Class 10 Geography: Minerals and Energy Resources | Complete Notes & Q&A

Minerals and Energy Resources

Introduction to Minerals

We use minerals in almost every aspect of daily life – household tools, vehicles, buildings, electrical wires, and even food. Minerals from the Earth's crust provide metals which are refined and processed for use.

Importance of Minerals:

• Human civilization has developed largely due to the use of minerals.
• Everything from a needle to an airplane is made using minerals.
• Minerals play a crucial role in religious rituals, decoration, and industrial activities.
• Example – Use of minerals in toothpaste:
  • Silica, Limestone, Aluminum Oxide, Phosphate – main abrasives
  • Fluoride – prevents tooth decay
  • Titanium Oxide – provides whiteness
  • Mica – adds shine
  • Toothbrush & tube – made from petroleum-based plastics

What is a Mineral?

Definition:

"A mineral is a naturally occurring homogeneous substance with a definite chemical composition and internal structure."

Minerals can be hard (like diamond) or soft (like limestone). Their diversity depends on the process of formation and chemical conditions.

Formation and Classification of Minerals

Minerals are formed by geological processes occurring within the Earth or on its surface.

• Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: Minerals found in cracks, joints, and veins. When liquid or gaseous materials cool and solidify, minerals form. Examples: Gold, Copper, Zinc, Lead.
• Sedimentary Rocks: Formed by deposition in horizontal layers. Examples: Coal, Iron, Gypsum, Potash, Salt.
• Residual Deposits: Soluble elements wash away leaving the mineral behind. Example: Bauxite.
• Placer Deposits: Minerals deposited in river valleys and beds. Examples: Gold, Tin, Platinum.
• Marine Minerals: Salt, Magnesium, Bromine are obtained from seawater; Manganese nodules are found on the seabed.

Distribution of Minerals in India

• Peninsular region: rich in metallic minerals, coal, and mica.
• Northern alluvial plains: almost mineral-deficient.
• Rajasthan: abundance of non-metallic minerals.
• Gujarat & Andaman: sources of mineral oil.

Metallic Minerals

Iron Ore

• Types:
  • Magnetite: best quality, 70% iron content, magnetic properties.
  • Hematite: 50–60% iron content, most widely used.
• Major Areas: Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Jharkhand (97% production)
• Interesting Fact: "Rat-Hole Mining" in Meghalaya (illegal now).

Manganese

• Essential for steel production (10 kg per ton of steel).
• Uses: Bleaching powder, pesticides, paints.
• Major Areas: Nagpur, Balaghat, Bellary.

Non-Metallic Minerals

Copper

Good conductor of heat and electricity.

• Uses: Electrical equipment, wires, machinery.
• Major Areas: Balaghat (M.P.), Khetri (Rajasthan), Singhbhum (Jharkhand).

Bauxite

• Main source of Aluminum. Lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant.
• Major Areas: Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, M.P.

Mica

• Transparent, flexible, heat and electrical resistant.
• Uses: Electronics industry.
• Major Areas: Koderma, Gaya, Hazaribagh, Ajmer, Nellore.

Limestone

• Composed of Calcium/Magnesium Carbonate.
• Uses: Cement industry, iron smelting.

Mining Hazards

• Accidents, fires, floods, landslides in mines.
• Diseases like silicosis among workers.
• Environmental pollution, soil erosion, water contamination.

Conservation of Minerals

• Use modern techniques for low-grade ores.
• Increase recycling.
• Use scrap metals.
• Use alternative materials.

Energy Resources

Classification:

• Conventional Energy Sources: Wood, Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Electricity.
• Non-Conventional Energy Sources: Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Tidal, Biogas, Nuclear.

Conventional Energy Sources

Coal

India's major energy source. Types: Peat, Lignite, Bituminous, Anthracite.

Major Areas: Damodar Valley (Jharkhand & Bengal), Neyveli (Tamil Nadu)

Petroleum

Second major energy source after coal.

• Uses: Fuel, lubricants, chemicals, fertilizers.
• Major Areas: Mumbai High, Ankleshwar, Digboi.

Natural Gas

Used for electricity, transportation, and industries.

Major Areas: Mumbai High, Khambhat, Krishna-Godavari Basin

Sustainable Development and Conclusion

Meaning: Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

• Balanced use of resources
• Environmental protection
• Promotion of renewable energy
• Recycling
• Social participation
• Technological improvement

Conclusion: Minerals and energy resources form the backbone of economic and industrial growth. Prudent use, alternative energy sources, and environmental balance ensure sustainable development.

