting, and administration. Prior to becoming a separate entity in 1946, it functioned as part of the Industries Department. In 2024-25, the mining and quarrying sector (primary sector) in Kerala contributed an estimated value of Rs.2,57,598 Lakh (QE) at constant prices in Kerala’s GSVA. This sector registered 6.33 percent growth in 2024-25 (QE) at Constant Prices. Mineral resources in Kerala are broadly categorized into major minerals and minor minerals. Major minerals are regulated directly by the Union Government under central legislation (the Mines and Minerals Act), whereas minor minerals are regulated at the state level through the Kerala Minor Mineral Concession Rules, administered by the Department of Mining and Geology. 

There are a total of 172 authorized metal crusher units in Kerala. The Government gets revenue from minerals mainly by way of royalty. About 95 percent of the revenue comes from minor minerals. Government revenue from minerals is derived primarily from royalties, with approximately 95 percent of the revenue coming from minor minerals. A total of 504.92 lakh tonnes of major and minor minerals were produced in Kerala during the 2024-25 fiscal year. Indian Rare Earths Ltd, Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd (KMML), Malabar Cements, Travancore Cements Ltd, Kundara Ceramics, English Indian Clays Ltd, and Kerala Clays and Ceramic Products Ltd are some of the major mineral-based industries. Limestone and ilmenite are examples of major minerals found in Kerala. Granite building stone, laterite (for building), ordinary earth, stone crushers, manufactured sand units, brick factories, and tile factories are examples of minor minerals in Kerala. The Public Sector Undertakings in Mining and Minerals Industry working under Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala is as follows.