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Mineral and Energy Resources are the beneficial resources available to human beings. It provides the country with the required base needed for industrial development. Our Earth’s crust is made up of various types of minerals which are embedded in the rocks. After refining, metals are extracted from minerals.
- Mineral and Energy Resources are used by individuals for livelihood, festivities, and religious and ceremonial rites.
- According to the statistical data, 95% of mineral and energy resources are used by humans.
- Minerals resources are obtained from minerals, which is a naturally occurring substance.
- Similarly, energy resources are obtained from renewable and non-renewable resources.
- As per analysis, 80% of industrial and 75% of agricultural raw materials come from mineral resources.
- Various cars, buses, trains, and aeroplanes are manufactured using mineral and energy resources.
Read More: Essential mineral elements
Key Terms: Minerals, Mineral and Energy Resources, Renewable Reources, Non Renewable Reources, Rocks, Sedimentary Rocks, Igneous Rocks, Energy
What are Mineral Resources?
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Mineral Resources are naturally occurring substances that are found in the Earth’s crust. These substances are generally inorganic in nature. Minerals are solid compounds which have a crystal-like structure. It is usually found in ore, which is formed by mixing various minerals mixed with other elements.
- The formation of minerals depends upon the physical and chemical properties of the material.
- Scientists have identified around 2,000 minerals, out of which a maximum of them are inorganic.
- However, a few minerals like gold, silver, and sulfur are organic in nature.
- Hardesh diamond and talc are some of the examples of mineral resources.
Read More:
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|---|---|---|
| Components of Ecosystem | Oxygen Cycle | Nitric Acid |
| Versatile Nature of Carbon | Chemical Properties of Carbon compounds | Oxoacids of Phosphorous |
Mode of Occurrence of Minerals
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Minerals occur in various forms, which are as follows:
- Mineral resources are found in the cracks and crevices of metamorphic and igneous rocks.
- They are also found in beds and layers of sedimentary rocks.
- The removal of soluble constituents from a compound also forms minerals.
- Minerals resources can easily be extracted from ocean water.
- They are formed by the deposition of alluvials in the sand on the valley floor or at the base of mountains.
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Types of Mineral Resources
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Mineral Resources are homogenous compounds with definable internal structure. They help in the development of the country in all spheres of life. Geographers study about minerals resources for a better understanding of landforms.
- Mineral resources are of three types:- Metallic Mineral Resources, Non-Metallic Mineral Resources and Energy Resources.
- Metallic Mineral Resources can further be classified into ferrous and non-ferrous Mineral Resources.
Metallic Mineral Resources
Metallic Mineral Resources are resources that are good conductors of heat and electricity. These are hard and lustrous substances which are formed by the process of melting. Some common examples of metallic mineral resources include Copper, Gold, Silver, Zinc, Tin, etc.
Metallic Minerals Resources are further divided into two groups:-
Ferrous Minerals
Ferrous Minerals are minerals that have iron in them. They account for about three-fourths of the total value of the metallic minerals. Some examples of ferrous minerals include iron ore, manganese, etc.
Non-Ferrous Minerals
Non-Ferrous Minerals are minerals that do not have iron as their constituent. These types of mineral resources are used in metallurgical, engineering and electrical industries. Some examples of non-ferrous minerals include lead, copper, etc.
Characteristics of Metallic Mineral Resources
Some of the characteristics of metallic mineral resources are as follows:
- Metallic Mineral Resources have metals in their composition.
- They are malleable and ductile in nature.
- They have a shiny appearance.
- Various kinds of metals can be obtained by melting such resources.
Read More: Differences between Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources of Energy
Non Metallic Mineral Resources
The resources that do not produce any new product on melting are known as Non-Metallic Mineral Resources. For example:- mica, potash, diamond etc.
Read More: Metallurgy
Characteristics of Non-Metallic Mineral Resources
Some of the characteristics of non metallic mineral resources are as follows:
- Non-metallic minerals do not have metal in their composition.
- They are dull in appearance.
- They are brittle and non-malleable.
Read More: Tyndall Effect
Energy Mineral Resources
Energy is required for generating heat, electricity and for various other purposes. We get this energy by burning coal, petroleum or using extreme flow of water for electricity generation. It is used for generation of power and required by agriculture, industry, transport, and other sectors of the economy.
- Energy resource is a type of qunatitative resources.
- It can be used to produce output resources that can be analysed by various process.
- The energy resources can be created in the form of heat, electricity or mechanical energy.
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Types of Energy Resources
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Energy Resources can be classified into conventional sources and non-conventional sources of energy, which are discussed in detail.
