A sneak peek into Aravalli Hills’ hidden treasure:How rich is deposits of Asia’s nearly 700 km-long oldest mountain range for minerals?

The Supreme Court’s jurisdiction on the new definition of the Aravalli Hills has forced hundreds of people to come out on the streets and protest. ‘#SaveAravalli campaign’ is trending everywhere on social media. What was the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction on the Aravalli Hills? On 20 November, 2025, the Supreme Court accepted the Centre’s new definition of the Aravalli Hills. The definition is that, “Any hills in the range with an elevation of 100 metres are not subject to strictures against mining.” This literally means the apex court and the Central Government has allowed mining in hills in the Aravali ranges having a height of 100 metres. So, why the Centre wants to allow mining in the Aravalli Hills up to a certain limit? India is a land of many resources, and one of its biggest strengths lies beneath the surface – in its mines. Let’s take a sneak peek into the world of Indian mining. Aravalli’s Hidden Treasure The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest mountain ranges in India. It’s packed with minerals like zinc, lead, copper, and marble. The Aravalli deposits are significant and could be worth billions of dollars. These minerals are super important for making everything from batteries to buildings. The Aravalli Range is economically important due to its rich mineral resources and tourism potential. India’s Mining Industry: A Gold Mine The mining industry in India is quite large. It contributes a good chunk to the country’s economy. It’s responsible for digging up all sorts of important stuff like coal, iron ore, and limestone. These materials are the backbone of industries like steel, power, and construction. Size of India’s mining industry? The mining industry was worth $28 billion or ₹2.52 lakh crore in 2023. According to the government of India’s press release, the mining and quarrying industry contributes to 2%-2.5% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Who are the Big Players of India’s mining industry? India has several large mining companies. Some of these subsume: How Much Do These Companies Earn? These mining giants make a lot of money. Coal India, being the biggest, earns crores of rupees each year. Here’s a summary of mining companies’ revenues: If the companies and their billionaire owners are allowed to unlock the mining potential in the Aravalli Hills, this can realy be a gold mine for them!