Bauxite based aluminium refractories and abrasive grain industries have flourished in Jamnagar and Porbandar districts. There are also large reserves of lignite of about 7,000 million tonnes, offering in turn, tremendous scope for setting up lignite based power plants. Availability of sedimentary limestone provides scope for setting up cement plants. In addition, limestone is also consumed in the units manufacturing soda ash.

Large number of mineral processing units are engaged in the export of processed bentonite, kaolin, barites, etc. They are in search of joint sector partners for the technology transfer and installation of modern processing equipments.

Low grade bauxite, cement clinker, decorative & dimension stones (e.g. marble, granite, sandstone) are the items which are exported to South Asian markets. Manufacture of cement, ceramics, glass and processed clays show a great promise in Gujarat, as requisite raw materials, infrastructure, skilled manpower, natural gas and lignite resources are available. The mining clusters flourish in Junagadh, Kutch, Bharuch, Vadodara and Mehsana districts. Small-scale entrepreneurs have already made major inroads into the processing of mineral resources. The town of Morvi has emerged as a centre for the manufacture of roofing tiles and assorted sanitary wares.

Only 11 of the 23 mineral occurrences in Gujarat have been exploited so far. There is therefore an immense scope to tap the natural wealth available in the State. Modest beginnings have been made. For instance, in Saurashtra and Kutch huge reserves of bauxite, the starting point for the production of aluminium and its products are being exploited by GMDC in league with transnational partners. It is a good business opportunity for mining and mineral handling companies in the US and Europe to explore the operational possibilities in Gujarat.