Learning Objective
- What is a Mineral?
- Mode of Occurrence of Minerals
- Classification of Minerals
- Energy Resources
- Conservation of Energy Resources
What is a Mineral?
A mineral is a naturally occurring substance with a distinct internal structure. They vary widely in nature, from hard diamonds to soft talc. Rocks are composed of combinations of these homogeneous mineral substances.
Mode of Occurrence of Minerals
Minerals are typically found in “ores,” which refer to accumulations of minerals mixed with other elements. They occur in various forms:
– In igneous and metamorphic rocks, minerals can be found in cracks, crevices, faults, or joints.
– In sedimentary rocks, minerals occur in beds or layers.
– Surface rock decomposition and the removal of soluble constituents contribute to mineral formation.
– Minerals are also found as alluvial deposits in valley floor sands and at the base of hills.
– Vast quantities of minerals are present in ocean waters.
Classification of Minerals
- Ferrous Minerals
Ferrous minerals account for about three-fourths of the total value of the production of metallic minerals.
- Iron Ore
India possesses abundant iron ore resources. Magnetite, with up to 70% iron content, is highly magnetic. Hematite, containing 50 to 60% iron, is crucial for industry. Major iron ore belts in India include:
– Odisha-Jharkhand belt
– Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt
– Ballari-Chitradurga-Chikkamagaluru-Tumakuru belt
– Maharashtra-Goa belt
- Manganese
Manganese is primarily utilized in steel and ferro-manganese alloy production. Approximately 10 kg of manganese is needed to manufacture 1 tons of steel. Additionally, it finds application in manufacturing bleaching powder, insecticides, and paints.
- Non-Ferrous Minerals
Non-ferrous minerals like copper, bauxite, lead, zinc, and gold are crucial for metallurgical, engineering, and electrical industries.
- Copper
Copper is malleable, ductile, and an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. It’s primarily utilized in electrical cables, electronics, and chemical industries. Leading copper producers in India include the Balaghat mines in Madhya Pradesh, the Khetri mines in Rajasthan, and the Singhbhum district of Jharkhand.
- Bauxite
Bauxite deposits form from the decomposition of aluminum-rich silicate rocks. Aluminum, derived from bauxite, possesses excellent conductivity and malleability. Main bauxite deposits are located in the Amarkantak plateau, Maikal hills, and the Bilaspur-Katni plateau region.
- Non-Metallic Minerals
Mica consists of plates or leaves and comes in various colors like clear, black, green, red, yellow, or brown. It’s crucial for electric and electronic industries due to its excellent dielectric strength, low power loss factor, insulating properties, and high voltage resistance. Mica deposits are located on the northern edge of the Chota Nagpur plateau.
- Rock Minerals
Limestone is present in rocks containing calcium carbonates or a combination of calcium and magnesium carbonates. It serves as the primary raw material for the cement industry and is crucial for smelting iron ore in blast furnaces.
Conservation of Minerals
Minerals are non-renewable resources, taking thousands of years to form and concentrate. Continuous ore extraction results in mineral depletion. Thus, it’s crucial to adopt planned and sustainable approaches for using mineral resources.
Energy Resources
Energy resources are classified into:
Conventional Sources: This category encompasses firewood, cattle dung cake, coal, petroleum, natural gas, and electricity.
Non-Conventional Sources: These include solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, biogas, and atomic energy.
- Conventional Sources of Energy
Coal
Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel, utilized for power generation, industrial energy supply, and domestic needs. Lignite is low-grade brown coal, soft with high moisture content. Bituminous coal forms when coal is buried deep and subjected to high temperatures. Anthracite is the highest quality hard coal. Important coalfields include Jharia, Raniganj, and Bokaro.
Petroleum
Petroleum fuels heat, lighting, and machinery lubrication, while also supplying raw materials to manufacturing. Refineries support synthetic textile, fertilizer, and chemical industries. Key production areas in India are Mumbai High, Gujarat, and Assam.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is a vital clean energy source, known for its environmental friendliness. The power and fertilizer sectors are major consumers of natural gas. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is used in vehicles as a substitute for liquid fuels. Significant natural gas reserves are found in the Krishna-Godavari basin.
Electricity
Electricity generation primarily occurs in two ways:
Hydroelectricity: Generated by running water driving hydro turbines. It’s renewable and utilized in projects like Bhakra Nangal, Damodar Valley Corporation, and Kopili Hydel Project.
Thermal Power: Produced by burning fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas to drive turbines. It’s non-renewable and relies on fossil fuels for electricity generation.
- Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
Renewable energy sources, termed Non-Conventional Energy Sources, include solar energy, wind, tide, biomass, and energy from waste materials.
Nuclear or Atomic Energy
Nuclear energy is derived from altering atomic structures, primarily utilizing uranium and thorium for power generation.
Solar Energy
Solar energy is generated by the Sun’s light, with photovoltaic technology converting sunlight directly into electricity.
Wind Power
Wind energy utilizes wind to produce electricity, employing wind turbines for this purpose. The largest wind farm cluster spans from Nagercoil to Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
Biogas
Biogas, a biofuel, forms naturally from organic waste decomposition, notably efficient with cattle dung. It enhances manure quality.
Tidal Energy
Tidal energy harnesses power from tides, mainly converting it into electricity. Ideal locations in India for tidal energy utilization include the Gulf of Khambhat, Gulf of Kachchh in Gujarat, and the Gangetic Delta in the Sunderban regions of West Bengal.
Geo-Thermal Energy
Geo-thermal energy is generated by harnessing heat from the earth’s interior for heat and electricity production. In India, it is tapped from Parvati Valley near Manikarn in Himachal Pradesh and from Puga Valley in Ladakh.
Conservation of Energy Resources
To conserve energy resources, consider:
- Utilizing public transport instead of personal vehicles.
- Turning off unused electricity.
- Utilizing power-saving devices.
- Embracing non-conventional energy sources.
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