Bihar: Minerals and energy

According to the Indian Minerals Yearbook 2022 (Indian Bureau of Mines), Bihar is the principal holder of India's pyrite resources, and limestone is the only major mineral it produces. Its power sector is run by the Energy Department, Bihar through state-owned companies, with a long-term vision of "Har Ghar Bijli" under 7 Nischay.

Mineral Resources and Distribution

Bihar is the principal holder of the country’s pyrite resources, possessing 94% of the resources. The state possesses significant coal deposits in the Rajmahal coalfield. As on 1.4.2022, coal reserves/resources in the Rajmahal coalfield (Coal Directory of India, 2022-23) were:

• Proved: 310 million tonnes
• Indicated: 4080 million tonnes
• Inferred: 48 million tonnes
• Total: 4437 million tonnes

Other important mineral occurrences include:

• Limestone: Found in Kaimur (Bhabhua), Monghyr & Rohtas districts.
• Mica: Occurs in Nawada district.
• Quartz/Silica Sand: Found in Bhagalpur, Jamui, Monghyr & Nalanda districts.
• Quartzite: Reported in Lakhisarai, Monghyr & Nalanda districts.
• Talc/soapstone/steatite: Found in Monghyr district.
• Bauxite: Occurs in Monghyr & Rohtas districts.
• China clay: Found in Bhagalpur & Monghyr districts.
• Felspar: Reported in Gaya, Jamui & Monghyr districts.
• Fireclay: Found in Bhagalpur & Purnea districts.
• Gold: Occurs in Jamui district.
• Granite: Found in Bhagalpur, Gaya, Jahanabad & Jamui districts.
• Iron ore (haematite): Found in Bhagalpur district.
• Iron ore (magnetite): Reported in Gaya & Jamui districts.
• Lead-zinc: Found in Banka & Rohtas districts.
• Pyrites: Reported in Rohtas district.

Mining Production and Industry

Limestone is the only major mineral produced in Bihar. For the year 2021-22, the value of minor minerals' production was estimated at ₹4,272 crore. There was a single reporting mine in Bihar for MCDR mineral which relates to Limestone.

GSI carried out exploration for coal, REE, Potash and Iron ore during 2021-22.

Principal mineral-based industries in the Organised Sector include:

• Cement: Facilities include Eco cement Durgawati Bhabhua; Kalyanpur Cements Ltd, Banjari, Dist. Rohtas; Kanodia Cement Bhabhua Bangar Cement; Shree Cement Ltd, Jasoia Aurangabad Grinding Unit, Aurangabad; Shree Cement Ltd, New Bihar Cement plant, Aurangabad; and UltraTech Cement plant, Patliputra.
• Petroleum Refinery: The Indian Oil Corporation operates a refinery at Barauni with a capacity of 6000 ('000 tpy).

Energy Department Structure

The Energy Department, Bihar is a State Government Department assigned to carry out all activities of the Power Sector, coordinate among power utilities and stakeholders, and advise the State Government on matters relating to Power, Electricity & Energy. It implements various Power Projects sanctioned and sponsored by the State and Central Governments.

Key bodies under the department’s domain include:

• Bihar State Power (Holding) Company Limited: Prepares schemes on electricity generation, transmission & distribution. Its subsidiaries are:
  • North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited
  • South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited
  • Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited
  • Bihar State Power Transmission Company Limited
• Bihar State Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited: Established to harness the hydroelectric potential in the State. It conducts survey and prepares schemes on hydroelectric power generation.
• Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency: Established to promote development of schemes on non-conventional energy sources. It has been nominated as nodal agency to carry out the remote village electrification programme.
• Electrical Inspectorate: Responsible for observation & enforcement of the provisions of The Indian Electricity Act, 2003 and Indian Electricity Rules, 1956.

Energy Vision and Policy

Bihar has adopted a long-term approach for the energy sector to fulfill its vision to provide “Har Ghar Bijli” as outlined in 7 Nischay. The vision roadmap supports a low carbon pathway to sustain the economic growth.

Key focus areas of the vision include:

• Increasing the number of state-owned power generation plants.
• Increased share of renewable energy.
• Separate feeder for agricultural purpose.
• Demand-side management by improving the overall efficiency in distribution System.
• Strengthening the distribution companies.

This is tuned with the vision of SDG i.e. “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.”