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MINERALS AND ENERGY RESOURCES - Q&A

1. Multiple choice questions.

(i) Which one of the following minerals is formed by decomposition of rocks, leaving a residual mass of weathered material?
(a) coal
(b) bauxite
(c) gold
(d) zinc

Answer: (b) bauxite
Explanation: Bauxite is formed by the decomposition of surface rocks and the removal of soluble constituents, leaving a residual mass of weathered material containing ores.

(ii) Koderma, in Jharkhand is the leading producer of which one of the following minerals?
(a) bauxite
(b) mica
(c) iron ore
(d) copper

Answer: (b) mica
Explanation: The Koderma-Gaya-Hazaribagh belt of Jharkhand is the leading producer of mica in India.

(iii) Minerals are deposited and accumulated in the stratas of which of the following rocks?
(a) sedimentary rocks
(b) metamorphic rocks
(c) igneous rocks
(d) none of the above

Answer: (a) sedimentary rocks
Explanation: In sedimentary rocks, a number of minerals occur in beds or layers. They are formed as a result of deposition, accumulation, and concentration in horizontal strata.

(iv) Which one of the following minerals is contained in the Monazite sand?
(a) oil
(b) uranium
(c) thorium
(d) coal

Answer: (c) thorium
Explanation: The Monazite sands of Kerala are rich in Thorium.


2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) Distinguish between the following in not more than 30 words.
(a) ferrous and non-ferrous minerals

Answer:
Ferrous minerals contain iron (e.g., iron ore, manganese) and account for about three-fourths of the total value of metallic minerals produced. They provide a strong base for metallurgical industries.
Non-ferrous minerals do not contain iron (e.g., copper, bauxite, lead). They play a vital role in metallurgical, engineering, and electrical industries.

(b) conventional and non-conventional sources of energy

Answer:
Conventional sources have been in use for a long time (e.g., firewood, coal, petroleum). They are generally non-renewable and cause pollution.
Non-conventional sources are recently developed (e.g., solar, wind, tidal). They are renewable, eco-friendly, and sustainable for the future.

(ii) What is a mineral?

Answer:
Geologists define a mineral as a "homogenous, naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure." Minerals are found in varied forms in nature, ranging from the hardest diamond to the softest talc.

(iii) How are minerals formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks?

Answer:
In igneous and metamorphic rocks, minerals occur in cracks, crevices, faults, or joints. They are usually formed when minerals in liquid/molten and gaseous forms are forced upward through cavities towards the earth's surface. They cool and solidify as they rise (e.g., tin, copper, zinc).

(iv) Why do we need to conserve mineral resources?

Answer:
Mineral resources are finite and non-renewable. The geological processes of mineral formation are extremely slow compared to the rapid rate of human consumption. Therefore, we must conserve them to ensure they last for future generations.


3. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.

(i) Describe the distribution of coal in India.

Answer:
In India, coal occurs in rock series of two main geological ages:
1. Gondwana Coal (over 200 million years old): This is metallurgical coal. The major resources are located in the Damodar Valley (West Bengal-Jharkhand). Important coalfields include Jharia, Raniganj, and Bokaro. Coal deposits are also found in the Godavari, Mahanadi, Son, and Wardha valleys.
2. Tertiary Coal (about 55 million years old): These deposits occur in the north-eastern states of Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
Coal is a bulky material that loses weight on use as it reduces to ash, which is why heavy industries and thermal power stations are often located near these coalfields.

(ii) Why do you think that solar energy has a bright future in India?

Answer:
Solar energy has a bright future in India because:
1. Tropical Location: India is a tropical country with an abundance of sunlight, offering enormous possibilities for tapping solar energy.
2. Rural Application: It is fast becoming popular in rural and remote areas. Photovoltaic technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, reducing dependence on firewood and dung cakes.
3. Environmental Benefits: Utilizing solar energy contributes to environmental conservation and ensures an adequate supply of manure for agriculture by saving cow dung from being burnt as fuel.
4. Sustainability: As a non-conventional and renewable source, it addresses the issues of energy shortage and rising prices of fossil fuels.


