Class 12 Geography Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources Notes
Mineral and energy resources are essential for industrial and economic development.
India is rich in a variety of minerals, including metallic (iron, copper, bauxite)
and non-metallic (limestone, mica, gypsum) resources. Energy resources like coal,
petroleum, natural gas, and renewable sources (solar, wind, hydropower) play a crucial
role in sustaining economic growth. Proper management and conservation of these resources
are necessary for sustainable development.
Introduction to Mineral and Energy Resources
What Are Mineral and Energy Resources?
- Minerals are naturally occurring substances found in the Earth’s crust that have economic value.
- Energy resources provide power for industries, transportation, and households.
Importance of Mineral and Energy Resources
- Support industries (iron, steel, cement, chemicals).
- Power electricity generation and transport.
- Create employment opportunities.
- Contribute to economic development and exports.
Types of Minerals and Their Distribution
A. Metallic Minerals
These minerals contain metals and are used in manufacturing and construction.
1. Ferrous Minerals (Contain Iron)
India is the 2nd largest producer of iron ore after China.
| Mineral |
Uses |
Major Producing States |
| Iron Ore |
Steel production, machinery |
Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka |
| Manganese |
Steel-making, batteries |
Odisha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh |
| Chromite |
Stainless steel, alloys |
Odisha, Karnataka, Jharkhand |
2. Non-Ferrous Minerals (Do Not Contain Iron)
| Mineral |
Uses |
Major Producing States
|
| Bauxite |
Aluminum production |
Odisha, Gujarat, Jharkhand
|
| Copper |
Electrical wiring, coins |
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand
|
| Lead & Zinc |
Batteries, coatings |
Rajasthan (largest producer)
|
B. Non-Metallic Minerals
These minerals do not contain metals but are useful for industries and construction.
| Mineral |
Uses |
Major Producing States
|
| Limestone |
Cement industry |
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh |
| Mica |
Electrical and electronic industries |
Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan
|
| Gypsum |
Fertilizers, cement |
Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu
|
Conservation of Mineral Resources
Why Conserve Minerals?
- Minerals are non-renewable, meaning they take millions of years to form.
- Overexploitation leads to depletion and environmental damage.
Methods of Mineral Conservation
- Efficient Mining Techniques: Reducing wastage in extraction.
- Recycling and Reuse: Recycling metals like aluminum, copper, and iron.
- Substituting with Alternatives: Using plastic, fiber, and synthetic materials instead of metals.
- Controlled Mining Policies: Government regulations to prevent illegal mining.
- Promoting Sustainable Mining: Using eco-friendly methods to reduce land degradation.
Conventional Sources of Energy
What Are Conventional Energy Sources?
- Conventional energy sources are traditional, widely used, and mostly non-renewable.
- They include coal, petroleum, natural gas, and hydroelectricity.
1. Coal (Major Fossil Fuel in India)
- India is the 2nd largest producer of coal after China.
- Coal accounts for ~55% of India’s energy production.
| Type of Coal |
Carbon Content |
Uses |
Major Producing States
|
| Anthracite |
80-95% |
Best quality, used in industries |
Jammu & Kashmir
|
| Bituminous |
60-80% |
Used in electricity generation |
Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh
|
| Lignite |
40-60% |
Power plants |
Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan
|
| Peat |
< 40% |
Low heating value |
Found in wetland areas
|
2. Petroleum and Natural Gas (Liquid and Gaseous Fuels)
- India imports 80% of its petroleum, mainly from the Middle East.
| Energy Source |
Uses |
Major Producing States
|
| Petroleum (Crude Oil) |
Fuel (petrol, diesel), lubricants |
Mumbai High, Assam, Gujarat
|
| Natural Gas |
Cooking gas, power generation |
Krishna-Godavari Basin, Tripura, Rajasthan
|
3. Hydropower (Clean Energy Source)
- India ranks 5th in the world for hydroelectric power production.
-
Major Hydropower Projects:
- Bhakra Nangal Dam (Punjab-Himachal Pradesh).
- Tehri Dam (Uttarakhand).
- Sardar Sarovar Dam (Gujarat).
Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
What Are Non-Conventional Energy Sources?
- Renewable, eco-friendly energy sources that do not deplete over time.
- Examples include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and tidal energy.
1. Solar Energy
- India receives abundant sunlight (~300 sunny days per year).
- Used in solar panels, water heaters, and power plants.
- Largest Solar Power Plant: Bhadla Solar Park (Rajasthan).
2. Wind Energy
- India is the 4th largest producer of wind energy in the world.
- Largest Wind Farm: Tamil Nadu.
- Suitable for coastal and hilly areas.
3. Biogas Energy
- Produced from organic waste like cow dung, food waste, and agricultural residues.
- Provides cooking fuel in rural areas.
- Reduces dependence on firewood and LPG.
4. Geothermal and Tidal Energy
- Geothermal Energy: Heat from Earth’s interior (Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh).
- Tidal Energy: Uses ocean tides (Potential sites: Gujarat, West Bengal).
Energy Crisis and Sustainable Energy Management
What is the Energy Crisis?
- Energy demand is increasing, but conventional sources are limited and polluting.
- India imports 80% of its oil, leading to high energy costs.
Reasons for the Energy Crisis
- Overuse of fossil fuels.
- Rising population and industrial demand.
- Slow adoption of renewable energy.
Sustainable Energy Management
- Use of Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, hydropower.
- Energy Conservation: Reducing wastage in households and industries.
-
Government Policies:
- National Solar Mission (To expand solar power).
- Energy Efficiency Programs (LED bulbs, smart grids).
Conclusion
India has rich mineral resources, including iron ore, coal, bauxite, and limestone.
Conventional energy sources (coal, petroleum, hydropower) dominate but are depleting.
Non-conventional energy (solar, wind, biogas) is growing rapidly.
Energy conservation and sustainable management are crucial for future energy security.
