Economy of Jaisalmer district is dependent on industries to a large extent. At present, the major industries in the district are the following- tourism, stone-cutting and carving, khadi industry and mineral based industry. Woollen and khadi items of this district are very popular all over the country. Woollen items are important here since animal husbandry is the main occupation of the people of this district. Khadi industry has developed as the most important cottage industry. About 2 lac square meter of khadi items are produced in this district every year. In IGNP area there is a scope for oil mills, Dal mills and other agro-based industries.
In Jaisalmer town, the RICCO industrial area, Gandhi Colony is already developed. Baramsar and Hamira area have recently been set apart. A demarcated industrial area exists in Pokaran too, and it is also known as the Ashapura industrial area. There are three saline areas viz. Pokaran Rin, Gudi Rin and Kanod Rin. Thus salt industry is also expected to be developed in the near future.
There is a vast scope for mineral based industries in this district. It is hoped that major Cement plants and other mineral based industries will develop in this district very rapidly. Jaisalmer district has very precious mineral deposits. The following minerals are available in abundance in the district Lime Stone, Gypsum, Yellow Marble, Sand stone, Granite, Dolomite, Rock phosphate, Siliceous Earth, Jasper, Bentonite and Masonry stone. There are a number of Government Departments and Corporations working in the district. These include-
•Geology wing-Superintending Geologists, Jaisalmer.
•Mining wing-Assistant mining Engineer, Jaisalmer.
•Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals Ltd., Sanu (A Govt. of Rajasthan Enterprise).
•Rajasthan State Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (A Govt. of Rajasthan Undertaking).
Khuiala limestone belt is the most important belt of this area containing high grade (S.M.S.) limestone at the top and cement grade limestone at the very depth. The whole of Jaisalmer District has been reserved for exploration of S.M.S. grade and cement grade limestone by the State Government. At present RSMM Limited and RSMDC are exploiting limestones at Sanu, near Ramgarh. The mining wing performs the regulatory and administrative duties.
