Class 12 Geography Chapter 7 Mineral and Energy Resources

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Geography Chapter 7 Mineral and Energy Resources

Question 1.(i): In which one of the following States are the major oil fields located?

Answer – Assam

Question 1.(ii): At which one of the following places was the first atomic power station started?

Answer – Tarapur

Question 1.(iii): Which one of the following minerals is known as brown diamond?

Answer – Lignite

Question 1.(iv): Which one of the following is a non-renewable source of energy?

Answer – Thermal

Question 2.(i): Give an account of the distribution of mica in India.

Answer – Mica is primarily found in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Jharkhand has a rich mica belt in the Hazaribagh plateau region. Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore district produces high-quality mica. In Rajasthan, mica deposits are found from Jaipur to Bhilwara and around Udaipur. Smaller deposits also occur in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.

Question 2.(ii): What is nuclear power? Mention the important nuclear power stations in India.

Answer – Nuclear power is produced using energy released from the fission of radioactive minerals like uranium and thorium. This energy is used to generate steam that drives turbines to produce electricity. Key nuclear power plants in India include Tarapur (Maharashtra), Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu), Narora (Uttar Pradesh), Kaiga (Karnataka), Rawatbhata (Rajasthan), and Kakrapar (Gujarat).

Question 2.(iii): Name a non-ferrous metal. Discuss its spatial distribution.

Answer – Bauxite is a major non-ferrous metal used for producing aluminium. Odisha is the leading producer, particularly in Kalahandi, Koraput, and Sambalpur districts. Other significant reserves are found in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Copper, another non-ferrous metal, is mainly mined in Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), and Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan).

Question 2.(iv): What are non-conventional sources of energy?

Answer – Non-conventional sources of energy are renewable, eco-friendly alternatives like solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, and bioenergy. They have lower environmental impact and are sustainable in the long run. Though the initial installation cost is high, operational costs are minimal.

Question 3.(i): Write a detailed note on the Petroleum resources of India.

Answer – Petroleum is a crucial fossil fuel derived from sedimentary rocks. India’s petroleum industry developed significantly after the formation of ONGC in 1956. Assam’s Digboi, Naharkatiya, and Moran were early producers. Gujarat’s fields include Ankleshwar and Mehsana. Offshore production started with Mumbai High. New reserves have been found in the Krishna-Godavari basin. Crude oil needs refining before use. Refineries in India are either field-based (like Digboi) or market-based (like Barauni). There are currently 18 major oil refineries across the country.

Question 3.(ii): Write an essay on hydel power in India.

Answer – Hydel power uses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity and is a renewable source. India has around 38,000 MW installed capacity, contributing over 21% to national power generation. River basins like Brahmaputra, Ganga, and Indus offer massive potential. Central Electricity Authority estimates about 148,700 MW of exploitable hydel power. Hydel plants include large dams and turbines. India is the fifth-largest in hydro potential globally. Additionally, small hydel projects contribute around 15,000 MW. Hydropower is eco-friendly and vital for sustainable energy planning.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 7 NCERT Extra Questions

Question 1: Define minerals.

Answer – Minerals are naturally occurring substances that originate from organic or inorganic processes and possess a definite chemical composition and distinct physical properties.

Question 2: Give examples of non-metallic minerals.

Answer – Common non-metallic minerals include fossil fuels (like coal and petroleum), mica, limestone, and graphite.

Question 3: Name ferrous minerals.

Answer – Ferrous minerals are those that contain iron. Key examples include iron ore, manganese, and chromite.

Question 4: What are the main types of iron found in our country?

Answer – India primarily produces two types of iron ore: Haematite and Magnetite.

Question 5: Which state is the leading producer of manganese?

Answer – Odisha is the top manganese-producing state in India.

Question 6: Name the manganese fields of Karnataka.

Answer – Karnataka’s manganese mines are located in districts such as Dharwar, Ballari, Belagavi, North Canara, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Chitradurga, and Tumakuru.

Question 7: What are the uses of mica?

Answer – Mica is widely used in the electrical and electronics industry due to its excellent insulating properties. It is also used in paints, cosmetics, and construction materials.

Question 8: Which is the ore for aluminium? Which state is the largest producer?

Answer – Bauxite is the primary ore of aluminium. Odisha is the leading producer of bauxite in India.

