SRINAGAR: Kupwara district in north Kashmir is steadily emerging as one of the Jammu and Kashmir’s most geologically significant regions, with vast reserves of marble, limestone, lignite, graphite and riverbed material positioning it as a potential hub for mineral-based industry and local employment generation, the government revealed in the assembly today.
Officials from the Department of Geology and Mining say systematic and scientific exploration across the district has confirmed considerable mineral wealth, prompting phased development plans aimed at lawful extraction, sustainable utilisation and transparent allocation of resources.
Among the most promising assets are limestone deposits located in the Shumnag Block at Deckchur Ridge in Trehgam. The department has completed G4-level geological investigations, and the findings have been uploaded to the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) portal. The project has now been approved for upgradation to higher exploration stages under the Critical Mineral Tracker initiative, supported through NMEDT funding, following a decision taken in September 2025. Officials said this will allow more precise assessment of commercial viability and facilitate future mining operations.
Marble reserves form another key component of Kupwara’s mineral base. In coordination with the Forest and Revenue Departments, the Geology and Mining Department has delineated 12 marble blocks spread over 49.65 hectares. The estimated marble resources stand at approximately 26.81 million tonnes, making Kupwara one of the largest marble-bearing areas in Jammu and Kashmir.
While earlier de-notification proposals were processed under the erstwhile J&K Forest Conservation Act, the post-2019 regulatory framework now requires forest clearance applications through the PARIVESH portal. To expedite approvals, the department has recommended outsourcing the clearance process to QCINABET-accredited consultants to ensure faster compliance with technical and statutory requirements. Officials say this move is expected to pave the way for lawful and environmentally regulated marble extraction, boosting investment and employment.
Graphite exploration has also gained momentum. During the 2024–25 Geological Field Season, G4-level investigations were carried out across prospective zones in the district. The surveys are being extended in the current field season to cover additional areas. Tentative graphite reserves are estimated at around 18,000 metric tonnes, subject to further exploration and classification upgrades.
Kupwara’s energy mineral prospects have drawn attention at the national level as well. In 2023, the department sought the revival of lignite exploration through CMPDI Ranchi, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited. The Government of India subsequently entrusted detailed exploration to Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL). The project includes 5,000 metres of drilling through 40 boreholes across 1.68 square kilometres in the Nichahom Block.
Core drilling began in September 2025 after MECL engaged a Delhi-based contractor. Preliminary assessments indicate lignite resources of nearly 9 million tonnes, pending final validation. If confirmed, officials say the reserves could support local energy needs and small-scale industry.
Besides, Kupwara holds substantial deposits of riverbed material and other minor minerals critical for construction and infrastructure development. The extraction and supply of these materials are being regulated under the J&K Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2016. Authorities have adopted scientific identification of mining blocks, secured environmental clearances and implemented transparent e-auction systems to prevent illegal mining.
So far, 12 mining leases for riverbed material have been granted through e-auctions after obtaining approved mining plans, environmental permissions and operational consents. These supplies are meeting demand for government and national infrastructure projects as well as public construction needs.
The government said it has also strengthened oversight mechanisms through the Integrated Mining Surveillance System (IMSS), aimed at curbing illegal extraction and ensuring environmentally responsible practices.
officials maintain that the overall objective is to balance economic growth with ecological safeguards while unlocking Kupwara’s mineral potential. With multiple exploration projects underway and fresh investments anticipated, the district is expected to play a growing role in Jammu and Kashmir’s industrial and employment landscape in the coming years.
