Minerals: Basics of Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources

• Definition:
  • Minerals are naturally occurring, solid, inorganic substances with a crystal structure.
  • There are over 2,000 minerals, most of which are inorganic, but some organic materials like gold and sulfur also exist.
• Categories of Mineral Resources:
  • Metallic Minerals:
    • Contain metal elements (e.g., iron, copper, gold).
    • When melted, they form new products.
    • Examples: Iron ore, copper, gold, silver, etc.
    • Subdivided into ferrous (contains iron) and non-ferrous (does not contain iron).
  • Non-Metallic Minerals:
    • Do not contain metal elements.
    • Do not form new products when melted.
    • Examples: Mica, limestone, graphite, coal, petroleum.
    • Can be organic (fossil fuels) or inorganic.

Mineral Belts in India

1. Northern Belt: Includes regions like Chhota Nagpur Plateau, Assam (petroleum and lignite).
2. Central Belt: Includes Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra with iron ore and limestone.
3. South Eastern Region: Includes Karnataka (iron ore), Andhra Pradesh (mica), Tamil Nadu (lignite coal).
4. South Western Region: Includes Goa (iron ore), Karnataka (high mineral reserves).
5. North Western Region: Includes Rajasthan and Gujarat (salt, petroleum).