Indian rock phosphate mining:\nAt which location is the country’s major rock phosphate deposit classically mined and cited in fertiliser engineering texts?

Introduction / Context:
Rock phosphate is the principal raw material for phosphatic fertilisers. Knowing the major mining locations helps link raw material logistics to plant siting and process economics in India. This question asks for the canonical site widely referenced for domestic rock phosphate mining.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We focus on well-established, large deposits.
• The distractors list well-known mining regions for other minerals.
• Accuracy takes precedence over legacy state names.

Concept / Approach:
India’s most cited rock phosphate deposit is the Jhamarkotra mine near Udaipur in Rajasthan, operated by state enterprises. Other locations in the options are associated with coal (Talcher) or iron ore (Bailadila, Kiriburu), or with pyrite (Amjhore), and are not primary rock phosphate sources for fertiliser manufacture.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Geological and fertiliser-industry references consistently list Jhamarkotra as India’s largest rock phosphate mine, supplying SSP/TSP and wet-process phosphoric acid plants.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Talcher: coal mining; not rock phosphate.
• Bailadila: iron ore deposits.
• Kiriburu: iron ore region.
• Amjhore: pyrite used historically for sulphuric acid, not rock phosphate.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing pyrite and phosphate raw materials because both link to sulphuric acid use; mixing ore names with deposit locations.

Final Answer:
Jhamarkotra, Rajasthan (Udaipur district)