Conventional Sources of Energy
Conventional Sources of Energy are sources of energy that are obtained naturally and have been used for years. It is used in lighting, cooking, running machinery, and provision of electricity.
- It is also known as a non-renewable source of energy.
- Conventional Sources of Energy are present in limited quantities.
- These types of resources have lower initial costs.
- A common example of a conventional source of energy includes firewood used for cooking purposes in remote areas of India.
- Coal, Petroleum and Natural Gas are Conventional sources of energy.
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Some conventional sources of energy are as follows:
Coal
Coal is found in abundance in India and is used to provide heat energy to industries and households. It is also used for the production of electricity. Anthracite is considered to be the best quality of coal, while lignite is the poor-quality coal with high moisture content. Bituminous coal is the abundantly found fossil fuel which has been subjected to high temperatures while being formed.
Petroleum
Petroleum is used as a fuel for lighting, lubricant and raw material for industries. This resource is less abundant than coal.
Natural Gas
Natural Gas is environment friendly because of its low carbon emissions and is used to supply energy to households. It is extensively used in the power and fertilizer industry. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is used in vehicles and is also replacing liquid-polluting fuels.
Electricity
Electricity is primarily generated in two ways:
- Thermal Electricity: Electricity is generated when steam from the burning of coal, petroleum and natural gas drives turbines. It is a non-renewable source of energy.
- Hydroelectricity: Hydroelectricity is produced when the running water drives hydro turbines. It is a renewable source of energy.
Non Conventional Source of Energy
Non-conventional sources of energy are a source of energy which is considered the best alternative to conventional energy resources. These resources are present in abundance and are less polluting.
- Non-Conventional Sources of Energy are used for the production of electricity.
- It can easily be obtained from the sun, wind, hot springs, and others that support heat and power generation.
- These types of resources cause low environmental damage
- Non-conventional Sources of Energy are also called Renewable Sources of Energy.
- Solar energy, bioenergy, tidal energy and wind energy are some of the non-conventional sources of energy.
Some non-conventional sources of energy are:-
Atomic Energy
Atomic Energy is the energy generated by altering the structure of atoms.
Solar Energy
Being a topical country, India has an abundance of sunlight, which is used for energy production. Photovoltaic devices trap solar energy to convert it into electricity.
Tidal Energy
Tidal Energy is a type of energy which is harnessed by erecting dams. The force of tidal waves generates electricity. It is a form of hydropower.
Wind Energy
Wind Energy is generated through windmills by using the force of wind. To create wind energy, wind turbines are set up on a large scale.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is obtained from the heat produced from the interiors of the earth's surface and is used to generate electricity.
Uses of Mineral Resources
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The uses of minerals depend mainly on their properties. Uses of various Minerals are listed below.
- Magnetite is extremely rich in iron and has magnetic properties.
- It is used in the electrical industry.
- Manganese is used for manufacturing steel.
- Copper is used in electric cables and the chemical industry.
- Limestone acts as a raw material for cement.
- Mica is used in the electrical industry.
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Methods of Conservation
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Mineral Resources largely depend upon the applications in the manufacturing industries and agriculture. They are an indispensable part of our lives, and hence, it is important to conserve them. As they are finite and non-renewable, we need to practice methods to protect these mineral resources. Some of the ways by which we can do so are:-
- Improving technology so that we can even use low-grade ores for the extraction of Minerals.
- Mineral resources can be conserved by using scrap metals.
- Recycling of metals.
Things to Remember
- Mineral and Energy Resources play an integral part in socio-economic development.
- Mineral Resources are solid and have a crystal-like structure.
- There are three types of mineral resources, namely metallic, non-metallic and energy resources.
- Non-conventional sources of energy are present in abundance in India.
- Conservation of Mineral Resources is important as they are non-renewable.
Sample Questions
Ques. How are minerals formed? (2 marks)
Ans. Minerals are formed in various ways such as:
- They are found in the cracks and crevices of metamorphic and igneous rocks and in beds and layers of the sedimentary rocks.
- In the layers between sedimentary rocks.
- Minerals are also present in ocean water.
Ques. What are the uses of mineral resources? (3 marks)
Ans. The uses of Minerals depend mainly on its properties. Uses of various Minerals are listed below.
- Magnetite is extremely rich in iron and has magnetic properties and it is used in the electrical industry.
- Manganese is used for manufacturing steel.
- Copper is used in electric cables and the chemical industry.