Question 9: Where is copper found in India?

Answer – Significant copper reserves are found in Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), and Jhunjhunu and Alwar (Rajasthan). Smaller deposits exist in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Question 10: What are canaries used for?

Answer – In coal mines like the Singareni Collieries, canaries are traditionally used to detect poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide to ensure miner safety.

Question 11: Which are the two top coalfields of India?

Answer – India’s most prominent coalfields are Jharia and Raniganj.

Question 12: What are the uses of petroleum?

Answer – Petroleum is a vital fuel for vehicles, trains, and aircraft. It also serves as a raw material in petrochemical industries for producing fertilizers, synthetic rubber, medicines, cosmetics, lubricants, and more.

Question 13: Which mineral is referred to as liquid gold? Why?

Answer – Petroleum is called “liquid gold” because of its high economic value and extensive industrial and domestic uses, despite being a limited resource.

Question 14: Which agency looks after the transport and marketing of natural gas? When was it set up?

Answer – The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) is responsible for the transportation and marketing of natural gas. It was established in 1984 as a public sector enterprise.

Question 15: How is solar energy generated?

Answer – Solar energy is generated by converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells. The two major techniques are photovoltaics and solar thermal technology.

Question 16: Name the sources of non-conventional sources of energy.

Answer – The non-conventional sources of energy include solar energy, wind energy, bioenergy, tidal and wave energy, and geothermal energy.

Question 17: Name the states with high potential for wind energy.

Answer – Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka are the states with high potential for wind energy development.

Question 18: Why is India endowed with a rich variety of mineral resources?

Answer – India has a diverse geological structure with formations ranging from ancient rocks to recent sediments. This variation has resulted in the presence of a wide range of mineral resources, especially in the Peninsular region.

Question 19: Why do we need minerals for economic development?

Answer – Minerals are essential for industrial development, which drives the economy. They are the raw materials for manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy production, making them vital for economic growth.

Question 20: How are minerals classified?

Answer – Minerals are classified based on their properties into two main categories:
– Metallic minerals (e.g., iron, bauxite)
– Non-metallic minerals (e.g., limestone, mica)

Question 21: Name the area lacking natural resources.

Answer – The alluvial plain of northern India lacks economically significant mineral resources.

Question 22: There is inverse relationship between quantity and quality of minerals. Explain the statement.

Answer – High-quality mineral deposits are generally found in smaller quantities, while low-grade minerals are more abundant. This is the inverse relationship between quantity and quality.

Question 23: Where are majority of minerals found in India?

Answer – Most minerals are found in the Peninsular Plateau region, especially in ancient igneous and metamorphic rock areas.

Question 24: In which of the river valleys important coal reserves are found?

Answer – Important coal reserves are found in the valleys of the Damodar, Sone, Mahanadi, and Godavari rivers.

Question 25: Give the distribution of bauxite ore.

Answer – Bauxite is mainly found in Odisha (especially Kalahandi and Sambalpur), followed by Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat), and Maharashtra.

Question 26: Name the areas where natural gas is found.

Answer – Natural gas reserves in India are primarily located along the eastern coast in states like Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Other important regions include Tripura in the northeast, and western states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

Question 27: Name the nuclear power plant affected by tsunami which has recently been resumed.

Answer – The Kalpakkam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu was affected by the 2004 tsunami. It has since been restored and is now operational again.

Question 28: Where are the richest monazite deposits found?

Answer – India’s richest monazite deposits are located in Palakkad and Kollam districts of Kerala. Additional reserves are found near Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and in the Mahanadi delta region of Odisha.

Question 29: When was the first Atomic Energy Commission established and where?

Answer – The Atomic Energy Commission was established in 1948. Later, the Atomic Energy Institute was set up at Trombay in 1954, which was renamed Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in 1967.

Question 30: Name the important features of non-conventional energy sources.

Answer – Non-conventional energy sources are renewable, environment-friendly, and support equitable energy access. They are sustainable, have lower long-term costs, and help reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Question 31: Solar energy is the hope of future. Discuss.

Answer – Solar energy holds immense promise for the future due to its renewable nature, wide availability, and environmental benefits. It is increasingly cost-effective and can help meet the energy needs of rural and remote areas sustainably.

