Kutch is an extremely important region for its proved silica sand reserves. Around 98 percent (152.8 million tonnes) of the Silica Sand reserves in Gujarat are found in Kutch. The reserves in Kutch are more than 45 percent of the total proved reserves in India (336.3 million tonnes). It is an extremely significant reserve after the same in Haryana possessing the largest reserves in the country.

Silica sand available in Kutch is comparatively of low grade (Fe2O3=0.3%, TiO2=0.43%, CaO=0.21%, Na2O=0.03%) and needs technology upgradation for various industrial purposes.

Although having the largest reserve, in Gujarat, Kutch (31.7 percent) is the second largest producer after Bharuch district. On the other hand Gujarat is the largest producer in India followed by Haryana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Over the years Haryana was the largest producer of Silica Sand. However, in the recent years the production in Gujarat, with increasing production in Kutch has exceeded that of Haryana. In Kutch the production of silica sand has increased substantially in 2002. Although there were fluctuations in production over the years but it has shown an overall 50 percent growth per annum.

Silica sand exploited at present is only sieved into different fractions. No valueadded products are manufactured. Downstream possibilities for processed washed silica items also exist in the district. For above items, few units are in operation in the state. But no unit has been established in the district for the above value-added items. Silica sand value-added products are water intensive and chemical treated. Pollution Control Board Certificate and Water source are the constraints, so present processors have not given consideration. But now with the availability of Narmada Water, reconsideration with CSMRI technology tie up is advisable for the items. Silica sand as per the information is also utilised by IFFCO in fertilizer industry.