Notes on Minerals and Energy Resources
1. Introduction to Minerals and Energy Resources
Minerals are natural substances found in the earth’s crust with a definite structure.
Essential for modern life, from tools to technology.
Classified as metallic and non-metallic.
2. Minerals: Definition and Properties
2.1 Definition
Minerals are homogeneous, naturally occurring substances with a defined internal structure.
Found in various forms, from the hardest diamond to the softest talc.
2.2 Properties
Classified based on physical and chemical conditions during formation.
Key properties include color, hardness, crystal form, and density.
3. Occurrence of Minerals
3.1 Types of Mineral Formation
Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: Found in cracks, crevices, and joints as veins or lodes (e.g., tin, copper).
Sedimentary Rocks: Formed in layers (e.g., coal, gypsum).
Residual Mass: Formed through decomposition of surface rocks (e.g., bauxite).
Alluvial Deposits: Found in sands of valley floors (e.g., gold, platinum).
Ocean Waters: Minerals like salt and magnesium derived from seawater.
3.2 Economic Viability
Extraction depends on mineral concentration and market proximity.
4. Distribution of Minerals in India
4.1 Ferrous Minerals
Iron Ore: Backbone of industrial development.
Key belts: Odisha-Jharkhand, Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur, Ballari-Tumakuru, Maharashtra-Goa.
Manganese: Used in steel production and chemical industries.
Major producers: Odisha, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh.
4.2 Non-Ferrous Minerals
Copper: Key for electrical industries.
Found in Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), Khetri (Rajasthan), Singhbhum (Jharkhand).
Bauxite: Primary source of aluminium.
Found in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra.
4.3 Non-Metallic Minerals
Mica: Used in electrical and electronics industries.
Found in Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh.
Limestone: Essential for cement and iron production.
5. Hazards and Conservation of Minerals
5.1 Environmental and Health Hazards
Mining leads to land degradation, water pollution, and health risks for miners.
5.2 Conservation Measures
Minerals are finite and non-renewable.
Recycling, sustainable extraction, and reduced consumption are essential.
6. Energy Resources
6.1 Conventional Sources
Coal: Key fossil fuel for power and industries.
Types: Peat, lignite, bituminous, anthracite.
Key fields: Damodar Valley, Jharia, Raniganj.
Petroleum: Found in anticlines and fault traps.
Major producers: Mumbai High, Gujarat, Assam.
Natural Gas: Cleaner fuel used for cooking and industries.
Found in Krishna-Godavari Basin and Mumbai High.
Electricity: Generated through hydel and thermal plants.
6.2 Non-Conventional Sources
Solar Energy: Taps sunlight for rural and urban use.
Wind Energy: Prominent in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat.
Biogas: Efficient and eco-friendly for rural households.
Geothermal Energy: Harnesses heat from beneath the earth.
Tidal Energy: Utilizes oceanic tides for electricity.
7. Conservation of Energy Resources
Energy resources are crucial for economic development but are limited.
Promote renewable energy and reduce wastage.
Use public transport, energy-efficient devices, and recycling to conserve resources.
8. Key Takeaways
Minerals and energy resources are vital for life and development.
Sustainable practices and conservation efforts are necessary to ensure long-term availability.