Ques. What do you mean by metallic mineral resources? What are its types? (3 marks)
Ans. Metallic Mineral Resources are resources that are good conductors of heat and electricity. These are hard and lustrous substances which are formed by the process of melting. Some common examples of metallic mineral resources include Copper, Gold, Silver, Zinc, Tin, etc.Metallic Minerals resources are further divided into two groups:-
- Ferrous Minerals:- The Minerals that have iron in them are called ferrous Minerals. For example:- Iron Ore, Manganese etc.
- Non Ferrous Minerals:- The Minerals that do not have iron as it’s constituent are known as Non Ferrous Minerals. Examples of Non-ferrous Minerals are lead, copper etc.
Ques. What are energy mineral resources? Mention its classifications? (3 marks)
Ans. Energy is required for generating heat, electricity and for various other purposes. We get this energy by burning coal, petroleum or using extreme flow of water for electricity generation. It is used for generation of power and required by agriculture, industry, transport, and other sectors of the economy. Energy resource is a type of qunatitative resources.
Energy Resources can be classified into conventional sources and non-conventional sources of energy.
- Conventional sources of energy:- Coal, Petroleum and Natural Gas are Conventional sources of energy.
- Non-conventional sources of energy:-. Non-Conventional sources of energy are used for the production of electricity through solar, thermal, tidal, wind, geo-thermal, and biogas.
Ques. What are ways to conserve mineral resources? (3 marks)
Ans. We depend largely on Mineral Resources for it’s applications in the manufacturing industries and agriculture. They are an indispensable part of our life and hence, it is important to conserve them. As they are finite and non-renewable, we need to practice methods to protect these mineral resources. Some of the ways by which we can do so are:-
- Improving technology so that we can even use low grade ores for the extraction of Minerals.
- Using scrap metals.
- Recycling of metals.
Ques. Why do we need to conserve mineral resources? (2 marks)
Ans. Mineral resources need to be conserved as they are limited. It takes billions of years for the minerals to be replenished in nature. Continuing extraction of ores can lead to increasing cost of extraction and a decrease in quality as well as in quantity.
Ques. How do minerals occur in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks? (2 marks)
Ans. Minerals are found in sedimentary rocks in the form of beds and layers due to their concentration in horizontal strata whereas in metamorphic rocks, minerals are found in the cracks and crevices.
Ques. Why is energy an indispensable part of our lives? (2 marks)
Ans. With urbanization and ever evolving technology, it is impossible to think about our lives without energy. We need Energy in all the three sectors:- Agriculture, manufacturing and service. For example:- Agriculture requires manure that can be provided by the waste of biogas plants, manufacturing of cables requires copper, vehicles need petrol etc. Hence, it can be said that energy has become an indispensable part of our lives.
Ques. Differentiate between metallic and Non-Metallic mineral resources? (5 marks)
Ans. The difference between metallic and non metallic minerals are as follows:
| Metallic Mineral Resources | Non-Metallic mineral resources |
|---|---|
| They have metal in its composition | They do not have metal in its composition |
| They are shiny | They are dull |
| They are malleable and ductile | They are brittle and non-malleable |
| For example:- Copper, Aluminum etc. | For example:- Sulfur, limestone, mica etc. |
Ques. Solar Power Plant uses what type of resource? Where is the largest solar power plant found? (2 marks)
Ans. Solar Energy as name suggest is a type of energy obtained from sun. India has an abundance of sunlight, which is used for energy production. Photovoltaic devices trap solar energy to convert it into electricity. Solar power plant uses energy from the sun to generate electricity. The largest Plant is found in Madhapur near Bhuj in Gujrat.
Ques. Mention any three uses of Petroleum? (3 marks)
Ans. Petroleum is a Conventional energy resource that finds its application as an energy source and as a raw material in industries. Some of its uses are:-
- Used as a fuel for railways and aircrafts.
- Used as a lubricant in industries
- It is also used as a fuel for heat and lightning.
Ques. What is the difference between renewable and non renewable resources? (5 marks)
Ans. The difference between renewable and non renewable resources are as follows:
| Renewable Resources | Non Renewable Resources |
|---|---|
| Renewable resources are resources that can be created once they are entirely consumed. | Non Renewable Resources are resources that can be created once they are consumed. |
| These are also known as non- conventional source of energy. | These are also known as conventional source of energy. |
| Renwable Resources are inexhaustible and are non affected by human activities. | Non Renwable Resources are exhaustible and are affected by human activities. |
| These resources are non polluting in nature. | These resources are polluting in nature. |
| Common example of renewable resource include water and solar energy. | Common example of non renewable resource include fossil fuels and coal. |
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