Distribution of Minerals in India| Class 12 Geography Notes

The Mineral Distribution of India is the key factor of its Geography as well as Economy. India is richly blessed with all varieties of minerals, metallic and non-metallic as well as located in distinct regions across the country. Such mineral wealth is one of the key factors in the industrial development and economic growth of the nation. Comprehending the distribution of minerals is crucial for rational resource use, planning production, and sustainable development. This chapter details the multiple minerals available in India along with their importance and the problems faced by them during extraction and usage.

Important Terms

• Minerals: A diverse group of chemicals with defined structure and physical features, typically sourced from nature.
• Mineral Reserves: The economically profitable part of a mineral capital endowment.
• Mineral Resources: Amount of a significant mineral mined from the crust of Earth that is economically feasible.
• Metallic Minerals: Metals and other base minerals that are found in raw form and are considered valuable for their metal content.
• Non-metallic Minerals: Non-metallic minerals that are employed in industrial processes for different types of usage.
• Resource Planning: This is a way to make good use of the existing resources to achieve sustainable development goals.
• Sustainable Development: Development that takes care of the current needs without affecting or compromising the next generation’s ability to meet its own needs.
• Industrial Development: The booming of industries within the country which finally results in economic development through job creation.
• Economic Growth: The increase in the amount of output and input within an economy, though being well-off in terms of economic growth.
• Geographical Phenomenon: The geologically-driven events or processes that appear on the Earth’s surface, frequently due to natural factors, e.g. climate, topography, etc, and human activities.

Distribution of Minerals in India

Diversification of the Indian mineral resources is what is holding the distribution of the mineral apart by the presence of different minerals in every region that was connected throughout the Indian territory. Presently, mining industry of India stands among the most prominent coal suppliers globally and among the top three for iron ore, bauxite, manganese, copper and so on.

1. Coal: Indian territory, having in its fifth place in the world in the coal reserve, is located mostly in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Coking coal of premium grade is identifiable in Damodar Valley, which is an area in Jharkhand state and West Bengal, and it is allotted for the most part to the steel manufacturing industry.

2. Iron Ore: India does not deserve the surprise – the country possesses inexhaustible amount of iron ore, and the largest iron ore belts – in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka. The Bailadila mines in Chhattisgarh are notable for the significant-grade iron ore reserves, and the Bellary -Hospet region in Karnataka because of these same ones gets attention.

3. Bauxite: India, has the largest bauxite reserves in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat state, positioned in the third place in the world’s bauxite producing the countries. Bauxite is an analysis for the aluminum al metal carries a huge importance in production industries.

4. Manganese: Manganese represents an essential raw material used in the production steel. India contains vast manganese ore reserves with the key deposits comprising Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Karnataka states. Manganese is a useful component for the manufacture of steel, as it has several alloys amongst others particularly useful.

5. Copper: In India, the copper reserves for this metal are pretty small compared to other mineral resources, and the major ones are present in the Singhbhum district (Balaghat) of Jharkhand and in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu and Alwar district. Copper is widely associated with these fields such as electric construction, vehicle production and equipment construction.

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FAQs on Class 12 Geography Notes Chapter 5 Distribution of Minerals in India

1. Which of the minerals accompany India?

India has a wide range of its own mineral ore types such as coal, iron ore, bauxite, manganese, copper and limestone. These industrial inputs are of paramount importance for the industries such as power, cement and iron.

2. How is the mineral distribution in India related to the country’s industrial development?

The placement of minerals has an imperative significance for industrial development of India. Regions that are rich in ores and minerals are attracted by the business the industrial investment, which further causes the industries that are based on these resources to be created. This, therefore, as domestic demand rises, stimulates economic growth and employment creation in these areas.

3. In which part of India iron ore can be found?

The nation has vast iron ore reserves with Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka as primary suppliers of the industry. The mining industry is primarily interested in north states due to their known high-quality iron ore.

4. What is the weight of mineral assets in Indian economy?

The presence of mineral assets in India signifies an important element of economy which makes an impact through industrial growth, construction of infrastructure, and collection of revenue. They are invaluable for this industry and are key ingredients of virtually all other industries.

5. What are the problems experienced in India for extracting mineral resources?

Some of the challenges which are encountered during the extraction of mineral resources in the country are environmental pollution, land acquisition matters, rehabilitation of the community settled there and the prevalence of illegal mining activities.

6. How can India exploit and develop their mineral resources in a sustainable way?

Sustainability in mining can be achieved through responsible mining, less impact on the environment, conserving biodiversity and by involving local communities in decision-making activities. Along with this, resourceful usage of minerals and recycling is also among the very methods of pressure reduction on natural resources.