Chapter - 5 Minerals and Energy Resources
Chapter - 5 Minerals and Energy Resources
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Chapter 5: Minerals and Energy Resources
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GEOGRAPHY MINERALS AND ENERGY RESOURCES
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or joints are called lodes. When minerals in liquid and gaseous forms are forced upwards
through cracks and fissures of the rocks, they cool and solidify. Examples: Copper, zinc,
tin, lead
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Minerals occur in the layers of sedimentary rocks. They are formed as a result of
deposition and concentration in horizontal layers under extreme heat and pressure.
Examples: Coal and iron ore. Minerals such as sodium salt and gypsum are formed as a
result of evaporation in dry regions.
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When the surface of the rocks decomposes, weathered materials are left behind
resulting in the formation of minerals. Example: Bauxite
Some minerals occur as alluvial deposits at the base of hills or on the valley floor.
Examples: Gold, silver, platinum
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Many minerals are found in the oceans. Examples: Magnesium, bromine, common salt
India is rich in minerals, and varieties of minerals are found here.
Types of Minerals
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There are ferrous, non-ferrous, metallic and non-metallic minerals. Ferrous minerals
contain iron and have a tendency to corrode. Non-ferrous minerals do not contain iron, are
not magnetic and are resistant to corrosion.
Differences between metallic and non-metallic minerals:
Metallic Minerals Non-metallic Minerals
Metallic minerals contain metal in raw form. Non-metallic minerals do not contain metals.
These metals are associated with igneous These metals are associated with sedimentary
rocks. rocks.
GEOGRAPHY MINERALS AND ENERGY RESOURCES
They are usually hard and have a shine of They are not usually hard and have no shine of
their own. their own.
Examples: Iron, copper, bauxite, tin Examples: Salt, coal, mica, clay
Metallic minerals
Metallic minerals are composed of metals in their original form and possess a very
crystalline atomic arrangement. Metallic minerals are composed of ferrous minerals and
non-ferrous minerals.
Ferrous Minerals: Metallic minerals containing iron are called ferrous minerals and they are
generally hard and sturdy. They are mainly found in solid form except for Hg(mercury).
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Non-Ferrous Minerals: These minerals, which include copper, bauxite, lead, zinc and gold
play a vital role in a number of metallurgical, engineering and electrical industries. Let us
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study the distribution of copper and bauxite.
Non-Metallic minerals
Nonmetallic minerals are a special group of chemical elements from which no new product
can be generated if they are melted. Nonmetallic minerals are, for example, sand, gravel,
limestone, clay, and marble.
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Major Minerals and their Occurrence in India
Names of Properties Importance Occurrence
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Minerals
Iron Ore Ferrous, heavy Magnetite is of the finest Odisha–Jharkhand Belt
metal quality. It is used in electrical Durg–Bastar–Chandrapur belt in
industries. Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra
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Energy Resources - Conventional and Non-Conventional
Conventional Energy Resources: Conventional sources of energy are the natural
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energy resources which are present in a limited quantity and are being used for a long time.
They are called non-renewable sources as once they are depleted, they cannot be
generated at the speed which can sustain its consumption rate. Major conventional sources
of energy are: ar
Coal
Coal is a major source of energy in India. It is formed as a result of compression of plant
material over millions of years.
Anthracite is the finest quality of coal. Bituminous coal is used for commercial purposes.
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High-quality bituminous coal is used in blast furnaces for smelting iron. Lignite is an
inferior quality of coal which has high moisture content.
In India, coal occurs in the Damodar Valley in West Bengal and Jharkhand, Jharia,
Raniganj and Bokaro. Godavari, Mahanadi, Son and Wardha valleys also contain coal
deposits. Because coal loses weight, heavy industries and thermal power stations are
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Petroleum is found in the fault traps between porous and non-porous rocks. Gas occurs
above the oil.
Mumbai High, Gujarat and Assam are important petroleum-producing regions in the
country. Ankleshwar in Gujarat, and Digboi and Naharkatiya are important oil fields in
Assam.
Natural Gas
It is an environment-friendly source as it emits carbon dioxide in low quantities. It may
occur with or without petroleum. It is used as raw material in petrochemical industries
and as a source of energy.
