Kerala State is endowed with a number of occurrences / deposits of minerals such as Heavy Mineral Sands (Ilmenite, Rutile, Zircon, Monazite, Sillimanite), Gold, Iron Ore, Bauxite, Graphite, China Clay, Fire Clay, Tile and Brick Clay, Silica Sand, Lignite, Limestone, Limeshell, Dimension Stone (Granite), Gemstones, Magnesite, Steatite etc. However, mining activities on large scale are confined mainly to a few minerals – Heavy Mineral Sands, China Clay and to a lesser extent Limestone/ Limeshell, Silca Sand and Granite. In fact, Heavy mineral sand and China Clay contribute more than 90% of the total value of major mineral production in the State. However, 75% of the mineral revenue comes from the minor minerals.

The State owns mineral deposits like placers, china clay (kaolin), limestone, limeshell, silica sand, bauxite, graphite, iron ore, granite etc. The major mineral based industries like Indian Rare Earths Ltd., Chavara, Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd., Chavara, Malabar Cements, Walayar, Travancore cements Ltd., Kottayam, Kundara Ceramics, Kollam, English Indian Clays Ltd. (EICL), Thiruvaanthapuram, Excel Glass Industry, Alappuzha, Kerala Clays and Ceramic Products Ltd., Pazhayangadi, Kannur are some of the mineral based industries working in the State since several years.

The resources of beautiful ornamental granites in the State are being exported to different countries. As on 31st March 2011, there are 81 major mineral mines that are operation in the State. Total area covered by mining leases is 2727.92 ha.