Minerals and Energy Resources

Minerals and Energy Resources

• Minerals are naturally occurring substances with a definable internal structure. They range in form from very hard (like diamonds) to soft (like talc). They are essential to human activities and industries.
• Ferrous minerals account for most of the value of metallic minerals. Examples include iron ore and manganese.
• Non-ferrous minerals include copper, bauxite, lead, zinc, and gold. They are crucial in metallurgy, engineering, and electrical industries.
• Non-metallic minerals like mica and limestone are essential for cement, electronics, and other industries.
• Minerals are found in various rock types.
  • Igneous and metamorphic rocks: Minerals can be found in cracks, crevices, faults, or joints. Examples include tin, copper, zinc, and lead.
  • Sedimentary rocks: Minerals are often found in distinct layers or beds. Examples include coal, iron ore, gypsum, potash salt, and sodium salt.
  • Residual deposits form from the decomposition of surface rocks. An example is bauxite.
  • Placer deposits are found in river sands and valley floors. Examples include gold, silver, tin, and platinum.

Distribution of Major Minerals in India

• Iron ore is found extensively in Odisha-Jharkhand, Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur, and Ballari-Chitradurga ranges. Types include magnetite and hematite.
• Manganese is extracted from Odisha, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• Copper is primarily produced in Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), Khetri (Rajasthan), and Singhbhum (Jharkhand).
• Bauxite deposits are found in the Amarkantak plateau, Maikal hills, and Bilaspur-Katni plateau; Odisha is the largest producer.
• Mica is mined in Koderma-Gaya-Hazaribagh belt (Jharkhand), Ajmer (Rajasthan), and Nellore (Andhra Pradesh).

Hazards of Mining

• Mining activities can pose health risks, including pulmonary diseases, mine collapses, and fires.
• Environmental impacts include water contamination, land degradation, and air pollution.
• Stricter safety regulations and environmental laws are needed.

Energy Resources

• Minerals are finite (non-renewable) and require sustainable practices and technologies. Recycling and alternatives are essential.
• Coal is India's most plentiful fossil fuel, found in the Damodar, Godavari, Mahanadi, and Son valleys. Types include peat, lignite, bituminous, and anthracite.
• Petroleum is extracted from major areas like Mumbai High and Gujarat. Also used for lubricants and industrial materials.
• Natural gas is often found with petroleum in deposits like Mumbai High and Cambay.
• Hydroelectric and thermal power generation are significant sources of electricity, including projects such as Bhakra Nangal, Damodar Valley Corporation, and Kopili.
• Solar energy has potential in India due to abundant sunlight. Photovoltaic technology is used to convert sunlight into electricity, often found in rural areas.
• Wind power has potential in areas with significant wind farms in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala, and Maharashtra.
• Biogas is produced from organic waste, a renewable energy source beneficial for domestic use in rural areas.
• Tidal energy can be generated from oceanic tides.
• Geothermal energy is found in the Gulf of Khambhat, Gulf of Kuchchh, and Gangetic delta, and is produced from the Earth's interior heat, with experimental projects in Parvati Valley and Puga Valley.

Conservation of Energy Resources

• Sustainable energy development is needed.
• Promotion of energy conservation and renewable energy sources is important.
• Use of public transport, energy-saving devices, and non-conventional energy sources must be considered.