The Krishna-Godavari Basin has large reserves of natural gas. Mumbai High, Gulf of
Khambhat and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also have large reserves of natural gas.
GEOGRAPHY MINERALS AND ENERGY RESOURCES
Electricity produced by using coal, petroleum and natural gas is known as thermal
electricity. Electricity produced by using fast-flowing water is known as hydroelectricity.
Non-Conventional Energy Resources: Renewable energy sources, often known as non-
conventional energy, are sources that are renewed by natural processes on a continual
basis.
Nuclear Energy
It is produced by altering the atoms in an atomic
reactor.
Uranium and thorium used for the production of
nuclear energy are found in Jharkhand, Aravalli ranges
of Rajasthan and Monazite sands of Kerala.
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Nuclear energy comes from splitting atoms in a reactor
to heat water into steam, turn a turbine and generate
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electricity. 93 nuclear reactors in 28 states generate nearly 20 percent of the nation's
electricity, all without carbon emissions because reactors use uranium, not fossil fuels.
Solar Energy
Because India is a tropical country, there are immense
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possibilities to harness solar energy. Solar plants are
being set up in various parts of the country.
Various residential apartments have also installed solar
cell panels on their roofs for generating electricity.
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Solar energy is the radiation from the Sun capable of
producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or
generating electricity. The total amount of solar energy
received on Earth is vastly more than the world's current and anticipated energy
requirements.
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Wind Power
Windmills are used for generating electricity. India has a
great potential of becoming a wind power.
Windmills are located from Nagercoil to Madurai in
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When heat emanating from the interior of the Earth is used for the generation of
electricity, it is called geo-thermal energy.
When groundwater under the surface of the Earth becomes hot because of the
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existence of high temperature, hot water rises on the surface of the Earth in the form of
steam. This steam is then used to generate electricity.
Two geothermal projects have been started in India-one in Manikarn in Himachal
Pradesh and the other in Puga Valley in Ladakh.
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Differences between Conventional and Non-conventional Sources of energy
Conventional Sources Non-conventional Sources
Conventional sources of energy such as Non-conventional sources of energy such as solar
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coal, petroleum and natural gas are non- and wind energy are renewable sources of
renewable sources of energy. energy.
They have been in use since a long time. These sources have been recently developed and
Examples: Firewood, coal are still developing. Example: Technology for
producing electricity from solar panels
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Most of these energy sources cause They do not cause any pollution. Examples: Solar
pollution when used. Examples: Firewood, energy, geothermal energy
coal, petrol
They are common and widely used They are comparatively new sources of energy
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sources. Example: Thermal power and hence are not widely used. Examples: Solar
panels, windmills
Conservation of Minerals
Conservation of mineral resources is essential because they are a country’s valuable
possession. They are used as raw materials in many industries and help in the economic
development of a nation. Some methods by which we can conserve minerals are
Minerals should be used in a planned and sustainable manner.
Technology should be upgraded to allow the use of low-grade ore at low costs.
Recycling of metals also results in the conservation of mineral resources.
GEOGRAPHY MINERALS AND ENERGY RESOURCES
Non-conventional sources of energy should be harnessed for the generation of
electricity.
Small steps should be taken by every individual such as using public transport, car
pooling and switching off lights and fans when not in use. Using power-saving devices
also go a long way in conserving minerals and energy resources.
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GEOGRAPHY MINERALS AND ENERGY RESOURCES
Important Questions
Multiple Choice questions-
Question 1. The mineral used in the manufacture of steel is:
(a) Copper
(b) Lead
(c) Magnesium
(d) Manganese
Question 2. The state which is the largest producer of manganese is:
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(a) Gujarat
(b) West Bengal
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(c) Bihar
(d) Orissa
Question 3. The ……………………. mines of Madhya Pradesh produce 52 percent of
India’s copper.
(a) Kolaghat
(b) Khetri
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(c) Balaghat
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(d) Singbhum
Question 4. The most important bauxite deposits in the state of Orissa are in
……………………… district.
