This chapter studies minerals and the energy that powers the economy. A mineral is a naturally occurring substance with a definite chemical composition, found in rocks as ores in veins and lodes, in beds and layers, and as alluvial or placer deposits. Minerals are classified as metallic — ferrous (iron ore, manganese) and non-ferrous (copper, bauxite) — non-metallic (mica, limestone) and energy minerals (coal, petroleum). The chapter describes their distribution and uses across India and stresses that, because minerals are exhaustible and take ages to form, they must be conserved through planned and efficient use and recycling. The second part covers energy resources, both conventional — coal, petroleum, natural gas, electricity (thermal and hydro) and firewood — and non-conventional — solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, biogas and nuclear energy. It highlights the need to shift towards renewable and clean energy to cut pollution, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and ensure sustainable development.
What minerals are and how they occurClassification of mineralsDistribution and uses of key mineralsConservation of mineralsConventional energy resourcesNon-conventional energy resources
Key terms
Mineral
A naturally occurring substance with a definite chemical composition.
Ore
A rock or mineral from which a metal can be profitably extracted.
Ferrous minerals
Minerals that contain iron, such as iron ore and manganese.
Non-ferrous minerals
Metallic minerals without iron, such as copper, bauxite and gold.
Conventional energy
Traditional energy sources such as coal, petroleum and firewood.
Non-conventional energy
Renewable energy from sources like the sun, wind, tides and geothermal heat.
Placer deposits
Minerals found as alluvial deposits in sands of valley floors.
Conservation of minerals
Planned, efficient use and recycling so that minerals last longer.
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Iron ore and manganese are examples of:
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