India is endowed with a vast variety of mineral resources, mainly found in the Peninsular Plateau. The northern alluvial plains are devoid of economically viable minerals. These resources are vital for industrial development. Minerals are natural substances of organic or inorganic origin, possessing distinct chemical and physical properties.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the types and classifications of mineral resources.
- Comprehend the spatial distribution of minerals in India.
- Recognize the significance of energy resources for industrial growth.
- Gain knowledge of non-conventional energy resources and their role in sustainable development.
Minerals can be broadly classified based on their chemical and physical properties into two categories: metallic and non-metallic.
India’s mineral resources are concentrated primarily in the Peninsular Plateau and divided into three main regions:
This region covers Jharkhand, Odisha Plateau, West Bengal, and parts of Chhattisgarh, and is rich in minerals like iron ore, coal, manganese, and bauxite. Major iron and steel industries are concentrated here due to the abundance of raw materials.
This region extends over Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala and contains high-grade iron ore, manganese, and limestone. Kerala has deposits of monazite, thorium, and bauxite.
Covering Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of the Aravalli range, this region is rich in copper, zinc, sandstone, granite, and gypsum. Rajasthan has rich deposits of building stones and petroleum reserves are prominent in Gujarat.
Minerals like copper, lead, zinc, cobalt, and tungsten are found here. Assam is known for its mineral oil deposits, while offshore areas near Mumbai are rich in oil resources.
Important Note: The vast mineral deposits in the Peninsular Plateau offer a significant advantage for the establishment of heavy industries, such as iron and steel manufacturing.
India holds vast reserves of iron ore, particularly of haematite and magnetite. The major reserves are found in Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Goa, and Tamil Nadu. Some important mining areas include Gurumahisani, Mayurbhanj, Kiruburu, and Bonai in Odisha, as well as Noamundi and Gua in Jharkhand.
This mineral is essential for iron smelting and producing ferroalloys. India’s manganese reserves are predominantly found in Odisha, followed by Karnataka and Maharashtra. Major mining areas include Bonai, Kendujhar, and Gangpur in Odisha, and Ballari and Belagavi in Karnataka.
India has limited reserves of non-ferrous minerals, except for bauxite.
Used for manufacturing aluminum, bauxite is found in Odisha, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. Odisha is the largest producer, with significant deposits in Kalahandi and Sambalpur.
India’s copper deposits are primarily located in Jharkhand (Singhbhum), Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat), and Rajasthan (Jhunjhunu, Alwar).
Important Note: Copper plays a crucial role in the electrical industry due to its excellent conductivity and malleability.
India is a leading producer of mica, primarily found in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan. It is widely used in electrical and electronic industries due to its insulating properties.
Energy resources, especially mineral fuels, are essential for generating power across various sectors. These include both conventional and non-conventional energy sources.
India’s major coal reserves, predominantly of bituminous type, are found in the Damodar Valley (Jharkhand-Bengal coal belt). Other significant coalfields include Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh), Korba (Chhattisgarh), Talcher (Odisha), and Singareni (Telangana).
Coal is used for thermal power generation and smelting of iron ore. India has both Gondwana and tertiary coal deposits.
Petroleum is a vital energy resource used in internal combustion engines. India’s oil fields are concentrated in Assam, Gujarat, and the Mumbai High offshore region. Important oil fields include Digboi, Naharkatiya, and Ankleshwar.
Petroleum is refined in field-based refineries like Digboi and market-based refineries like Barauni.
Natural gas is primarily found alongside oil fields in Assam, Gujarat, and the Krishna-Godavari basin. The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) was established to manage the transport and marketing of natural gas.
India’s western regions, such as Gujarat and Rajasthan, hold vast potential for solar energy. Solar power is primarily used in heaters, crop dryers, and solar cookers.
Wind energy is harnessed in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Wind farms convert the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy, making it a sustainable, pollution-free source of power.
India’s coastal regions offer the potential to develop tidal energy, though it remains largely untapped.
Geothermal energy is produced from the heat stored beneath the earth’s surface. India’s only geothermal plant is located at Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh.
Important Note: The shift to non-conventional energy sources is critical for reducing reliance on exhaustible fossil fuels and promoting sustainable development.
Sustainable development necessitates the conservation of mineral resources. Methods for conservation include:
Important Note: Conservation is vital as minerals are non-renewable and exhaustible. Adopting recycling and sustainable energy practices will help preserve these resources for future generations.
Which one of the following is known as a non-renewable source of energy?
- (a) Hydel
- (b) Solar
- (c) Thermal
- (d) Wind
Answer: (c) Thermal