(a) Singbhum
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(b) Khetri
(c) Balaghat
(d) Koraput
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(b) Anthracite
(c) Lignite
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(d) None of the above
Question 9. The highest quality hard coal is:
(a) Bituminous ar
(b) Anthracite
(c) Lignite
(d) None of the above
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Question 10. Tertiary coals occur in which of the following:
(a) Orissa, West Bengal and Bihar
(b) Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir
(c) Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland
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(b) 73
(c) 83
(d) 93
Question 12. Large reserves of natural gas have been discovered in the:
(a) Ganga – Godavari Basin
(b) Ganga – Yamuna Basi
(c) Ganga – Brahmaputra Basin
(d) Krishna – Godavari Basin
Question 13. The number of thermal power plants in India is:
GEOGRAPHY MINERALS AND ENERGY RESOURCES
(a) 110
(b) 210
(c) 310
(d) 410
Question 14. Nuclear energy is obtained by altering the:
(a) Structure of atoms
(b) Structure of electrons
(c) Structure of protons
(d) None of the above
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Question 15. The largest solar plant of India is located at:
(a) Madhapur
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(b) Khetri
(c) Kolhapur
(d) Jaisalmer ar
Very Short-
Question 1. State some products/things we use that are made of metals.
Question 2. Name the minerals which do the cleaning work.
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Question 3. Which rock consists of single mineral only ? [CBSE 2015]
Question 4. What is a mineral ?
Question 5. How do Geographers study minerals ?
Question 6. What is the interest of a geologists in minerals ?
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6. Toothpaste is a combination of various Minerals”. Support the statement with
suitable examples.
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7. What is the difference in approach of Geographers and Geologists in the study
of mineral resources?
8. Distinguish between metallic Minerals and Non Metallic Minerals.
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9. How do decomposition and weathering influence formation of minerals?
Name a mineral formed due to decomposition and weathering?
10. What is the contribution of coal in the installed capacity of electricity? Why is
the share of coal continuing to be highest?
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Long Questions-
1. What are Non-Conventional Sources of Energy? Why do they have a bright
future in India.
2. Write a short note on Bauxite, its formation, features and distribution in India.
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Reason (R): Different kinds of tools where invented by using minerals.
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1.
2. In these questions, a statement of assertion followed by a statement of
reason is given. Choose the correct answer out of the following choices.
a) Assertion and reason both are correct statements and reason is correct
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explanation for assertion.
b) Assertion and reason both are correct statements but reason is not correct
explanation for assertion.
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c) Assertion is correct statement but reason is wrong statement.
d) Both assertion and reason are wrong statements.
Assertion (A): Mining activity is often called a “Killer Industry”.
Reason (R): Mining helps in agriculture.
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(b) Fuel
(c) Natural gas
(d) None of the above
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iii. Which of the following energy is the non-conventional source of
energy?
(a) Firewood ar
(b) Tidal energy
(c) Natural gas
(d) Petroleum
iv. Firewood and cattle dung cake are most common energy in rural
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India because
(a) They are easily available
(b) They are non-conventional
(c) They produces high energy
(d) None of the above
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v. How India can reduce its dependence over countries for energy?
(a) Promoting non-conventional source of energy
(b) Promoting efficient use of resources
(c) Both (a) and (b)
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11.Answer: (a) 63
12.Answer: (d) Krishna – Godavari Basin
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13.Answer: (c) 310
14.Answer: (a) Structure of atoms
15.Answer: (a) Madhapur ar
Very Short Answers-
1. Answer: Railway lines, a tiny pin, machinery, cars etc. are all made of
metals.
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2. Answer: Silica, oxide and phosphate minerals do the cleaning work.
3. Answer: Limestone.
4. Answer: Mineral is a “homogenous” naturally occurring substance with a
definable internal structure.
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and the less honorable ones were served in gold and silver utensils.
C. Thirty years after this incident aluminium bowls were most common
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with the beggars in Paris.
3. Ans.
A. Limestone is a rock mineral.
B. It is found in association with rocks composed of calcium carbonate or
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calcium and magnesium carbonates.
C. It is found in sedimentary rocks of most geological formations.
D. Limestone is the basic raw material for cement industry and essential
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for smelting iron ore in the blast furnaces.
4. Ans.
A. A concerted effort has to be made in order to use our mineral
resources in a planned and sustainable manner.
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5. Ans.