ACTIVITY
Fill the name of the correct mineral in the crossword below:

ACROSS
1. A ferrous mineral (9)

Answer: MANGANESE

2. Raw material for cement industry (9)

Answer: LIMESTONE

3. Finest iron ore with magnetic properties (9)

Answer: MAGNETITE

4. Highest quality hard coal (10)

Answer: ANTHRACITE

5. Aluminium is obtained from this ore (7)

Answer: BAUXITE

6. Khetri mines are famous for this mineral (6)

Answer: COPPER

7. Formed due to evaporation (6)

Answer: GYPSUM


DOWN
1. Found in placer deposit (4)

Answer: GOLD

2. Iron ore mined in Bailadila (8)

Answer: HEMATITE

3. Indispensable for electrical industry (4)

Answer: MICA

4. Geological Age of coal found in north east India (8)

Answer: TERTIARY

5. Formed in veins and lodes (3)

Answer: TIN

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Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
How do geologists define a mineral?
Answer
A homogenous, naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure.
Question
Which specific mineral used in toothpaste is responsible for reducing cavities?
Answer
Fluoride, which comes from the mineral fluorite.
Question
In toothpaste, minerals like silica, limestone, and aluminium oxide serve what primary purpose?
Answer
They act as abrasive minerals to clean the teeth.
Question
From which minerals is the titanium oxide used to whiten toothpaste derived?
Answer
Rutile, ilmenite, and anatase.
Question
What mineral provides the 'sparkle' found in some toothpastes?
Answer
Mica.
Question
Although minerals represent only $0.3\%$ of our total nutrient intake, why are they considered essential?
Answer
They are necessary to utilise the other $99.7\%$ of foodstuffs consumed.
Question
Into what three main categories are minerals generally classified for commercial purposes?
Answer
Metallic, Non-Metallic, and Energy Minerals.
Question
Metallic minerals containing iron, such as manganese and nickel, are known as _____ minerals.
Answer
Ferrous
Question
Give three examples of non-ferrous metallic minerals.
Answer
Copper, lead, and bauxite.
Question
List three examples of minerals classified as 'Energy Minerals'.
Answer
Coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
Question
Why are some rocks, like limestone, unique compared to the majority of rocks?
Answer
They consist of a single mineral rather than a combination of several.
Question
What determines the specific physical and chemical properties (like colour and hardness) of a formed mineral?
Answer
The physical and chemical conditions under which the material forms.
Question
What is the primary difference between a geographer's and a geologist's interest in minerals?
Answer
Geographers focus on distribution and economic activities, while geologists focus on formation, age, and composition.
Question
Term: Ore
Answer
Definition: An accumulation of any mineral mixed with other elements in sufficient concentration for viable extraction.
Question
In igneous and metamorphic rocks, smaller mineral occurrences in cracks or crevices are called _____.
Answer
Veins
Question
What is the name for large-scale mineral occurrences found in the faults or joints of igneous rocks?
Answer
Lodes
Question
How are minerals typically formed within the veins and lodes of igneous rocks?
Answer
Liquefied or gaseous minerals are forced upward through cavities, where they cool and solidify.
Question
In which type of rock do minerals occur in horizontal 'beds' or 'layers' due to deposition and concentration?
Answer
Sedimentary rocks.
Question
Identify two minerals that are concentrated in sedimentary rocks as a result of long periods under great heat and pressure.
Answer
Coal and some forms of iron ore.
Question
The formation of gypsum and sodium salt in arid regions is primarily caused by the process of _____.
Answer
Evaporation
Question
Which major mineral is formed through the decomposition of surface rocks and the removal of soluble constituents, leaving a residual weathered mass?
Answer
Bauxite.
Question
Term: Placer deposits
Answer
Definition: Alluvial mineral deposits found in valley floor sands and at the base of hills that are not corroded by water.
Question
List four minerals typically found in 'placer deposits'.
Answer
Gold, silver, tin, and platinum.
Question
What three minerals are largely derived directly from ocean waters?
Answer
Common salt, magnesium, and bromine.
Question
What valuable mineral formation is found in rich quantities on ocean beds?
Answer
Manganese nodules.
Question
Term: Rat-hole mining
Answer
Definition: A form of coal mining done by family members in long narrow tunnels, commonly found in Meghalaya.
Question
Why did the National Green Tribunal declare 'rat-hole' mining illegal?
