Economic minerals are minerals of commercial value. Limestone, gypsum, phosphoric ore and marble are amongst important economic minerals as are various types of building stones. Economic mineral deposits consist of every gradation—from bulk materials or aggregates, in which most of the rock or mineral is of commercial value—to deposits of precious metals (gold, silver, etc.) from which only a few ppm (or ppb in the case of diamond desposits) are separated and sold.
This textbook in 2 volumes is based on various economic minerals and deals with Ore Geology and Economic Minerals as well as Mineral Economics. The subject matter of Vol. 1 is divided into three sections for focused study. Section A “Resources/Mineral Resources” provides general information about our mineral resources, while Section B “Ore Geology” describes in sufficient detail, ore formation periods, ore genesis, ore fluids, forms, modes, structures, tectonics and mineralization, secondary sulphide deposits, etc. Section C “Economic Minerals” consists of comprehensive discussions on deposits of diamond, gold, iron, manganese, tin, tungsten, copper, lead, zinc, bauxite, mica, limestone and phosphorite.
Vol. 2 of the book is comprised of sections D, E and F. Keeping in view the development in marine science as well as increasing concerns for environment, ocean resources, manganese nodules and forest resources have been specially considered in Section D “Ocean and Forest Resources”. Section E “Mineral Economics” encompasses classification norms for mineral deposits, geo-statistics, criteria for mineral exploration and investment, ore microscopy, processing, etc. Legal provisions, national mineral policy and mineral conservation have also been included along with ocean/sea policy and forest policy. Section F “Mineral Based Industries” describes in detail iron and steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizer, refractory and abrasive industry need.
The book is meant for the students, teachers and researchers of Geology, Geography, Environmental Science and Mining Engineering at university level. It will also be of immense help to students preparing for competitive examinations like UGC-CSIR (NET), GATE and SLET for JRF and lectureship eligibility in universities and colleges as well as GSI, ONGC, OIL, CIL, CGWB, NMDC, etc. and also for administrative services (IAS, IPS, IFS, PCS, etc.).
S.K. Tiwari is Associate Professor at U.G.C. Academic Staff College, Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He is postgraduate in Applied Geology and obtained his Ph.D. on the subject with thesis on Geology of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, from BHU. He is the recipient of Sharma Memorial Gold Medal from Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad.
Dr. Tiwari has actively participated in several national and international conferences on environment and geology. The books written by him include Fuel Minerals and Other Energy Resources, Mining and Environmental Science and Environmental Science published by Atlantic Publishers and Distributors (P) Ltd. Besides, he has contributed a large number of articles on geology, environment, minerals and related topics in journals of repute.
Dr. Tiwari is considered an authority on mining and ore geology. He has carved out a niche for himself in academic circles by dint of hard work, deep research and writing prowess.
