MEV 014: Unit 03 – Mineral Resources

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 UNIT 3: MINERAL RESOURCES

3.0 Introduction

Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances found in the Earth’s crust. They form the backbone of industrial development and are essential for the economic and technological advancement of any country. Minerals are used in construction, manufacturing, energy production, and even in household items.

India is rich in mineral resources, and their judicious use plays a vital role in sustainable development. However, unregulated extraction can harm the environment and deplete these non-renewable resources.

3.1 Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

·         Define minerals and their types.

·         Classify minerals into metallic, non-metallic, and energy minerals.

·         Identify major metallic and non-metallic minerals found in India.

·         Understand the importance of energy minerals like coal, petroleum, and nuclear fuels.

·         Discuss the process and impact of mineral exploitation.

·         Explain the concept of mine reclamation.

3.2 Minerals

A mineral is a naturally occurring substance with a definite chemical composition and crystal structure. Minerals are formed through geological processes and are found in rocks, ores, or as deposits in the Earth’s crust.

Key Characteristics:

·         Naturally occurring

·         Inorganic

·         Solid

·         Definite chemical composition

·         Ordered internal structure

3.3 Types of Minerals

Minerals can be classified into three major categories:

·         Metallic Minerals

·         Non-Metallic Minerals

·         Energy Minerals

3.3.1 Metallic Minerals

Metallic minerals contain metallic elements and can be further divided into:

a. Ferrous Minerals:

These minerals contain iron (Fe). They are important for the steel and construction industries.

Iron:

·         Most important ferrous mineral.

·         Used for making steel and machinery.

·         Found in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka.

Manganese:

·         Used in steel-making and battery production.

·         Found in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha.

Nickel:

·         Used in stainless steel and rechargeable batteries.

·         Found in Orissa and Jharkhand.

Cobalt:

·         Used in batteries, magnets, and electronics.

·         Often obtained as a by-product of copper and nickel mining.

b. Non-Ferrous Minerals:

These minerals do not contain iron but are important for industry and technology.

Copper:

·         Used in electrical wires and pipes.

·         Found in Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh.

Lead-Zinc:

·         Used in batteries, paints, and alloys.

·         Found in Zawar (Rajasthan).

Gold:

·         Precious metal used in jewelry and electronics.

·         Found in Kolar and Hutti (Karnataka).

Silver:

·         Used in electronics, jewelry, and photography.

·         Often extracted as a by-product of lead and zinc.

Platinum:

·         Rare and expensive.

·         Used in catalytic converters, jewelry, and electronics.

·         Found in small quantities in some copper and nickel deposits.

3.4 Non-Metallic Minerals

These do not contain metals but are equally important for industrial use.

Mica:

·         Used in electrical insulators and cosmetics.

·         Found in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Rajasthan.

Limestone:

·         Used in cement and steel industries.

·         Found in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan.

Sandstone:

·         Used in construction and decorative purposes.

·         Found in Rajasthan.

Marble:

·         Used in flooring and sculptures.

·         Found in Makrana (Rajasthan).

3.5 Energy Minerals

Energy minerals are used as fuel sources and are vital for power generation, transport, and industries.

3.5.1 Coal and Lignite

Coal:

·         Fossil fuel formed from plant remains over millions of years.

·         Used in power generation, steel, and cement production.

·         Major types: Anthracite, Bituminous, Lignite, Peat

·         Found in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh

Lignite:

·         Lower grade coal with high moisture.

·         Used in electricity generation.

·         Found in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan

3.5.2 Petroleum

·         Liquid fossil fuel used in transportation, heating, and manufacturing.

·         Refined into petrol, diesel, kerosene, and LPG.

·         Found in Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra (offshore), Andhra Pradesh

3.5.3 Nuclear Minerals

These minerals are used as fuel in nuclear power plants.

Uranium:

·         Found in Jharkhand (Jaduguda mines)

·         Used for generating nuclear energy.

Thorium:

·         Found in monazite sands on the coasts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

·         India has one of the largest thorium reserves.

3.6 Mineral Exploitation

Definition:

Mineral exploitation refers to the extraction and processing of minerals from the Earth.

Steps:

1.      Prospecting – Search and survey of minerals.

2.      Mining – Extraction of minerals.

3.      Processing – Crushing and refining minerals.

4.      Transport and Use – Sending to industries for use.

Environmental Issues:

·         Deforestation

·         Air and water pollution

·         Soil erosion

·         Health hazards to workers

·         Displacement of tribal communities

Social Issues:

·         Loss of livelihood

·         Poor working conditions

·         Inadequate compensation and rehabilitation

3.7 Mine Reclamation

Definition:

Mine reclamation is the process of restoring land that has been mined to a natural or economically usable state.

Key Steps:

·         Refilling pits

·         Planting trees and vegetation

·         Treating polluted water

·         Creating alternative land uses (e.g., parks, farms)

Importance:

·         Restores environmental balance

·         Prevents soil erosion and pollution

·         Supports biodiversity

·         Improves the life of local communities

3.8 Let Us Sum Up

·         Minerals are essential natural resources used in industry, energy, and everyday life.

·         They are categorized into metallic, non-metallic, and energy minerals.

·         India has rich mineral deposits, but excessive mining can cause serious environmental and social issues.

·         Coal, petroleum, uranium, and thorium are key energy minerals used in power production.

·         Sustainable mining and mine reclamation are crucial to reduce environmental damage and ensure long-term availability of resources.

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