A. Odisha is the largest producer of manganese ore in India.
B. Manganese is mainly used in the manufacture of steel.
C. About 22%.
6. Ans. Yes, toothpaste is a combination of so many minerals. Toothpaste cleans
our teeth. Abrasive minerals like silica, limestone, aluminum oxide and various
phosphate minerals do the cleaning. Fluoride which is used to reduce cavities,
come from a mineral fluoride. Most toothpaste is made white, with titanium
oxide, which comes from minerals called rutile, ilmenite and anatase. The sparkle
in some toothpaste comes from mica. The toothbrush and tube containing the
paste are made of plastics from petroleum.
GEOGRAPHY MINERALS AND ENERGY RESOURCES
7. Ans. Geographers study minerals as part of the earth’s crust for a better
understanding of land reforms. The Distribution of minerals resources and
associated economic activities are interest to geographers.
Geologists, however, is interested in the formation of minerals, their age and
physical and chemical composition.
8. Ans. Metallic Minerals
1. Minerals from which metals are extracted.
2. They can be pressed in to wires or sheets.
3. Iron gold silver are metallic minerals
Non-Metallic Minerals
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1. Minerals consist of non-metals.
2. They cannot be pressed in to wires or sheets
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3. Clay, Sulphur, coal, potash are all non metallic minerals.
9. Ans.
A. This type of formation involves the decomposition of surface rocks
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under the effect of pressure, temperature and humidity.
B. Due to weathering effects of wind and water the soluble constituents,
leaving a residual mass of weathered material containing ores.
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C. Bauxite is formed this way.
10. Ans.
A. 62% is the contribution of coal in the installed capacity of electricity.
B. The share of coal is continuing to be highest because of the following facts.
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metals such as iron, with extreme lightness and also with good conductivity and
great malleable ability.
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Formation: Bauxite deposits are formed by the decomposition of a wide variety
of rocks rich in aluminium silicates.
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A. It is found in the Amarkantak Plateau, Maikal Hills and the plateau region
of Bilaspur-Katni.
B. Odisha is the largest bauxite producing state in India.
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C. Panchpatmali deposits in Koraput District are the most important bauxite
deposits in the state.
D. 45% of the country’s total production in 2000-01 was in Odisha.
3. Ans.
A. The total Volume of workable mineral deposits in an insignificant fraction
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A. Mica sheets can be so thin that a thousand can be layered in to mica sheet
of a few centimeters high.
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B. Mica can be clear, black, green, red, yellow or brown, Due to its excellent
di-electric strength, low power loss factor, insulating properties and
resistance to high voltage, mica is one of the most indispensable minerals
used in electric and electronic industries.
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Mica producing areas:
A. Mica is found in the northern edge of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. Koderma
Gaya- Hazaribhag belt of Jharkhand is the leading producers.
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B. In Rajasthan the major mica producing area is around Ajmer.
C. Nellore mica belt of Andhra Pradesh is also an important producer in the
country.
6. Ans.
A. Occurrence of Minerals in Igneous and Metamorphic rocks: In igneous and
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metamorphic rocks minerals may occur in cracks, crevices, faults and joints.
The smaller occurrence is called veins and the larger are called lodes. Major
metallic minerals like tin, copper, zinc and lead etc are obtained from veins
and lodes.
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again.
3. These are recently developed sources of
3. These are traditional sources of energy.
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energy.
4. These causes large scale pollution. 4. These are environment friendly resources.
5. For example: Solar energy, wind energy,
5. For example : Coal, petroleum, diesel, etc.
tidal energy etc.
8. Ans.
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A. Solar energy: India is a tropical country. It has enormous possibilities of
tapping solar energy. Photovoltaic technology converts sunlight directly into
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electricity. Solar energy is fast becoming popular in rural and remote areas.
The largest solar plant of India is located at Madhapur, near Bhuj, where solar
energy is used to sterilize milk cans.
B. Wind power: India now ranks as a wind super power in the world. The
largest wind farm cluster is located in Tamil Nadu from Nagarcoil to Madurai.
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C. Bio Gas: Shrubs, farm waste, animal and human waste are used to produce
bio gas for domestic purpose in rural area. Decomposition of organic matter
yields gas, which has higher thermal efficiency in comparison to kerosene,
dung cake and charcoal.
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