India is endowed with a rich variety of mineral
India is endowed with a rich variety of mineral — Study Notes
NCERT-aligned · 10 notes · 3 shown free
MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES
ExplanationMINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES
India is richly endowed with a diverse range of mineral resources owing to its varied geological structure. Most valuable minerals are products of the pre-Palaeozoic age and are mainly associated with the metamorphic and igneous rocks of peninsular India. The vast alluvial plains of northern India are largely devoid of economically useful minerals. Mineral resources form the essential base for the country's industrial development. Minerals are natural substances of organic or inorganic origin with definite chemical and physical properties. This chapter explores the availability and distribution of various mineral and energy resources in India, highlighting their types, characteristics, and economic importance.
- India's mineral wealth is largely due to its varied geological structure.
- Most valuable minerals are from the pre-Palaeozoic age, linked to peninsular India's metamorphic and igneous rocks.
- Northern India's alluvial plains lack economically useful minerals.
- Minerals provide the foundation for industrial development.
- Minerals are natural substances with definite chemical and physical properties.
- 📌 Mineral: A natural substance of organic or inorganic origin with definite chemical and physical properties.
- 📌 Pre-Palaeozoic age: Geological era before the Palaeozoic era, significant for mineral formation in India.
Types of Mineral Resources
ExplanationTypes of Mineral Resources
Minerals in India are classified based on their chemical and physical properties into two main categories: metallic and non-metallic minerals. Metallic minerals are sources of metals and are further divided into ferrous and non-ferrous minerals. Ferrous minerals contain iron, such as iron ore, while non-ferrous minerals do not contain iron, examples include copper and bauxite. Non-metallic minerals can be organic or inorganic. Organic non-metallic minerals, also called fossil fuels, are derived from buried animal and plant life and include coal and petroleum. Inorganic non-metallic minerals include mica, limestone, and graphite. Minerals have certain key characteristics: they are unevenly distributed spatially; there is an inverse relationship between quality and quantity (high-quality minerals are less abundant); and all minerals are exhaustible over time as they take long geological periods to form and cannot be replenished quickly. Therefore, conservation is essential.
- Minerals are broadly classified into metallic and non-metallic categories.
- Metallic minerals are divided into ferrous (contain iron) and non-ferrous (do not contain iron).
- Non-metallic minerals include organic (fossil fuels) and inorganic types.
- Minerals are unevenly distributed across India.
- High-quality minerals are generally less abundant than low-quality ones.
- Minerals are exhaustible and require conservation.
- 📌 Ferrous minerals: Minerals containing iron.
- 📌 Non-ferrous minerals: Minerals not containing iron.
- 📌 Fossil fuels: Organic non-metallic minerals derived from ancient plant and animal remains.
Distribution of Minerals in India
ExplanationDistribution of Minerals in India
Most metallic minerals in India occur in the peninsular plateau region, particularly in old crystalline rocks. Over 97% of coal reserves are found in the valleys of Damodar, Sone, Mahanadi, and Godavari rivers. Petroleum reserves are mainly located i
Practice Questions — India is endowed with a rich variety of mineral
Includes NCERT exercise questions with answers
Q1.1. Choose the right answers of the following from the given options. (i) In which one of the following States are the major oil fields located? (a) Assam (b) Bihar (c) Rajasthan (d) Tamil Nadu (ii) At which one of the following places was the first atomic power station started? (a) Kalpakkam (b) Narora (c) Rana Pratap Sagar (d) Tarapur (iii) Which one of the following is non-renewable source of energy? (a) Hydel (b) Solar (c) Thermal (d) Wind power
Answer:
(i) The major oil fields in India are located in Assam. Assam is known for its oil fields like Digboi, Naharkatiya, and Moran. (ii) The first atomic power station in India was started at Tarapur in Maharashtra in 1969. (iii) Thermal energy is a non-renewable source of energy as it primarily depends on fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas which are finite resources.
Explanation:
Step-by-step solution: (i) Among the options, Assam is famous for its oil fields, making it the correct choice. (ii) The first atomic power station was established at Tarapur, Maharashtra, not Kalpakkam, Narora, or Rana Pratap Sagar. (iii) Hydel, solar, and wind power are renewable sources of energy, whereas thermal power depends on fossil fuels and is non-renewable.
