An Introduction to mineral – Rich and Varied Resources

India is fortunate to have fairly rich and varied resources however unevenly distributed. Peninsular rocks contain reserves of coal, metallic, mica and many other non-metallic minerals. Sedimentary rocks on the western and eastern flanks of the peninsula, in Gujarat and Assam, off-shore-areas near Mumbai Coast (Mumbai High) have most of the petroleum deposits. The vast alluvial plains of north India are almost devoid of economic resources. 

(b) Diverse Non-Metallic Minerals in India: Significance, Applications, and Conservation

• Diversity and Industrial Significance: Non-metallic minerals constitute a diverse group of resources that play a vital role in various industrial applications. 
  • This category encompasses substances that lack metallic properties, and their versatile uses contribute significantly to different sectors of the economy.
• Key Non-Metallic Minerals in India: Among the non-metallic resources produced in India, mica is the important one. 
  • The others extracted for local consumption are limestone, dolomite and phosphate. 

Mica:

• Mica in Electric and Electronic Industries: Due to its excellent di-electric strength, low power loss factor, insulating properties and resistance to high voltage, mica is one of the most indispensable resources used in electric and electronic industries.  
• Mica’s Structural Characteristics: Made up of a series of plates or leaves, splits easily into thin sheets which are tough and flexible. 
  • It  can be clear, black, green, red, yellow or brown. 
• Distribution: Deposits are found in the northern edge of the Chota Nagpur plateau. 
  • Mica in India is produced in Jharkhand (Koderma – Gaya – Hazaribagh belt) , Andhra Pradesh (Nellore mica belt) and Rajasthan (around Ajmer) followed by Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. 
  • Its deposits also occur in Mysore and Hasan districts of Karnataka, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, Alleppey in Kerala, Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, Purulia and Bankura in West bengal.

Limestone:

• Mica’s Geological Association: It is found in association with rocks composed of calcium carbonates or calcium and magnesium carbonates. 
  • It is found in sedimentary rocks of most geological formations. It is the basic raw material for the cement industry and essential for smelting iron ore in the blast furnace. 
• Ensuring Safety and Environmental Compliance in Mining: Stricter safety regulations and implementation of environmental laws are essential to prevent mining from becoming a “killer industry”.

Protecting Our Minerals: Smart Ways to Save Earth’s Limited Resources

• Sustainable Management of Finite Resources: Mineral resources are finite and non-renewable. 
  • A concerted effort has to be made in order to use our resources in a planned and sustainable manner.
• Advancing Technologies: Improved technologies need to be constantly evolved to allow use of low grade ores at low costs. 
• Strategies for Conservation: Recycling of metals, using scrap metals and other substitutes are steps in conserving our resources for the future.

Conclusion

Prudent management, technological innovation, and recycling efforts are crucial for safeguarding our finite mineral resources. By adopting sustainable practices, we can ensure a responsible and lasting use of these valuable assets, securing a better future for generations to come.

Also Read: Soil Conservation Methods: Understanding Erosion and Solutions

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