GS 3: Economy

Why in news?

Geological Survey of India (GSI) has released a report on graphite reserves in India.

Highlights:

• Arunachal Pradesh sits on 43% of the country’s graphite resources followed by Jammu & Kashmir (37%), Jharkhand (6%), Tamil Nadu (5%), and Odisha (3%).
• At present India imports majority of Graphite from other countries.

Graphite:

• Graphite is a naturally-occurring form of crystalline carbon.
• It is a native element mineral found in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
• It is extremely soft, cleaves with very light pressure, and has a very low specific gravity.
• It is the only non-metal element that is a good conductor of electricity.
• It is also known as a dry lubricant for its greasy feel