Question 32: What are the advantages of bio-energy?

Answer – Bio-energy enhances energy self-reliance, reduces environmental pollution, lowers dependence on firewood, and converts organic and municipal waste into usable energy, promoting cleaner cities and sustainable practices.

Question 33: Why do we need to conserve resources?

Answer – Conservation is essential because resources are limited and non-renewable. Sustainable usage ensures that future generations can meet their needs without depleting what is available today.

Question 34: Write two important uses of coal.

Answer – Coal is mainly used for generating electricity in thermal power plants and for smelting iron ore in the steel manufacturing industry.

Question 35: When was the first geo-thermal energy usage attempt made? Is there any geo-thermal plant in India?

Answer – The first use of geothermal energy was successfully attempted in 1890 in Boise, Idaho, USA. In India, geothermal energy is harnessed at Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh.

Question 36: Name one bio-energy effort made by India.

Answer – A notable bio-energy initiative in India is the waste-to-energy plant located in Okhla, Delhi, which converts municipal solid waste into electricity.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 7 Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1: Give an account of the distribution of bauxite in India.

Answer – Bauxite—the ore of aluminium—is mainly linked with laterite rocks on plateaus, hilltops and coastal tracts of Peninsular India. Odisha produces the largest share, especially in Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Bolangir and Koraput. Rich deposits also lie in the Pat region of Lohardaga, Jharkhand. Other sizeable reserves occur in the Amarkantak plateau (Chhattisgarh), Katni–Jabalpur and Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), Bhavnagar and Jamnagar (Gujarat) and the Kolhapur–Ratnagiri belt of Maharashtra. Smaller pockets are reported from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Goa.

Question 2: What are the uses of coal? Where is it found in India?

Answer – Coal is indispensable for thermal power generation and for smelting iron ore in the steel industry. About four-fifths of India’s reserves are Gondwana bituminous coal, mostly non-coking. Prime coalfields lie in the Damodar Valley—Jharia, Raniganj, Bokaro, Giridih and Karanpura. Additional reserves occur in the valleys of the Godavari, Mahanadi and Sone (Singrauli, Korba, Talcher and Chanda-Wardha). Tertiary coal is mined in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Lignite, a low-grade brown coal, is worked in Tamil Nadu (Neyveli), coastal Gujarat, Puducherry and parts of Jammu & Kashmir.

Question 3: Which are the prospective areas of natural gas in India?

Answer – Commercial natural‐gas reserves are tapped in:
– the offshore fields of Mumbai High (Maharashtra–Gujarat)
– the Krishna–Godavari and Cauvery basins off the east coast
– Assam–Arakan belt and Tripura in the northeast
– Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer Basin
– pockets along the Tamil Nadu and Odisha coasts.

Question 4: List the major nuclear power stations along with the states.

Answer –
– Tarapur – Maharashtra
– Rawatbhata (Kota) – Rajasthan
– Kalpakkam – Tamil Nadu
– Narora – Uttar Pradesh
– Kaiga – Karnataka
– Kakrapar – Gujarat

Question 5: What are the advantages of solar energy?

Answer – Solar power is renewable, pollution-free and increasingly cost-competitive. Installation is swift, modular and suitable for remote areas. Operating costs are low once panels are in place, and there are virtually no greenhouse-gas emissions. Western India—especially Rajasthan and Gujarat—receives abundant sunshine, making it ideal for large solar farms.

Question 6: How is geothermal energy tapped?

Answer – Geothermal energy harnesses the Earth’s internal heat. When magma heats underground water, it produces steam or very hot water that can be piped to the surface. This steam drives turbines to generate electricity, or the hot water is used directly for heating. India’s pilot plant at Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh) utilises natural hot springs in this way.

Question 7: Name the agencies involved in exploration of minerals.

Answer – Key organisations are: Geological Survey of India (GSI); Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC); Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd. (MECL); National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC); Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM); Bharat Gold Mines Ltd. (BGML); Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL); National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO); plus state mining and geology departments.

Question 8: Where are the majority of petroleum reserves found?

Answer – Most crude-oil reserves lie in the Assam belt (Digboi–Moran–Naharkatiya), the Cambay Basin of Gujarat (Ankleshwar, Mehsana), and the offshore Mumbai High field in the Arabian Sea. Newer finds have been made in the Krishna–Godavari and Cauvery offshore basins.