Answer
Due to safety concerns and the unregulated nature of the family-run tunnels.
Question
Which geological region in India contains most of the reserves of coal and metallic minerals?
Answer
The peninsular rocks.
Question
In which Indian states are the majority of petroleum deposits found on the flanks of the peninsula?
Answer
Gujarat and Assam.
Question
Why are the vast alluvial plains of North India considered economically 'poor' in terms of minerals?
Answer
They are almost entirely devoid of economic minerals.
Question
What three factors determine whether a mineral 'reserve' is commercially viable to turn into a mine?
Answer
Concentration in the ore, ease of extraction, and closeness to the market.
Question
Ferrous minerals account for what fraction of the total value of India's metallic mineral production?
Answer
Approximately three-fourths.
Question
Which iron ore is considered the 'finest' due to its very high iron content of up to $70\%$?
Answer
Magnetite.
Question
Why is Magnetite iron ore especially valuable to the electrical industry?
Answer
It possesses excellent magnetic qualities.
Question
What is the typical iron content range of Hematite ore?
Answer
$50\%$ to $60\%$.
Question
Which four Indian states accounted for $97\%$ of iron ore production in 2018–19?
Answer
Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Jharkhand.
Question
In the Odisha-Jharkhand belt, high-grade hematite is mined at which specific mines in the Mayurbhanj district?
Answer
Badampahar mines.
Question
From which port is iron ore from the Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt exported to Japan and South Korea?
Answer
Vishakhapatnam port.
Question
The _____ range of hills in Chhattisgarh is famous for having 14 deposits of super high-grade hematite.
Answer
Bailadila
Question
How is iron ore transported from the Kudremukh mines to the port near Mangaluru?
Answer
It is transported as slurry through a pipeline.
Question
What does the name 'Kudre' mean in Kannada, referring to a specific peak's appearance?
Answer
Horse.
Question
Through which port is iron ore from the Maharashtra-Goa belt exported?
Answer
Marmagao port.
Question
Approximately how much manganese is required to manufacture one tonne of steel?
Answer
$10\text{ kg}$.
Question
Identify three industrial products, other than steel, that use manganese in their manufacturing process.
Answer
Bleaching powder, insecticides, and paints.
Question
Which Indian state was the leading producer of manganese in 2018–19 with a $33\%$ share?
Answer
Madhya Pradesh.
Question
Despite being a good conductor, why is India's position regarding copper considered 'critical'?
Answer
India is critically deficient in both the reserve and production of copper.
Question
What are the three leading copper-producing areas in India?
Answer
Balaghat mines (MP), Khetri mines (Rajasthan), and Singhbhum (Jharkhand).
Question
From which clay-like substance is alumina, and subsequently aluminium, obtained?
Answer
Bauxite.
Question
Why is aluminium a highly valued metal in engineering?
Answer
It combines the strength of iron with extreme lightness and high conductivity.
Question
Which district in Odisha contains the Panchpatmali deposits, the state's most important bauxite source?
Answer
Koraput district.
Question
Mica is uniquely characterised by its ability to split into _____.
Answer
Thin sheets (or leaves).
Question
Identify the property of mica that makes it indispensable for the electrical and electronic industries.
Answer
Excellent di-electric strength and resistance to high voltage.
Question
Which belt in Jharkhand is the leading producer of mica?
Answer
The Koderma-Gaya-Hazaribagh belt.
Question
In which rock types is limestone typically found?
Answer
Sedimentary rocks.
Question
Limestone is the essential raw material for which specific major industry?
Answer
The cement industry.
Question
What is the role of limestone in the production of iron?
Answer
It is essential for smelting iron ore in the blast furnace.
Question
Why is the mining industry often referred to as a 'killer industry'?
Answer
Due to health impacts like pulmonary diseases and safety risks like roof collapses and fires.
Question
What are the primary environmental consequences of dumping mining waste and slurry?
Answer
Degradation of land and soil, and increased pollution in streams and rivers.
Question
According to the text, what percentage of the earth's crust is made up of workable mineral deposits?
Answer
One per cent.
Question
What historical anecdote illustrates the rapid change in the value of aluminium after its discovery?
Answer
Emperor Napoleon III used it for illustrious guests, but $30$ years later it was common for beggars' bowls.