The major mineral-based industries include iron and steel, cement, basic and light chemicals and fertilisers. A survey of these industries is given below:
(i) Iron and Steel Industry: Iron and steel is a basic industry and is the backbone of industrial development of any country.
(ii) Chemical industry: It contributes approximately 3 per cent of India’s GDP.
(iii) Fertiliser industry: It is centered around the production of nitrogenous, phosphatic, ammonium phosphate and complex fertiliser.
(iv) Cement industry: This requires limestone, silica, alumina and gypsum as raw materials.