Question 9: Write the uses of petroleum.

Answer – Petroleum fuels cars, trucks, trains and aircraft through petrol, diesel, ATF and LPG. Its derivatives feed petro-chemicals that make fertilisers, plastics, synthetic fibres, synthetic rubber, pharmaceuticals, lubricants, waxes, detergents, cosmetics and countless industrial products—hence the nickname “liquid gold.”

Question 10: Give the distribution of petroleum reserves in India.

Answer – Petroleum occurs in Tertiary sedimentary basins:
– Assam – Digboi, Naharkatiya, Moran
– Gujarat – Ankleshwar, Kalol, Mehsana and Cambay Basin fields
– Offshore – Mumbai High (discovered 1973) and adjoining fields
– East coast – Krishna–Godavari and Cauvery basins (off Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu)
Smaller onshore prospects exist in Rajasthan and Tripura. Together these regions underpin India’s domestic crude-oil output.

Question 11: Name the important belts of mineral reserves in India.

Answer – India’s mineral wealth is primarily distributed across three main belts:
North-Eastern Plateau Belt: Includes Jharkhand (Chotanagpur Plateau), Odisha Plateau, parts of Chhattisgarh and West Bengal.
South-Western Plateau Belt: Covers Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, and adjoining uplands of Tamil Nadu.
North-Western Region: Extends over the Aravali hills in Rajasthan and sections of Gujarat.

Question 12: Name the minerals found in the South-Western Plateau region of India.

Answer – The South-Western Plateau, covering Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu uplands, and Kerala, is rich in ferrous minerals and bauxite. High-grade iron ore, manganese, and limestone are common. While coal is generally absent, Neyveli is an exception for lignite deposits. Kerala is known for monazite and thorium, while Goa has significant iron ore resources.

Question 13: Write the uses and distribution of mica.

Answer – Uses:
Mica acts as an excellent electrical insulator due to its dielectric strength and resistance to voltage.
Distribution:
Major producing states are Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh (notably Nellore), and Rajasthan. Minor deposits are also found in West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Question 14: What are the features of minerals?

Answer – Key characteristics of minerals include:
– They can be organic (like fossil fuels) or inorganic (like mica or limestone).
– Higher quality minerals tend to be found in smaller quantities.
– Some minerals contain iron (ferrous), others do not (non-ferrous).
– They form slowly over geological time, making them non-renewable.
– While exhaustible, several minerals can be recycled and reused.

Question 15: Mention the uses of manganese and its producing states.

Answer – Uses:
– Essential in iron smelting and steel-making processes.
– Used to create ferroalloys for industrial applications.
Major Producing States:
– Odisha: Leading producer, with deposits in Kendujhar, Sundargarh, Bonai, and Koraput.
– Karnataka: Important districts include Bellary, Chitradurga, and Tumkur.
– Maharashtra: Found in Nagpur, Bhandara, and Ratnagiri.
– Other states: Andhra Pradesh, Goa, and Jharkhand also contribute smaller amounts.

Question 16: Why is it necessary to develop bio-energy in India?

Answer – Bio-energy offers a sustainable way to manage organic waste and generate clean energy. For India, it can:
– Convert garbage into useful energy forms.
– Boost rural employment and reduce poverty.
– Lower environmental degradation.
– Lessen dependency on firewood.
– Promote self-sufficiency in energy needs.

Question 17: Classify minerals based on chemical and physical properties. Explain them.

Answer – Minerals fall into two main groups:
Metallic Minerals: Yield metals upon processing (e.g., iron ore, bauxite, copper).
Non-Metallic Minerals:
– Organic origin: Fossil fuels like coal and petroleum, derived from prehistoric plants and animals.
– Inorganic origin: Include limestone, mica, and graphite—important for industrial and construction uses.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 7 Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1: Why is conservation of resources essential? Suggest steps to conserve minerals.

Answer – Resource conservation is crucial to ensure sustainable development, minimizing environmental damage while meeting present and future demands. Since many mineral resources are non-renewable, over-extraction can lead to depletion.

