Exams Prep Master
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. Energy and Mineral Resources discuss in detail the meaning of Mineral Resources, it’s types, uses, ways to conserve, energy resources and a lot more.
Mineral resources play an integral part for socio-economic development. According to the statistical results, more than 95% of energy used by mankind , 80% industrial raw materials, and 75% raw materials for agricultural production are from mineral resources.
What are Mineral Resources?
Mineral Resources are naturally occurring substances that are found in the Earth’s crust. These substances are generally inorganic in nature, are solid and have a crystal like structure. Scientists have identified around 2,000 minerals out of which maximum of them are inorganic. However, a few minerals like gold, silver, and sulfur are organic in nature.
Mode of Occurrence
Minerals occurs in various forms 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.
- Minerals are formed by the deposition of alluvial in the sand in the valley floor or base of mountains.
Types of Mineral Resources
Mineral Resources are of three types:- Metallic Mineral Resources, Non-Metallic Mineral Resources and Energy Resources. The Metallic Mineral Resources can further be classified into ferrous and non ferrous Mineral Resources.
Metallic Mineral Resources
The metals that are good conductors of heat and electricity, are hard and lustrous are called Metallic Minerals.
For example:- 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.
Characteristics of Metallic Mineral Resources
- Metallic Mineral Resources have metals in their composition.
- They are malleable and ductile
- They have a shiny appearance
- Metals can be obtained by melting such resources.
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.
Characteristics of Non Metallic Mineral Resources
- They do not have metal in their composition.
- They are dull in appearance
- They are brittle and non-malleable.
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.
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.
- 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, the abundantly found fossil fuel, has been subjected to high temperatures while being formed.
- Petroleum- Petroleum is used as a fuel for lightning, lubricant and raw material for industries. This 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 the 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 sources of energy:-. Non-Conventional sources of energy are used for the production of electricity.
Some non-conventional sources of energy are:-
- Atomic Energy- Energy is generated by altering the structure of atoms.
- Solar Energy- Being a topical country, India has abundance of sunlight which is used for energy production. photovoltaic devices trap solar energy to convert it into electricity.
- Tidal Energy- Electricity is generated by the force of tidal waves. It is a form of hydropower.
- Wind Energy- Energy is generated through windmills by using the force of wind. wind turbines are set up for this purpose.
- Geo-Thermal Energy- Energy is obtained from the heat produced from the interiors of the earth surface and is used to generate electricity.
Uses of Mineral Resources
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.
- Limestone acts as a raw material for cement.
- Mica is used in the electrical industry.
Ways to Conserve Mineral Resources
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.
Sample Questions based on Mineral and Energy Resources
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. The metals that are good conductors of heat and electricity, are hard and lustrous and are called Metallic Minerals.
For example:- 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.
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.
Previous Years’ Questions based on Mineral and Energy Resources
Ques. How do minerals occur in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks? (2016 D)
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? (2011 D)
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. (2014 OD)
Ans.
| 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? (2009 OD)
Ans. 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 3 uses of Petroleum. (2011 OD)
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.
Points to Remember based on Mineral and Energy Resources
- “Mineral and Energy Resources” is covered in Contemporary India II which will carry a weightage of 20 marks in the board exam.
- Candidates can expect 3-4 questions from this portion of the syllabus.
- Mineral Resources are solid and have a crystal-like structure.
- They are of 3 types:- 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.
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