Questions & Answers

VSA (1 Mark)

• What is a mineral?
  Ans: Natural substances with definite chemical composition. Ex: Iron ore, Copper, Mica.
• In which industry is Mica used?
  Ans: Electrical equipment, insulators, paints, cosmetics.
• Major iron ore producing states?
  Ans: Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka.
• What is “Rat-Hole Mining”?
  Ans: Mining through small tunnels in Meghalaya (illegal now).
• Main types of coal?
  Ans: Anthracite, Bituminous, Lignite, Peat.
• From which ore is Aluminum obtained?
  Ans: Bauxite.
• India’s first petroleum refinery?
  Ans: Digboi, Assam.
• Uses of Manganese?
  Ans: Steel production, batteries, glass industry.
• Meaning of sustainable development?
  Ans: Meeting present needs without harming future generations.
• Koderma region is famous for?
  Ans: Mica.

SA (Short Answer Questions – 3 Marks)

Q1. How are minerals formed? Explain with examples.

Ans:

• Magmatic process: Lava cools to form minerals. Example: Copper, Iron.
• Sedimentary process: Mineral particles deposited by water form layers. Example: Coal, Limestone.
• Metamorphic process: Rocks change under pressure or heat. Example: Graphite, Marble.

Q2. Why is mineral distribution uneven in India?

Ans:

• Ancient hard rocks contain more minerals (Jharkhand, Odisha).
• Himalaya & Ganga plains have new rocks, mostly mineral-free.
• Hence, distribution is uneven.

Q3. Name the main types of Iron Ore and their properties.

Ans:

• Magnetite: High quality (70% iron), magnetic.
• Hematite: Most abundant (60–70% iron).
• Limonite: Low quality, brownish color.
• Siderite: Lowest quality.

Q4. Write three measures for mineral conservation.

Ans:

• Prudent use of minerals.
• Recycling of old metals.
• Use of alternative synthetic materials.

Q5. Name two main types of energy resources in India.

Ans:

• Conventional: Coal, Petroleum, Hydropower.
• Non-conventional: Solar, Wind, Biogas, Geothermal.

LA (Long Answer Questions – 5 Marks)

Q1. Major Iron Ore producing areas and industrial importance in India.

Ans:

• Odisha: Barbil, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj
• Jharkhand: Singhbhum, Noamundi, Gua
• Karnataka: Bellary, Chikmagalur, Chitradurga
• Chhattisgarh: Durg, Bastar, Dantewada

Industrial Importance: Steel industry, railway engines, ships, bridges, building construction, foreign exchange through exports.

Q2. Difference between Metallic and Non-Metallic Minerals.

Ans:

Basis	Metallic Minerals	Non-Metallic Minerals
Element	Contains metals	No metals
Luster	Metallic shine	Dull
Electrical Conductivity	Good	Poor
Examples	Iron, Copper, Aluminum	Mica, Salt, Limestone

Q3. Classify energy resources and explain their importance.

Ans:

• Conventional: Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Hydropower, Wood.
• Non-conventional: Solar, Wind, Biogas, Geothermal, Nuclear.
• Importance: Industrial development, transport, agriculture, household life, modern lifestyle.

VLA (Very Long Answer Questions – 6–8 Marks)

Q1. Describe the geographical distribution of minerals and energy resources in India.

Ans:

• Eastern & Southern plateau: Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka – Iron, Coal, Bauxite, Mica.
• Western India: Rajasthan, Gujarat – Copper, Zinc, Salt, Petroleum.
• Himalayan region: Some Copper, Gold, Mica deposits.
• Ganga–Brahmaputra plains: Mostly mineral-free.

Energy Resources:

• Coal: Jharkhand, Odisha
• Petroleum: Mumbai High, Assam
• Hydropower: Himalayan rivers
• Solar & Wind: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu

Q2. Problems and solutions of excessive mineral mining.

Ans:

Problems:

• Environmental pollution
• Soil degradation and deforestation
• Loss of biodiversity
• Resource scarcity

Solutions:

• Prudent use of minerals
• Recycling and reuse
• Afforestation and land rehabilitation
• Adoption of clean technologies
• Public awareness campaigns