Q2.2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words. (i) Give an account of the distribution of mica in India. (ii) What is nuclear power? Mention the important nuclear power stations in India. (iii) Name non-ferrous metal. Discuss their spatial distribution. (iv) What are non-conventional sources of energy?
Answer:
(i) Mica is mainly found in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Jharkhand and Bihar are the leading producers. (ii) Nuclear power is the energy released during nuclear fission or fusion reactions. Important nuclear power stations in India include Tarapur (Maharashtra), Rawatbhata (Rajasthan), Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu), Narora (Uttar Pradesh), and Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu). (iii) Non-ferrous metals include copper, aluminum, lead, zinc, and tin. Copper is mainly found in Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. Aluminum (bauxite) is found in Odisha, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. (iv) Non-conventional sources of energy are renewable energy sources like solar power, wind power, tidal energy, geothermal energy, and biomass energy.
Explanation:
Step-by-step solution: (i) Mica distribution is concentrated in Jharkhand and Bihar due to the presence of mica belts. (ii) Nuclear power is generated by splitting atoms; India has several nuclear power plants at strategic locations. (iii) Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain significant amounts of iron; their distribution depends on mineral deposits. (iv) Non-conventional energy sources are sustainable and environment-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels.
Q3.3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words. (i) Write a detailed note on the Petroleum resources of India. (ii) Write an essay on hydel power in India.
Answer:
(i) Petroleum resources in India are found mainly in Assam, Gujarat, Mumbai High off the coast of Maharashtra, and the Krishna-Godavari basin. Assam was the first region where oil was discovered in India. Mumbai High is the largest offshore oil field. Petroleum is a crucial energy resource for India’s economy, used for transportation, industry, and domestic purposes. Exploration and production have increased with technological advancements, but India still imports a significant portion of its petroleum needs. (ii) Hydel power or hydroelectric power is generated by harnessing the energy of flowing water. India has vast potential for hydel power due to its numerous rivers and hilly terrain. Major hydel power stations include Bhakra Nangal, Tehri, Srisailam, and Nagarjuna Sagar. Hydel power is renewable, clean, and helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels. It also aids in irrigation and flood control. However, large dams may cause environmental and social issues such as displacement and ecological imbalance.
Explanation:
Step-by-step solution: (i) Discuss the locations, significance, and uses of petroleum resources in India. (ii) Explain the concept of hydel power, its advantages, major projects, and challenges faced.
Q4.What is the definition of a mineral according to the chapter on Mineral and Energy Resources?
Answer:
A mineral is a natural substance of organic or inorganic origin with definite chemical and physical properties.
Explanation:
A mineral is defined as a natural substance that can be of organic or inorganic origin. It possesses definite chemical and physical properties that distinguish it from other substances. For example, iron ore is a mineral with specific chemical composition and physical characteristics.
Q5.Which of the following correctly classifies minerals based on their chemical and physical properties?
Answer:
Metallic minerals (ferrous and non-ferrous) and non-metallic minerals (organic and inorganic)
Explanation:
Minerals are classified into two main categories: metallic minerals and non-metallic minerals. Metallic minerals are further divided into ferrous (containing iron) and non-ferrous (not containing iron). Non-metallic minerals are divided into organic (fossil fuels like coal and petroleum) and inorganic (such as mica and limestone).
Q6.What is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metallic minerals? Provide examples of each.
Answer:
Ferrous minerals contain iron, such as iron ore and manganese. Non-ferrous minerals do not contain iron, examples include copper and bauxite.
Explanation:
Ferrous minerals are those that contain iron and are important for steel-making, for example, iron ore and manganese. Non-ferrous minerals lack iron content and include metals like copper and bauxite, which are used in electrical industries and aluminium production respectively.
Q7.Which of the following is an organic non-metallic mineral?
Answer:
Coal
Explanation:
Organic non-metallic minerals are fossil fuels derived from buried animal and plant life. Coal is an organic non-metallic mineral. Mica, limestone, and graphite are inorganic non-metallic minerals.
Q8.Explain why mineral resources must be conserved and not misused.
Answer:
Mineral resources are exhaustible and take a long time to develop geologically. They cannot be replenished immediately, so misuse can lead to depletion. For example, over-extraction of coal can reduce reserves and harm future availability.
Explanation:
Minerals form over millions of years and are not renewable within a human lifespan. Their uneven distribution and exhaustible nature mean that once depleted, they cannot be replaced quickly. Conservation ensures sustainable use and availability for future generations.
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Geography · Class 12