Steps to conserve minerals include:

• Development of renewable energy alternatives like solar, wind, and geothermal to reduce dependence on exhaustible mineral-based energy.
• Recycling metals, especially scarce ones like copper, zinc, and lead, through the use of scrap material.
• Using substitutes for minerals that are in short supply can reduce stress on existing reserves.
• Restricting exports of critical or limited minerals to preserve domestic reserves for future use.

Question 2: Describe the development of nuclear energy in India and challenges in its growth.

Answer – India has been actively developing nuclear energy to diversify its energy mix. The main fuels for nuclear power are uranium and thorium.

Uranium is found mainly in the Dharwar rock formations, particularly in the Singhbhum belt (Jharkhand), as well as in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

Thorium, largely sourced from monazite sands, is abundant along the coastal belts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.

Challenges in nuclear energy development include:

• Limited reserves of high-grade uranium.
• High initial setup and safety costs.
• Public concerns over radiation and nuclear waste disposal.
• Dependence on imported technology and fuel.

Question 3: Write a note on the three belts of mineral distribution.

Answer – India’s mineral resources are concentrated in three primary belts:

• North-Eastern Plateau Belt: Found in Chhota Nagpur (Jharkhand), Odisha, parts of Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. Rich in coal, iron ore, bauxite, manganese, and mica.
• South-Western Plateau Belt: Includes Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu uplands, and Kerala. Known for iron ore, manganese, limestone, bauxite, and monazite. Neyveli in Tamil Nadu is notable for lignite.
• North-Western Belt: Covers the Aravalli range in Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat. Includes copper, zinc, gypsum, marble, granite, and salt. Gujarat is notable for oil reserves.

Additionally, Himalayan regions hold deposits of copper, lead, zinc, cobalt, and oil (e.g., Assam and offshore Mumbai High).

Question 4: Where does India stand as far as iron resource is concerned? Write a note on its distribution.

Answer – India possesses one of the richest iron ore reserves in Asia and is among the leading global producers.

Key production areas include:

• Odisha: Major deposits in Sundergarh, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj. Important mines include Badampahar and Kiriburu.
• Jharkhand: Notable for Noamundi and Gua mines in Singhbhum district.
• Chhattisgarh: Iron ore is found in Durg and Dantewada, with Bailadila and Dalli-Rajhara being significant mines.
• Karnataka: Hospet-Sandur belt in Ballari and Baba Budan Hills are prominent.
• Maharashtra: Chandrapur and Bhandara have good reserves.
• Goa: Known for iron ore exports, especially from its port-linked mines.
• Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Kurnool, Cuddapah, and Warangal districts contribute to production.
• Tamil Nadu: Salem and Nilgiris have deposits as well.

India’s iron ore is essential for the domestic steel industry and exports, supporting economic growth and infrastructure.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 7 Differentiates

Question 1: Distinguish between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.

Conventional Energy	Non-Conventional Energy
(i) These sources have been in use for a long time.	(i) These are relatively newer and have been developed recently for commercial use.
(ii) Examples include coal, petroleum, natural gas, and nuclear energy.	(ii) Examples include solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, and biomass energy.
(iii) These are non-renewable and can be depleted over time.	(iii) These are renewable and can be replenished naturally.
(iv) These sources are found in specific, limited areas.	(iv) These are more evenly distributed across various regions.
(v) Use of these sources often leads to environmental pollution.	(v) These are clean, eco-friendly sources of energy.
(vi) Both construction and operating costs are high.	(vi) High initial cost but low operating cost over time.

Question 2: Differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous minerals.

Basis	Ferrous Minerals	Non-Ferrous Minerals
Meaning	Minerals containing iron.	Minerals that do not contain iron.
Examples	Iron ore, manganese, chromite.	Copper, bauxite, gold, lead, zinc.
Magnetic Properties	Usually magnetic.	Usually non-magnetic.
Utility	Major component in the steel industry.	Used in industries like electrical, aviation, and decoration.

Question 3: Differentiate the coal on the basis of geological ages.

Tertiary Coal Deposits	Gondwana Coal Deposits
(i) Formed around 55 million years ago.	(i) Formed around 200 million years ago.
(ii) Found mainly in north-eastern states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.	(ii) Located in the Damodar, Mahanadi, Son, and Godavari river valleys, mainly in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
(iii) Usually of lower carbon content.	(iii) Generally of higher carbon content and more economically significant.