CAPF AC 2021 Q63: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography
Which of the following main types of iron ores are found in India?
1. Haematite
2. Magnetite
3. Limonite
4. Siderite
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 4 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 4
- (d) 1 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Main iron ores of India
How to think: all four are iron ores, but the question asks for the main types found in India.
NCERT says it in one line: the two main types of ore in our country are haematite and magnetite.
| Ore | Iron content | In India |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetite | Highest, up to about 70 per cent | Main type; Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa |
| Haematite | 50 to 60 per cent | Main type and most used; Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka |
| Limonite | Lower | Minor |
| Siderite | Lowest of the four | Minor |
So the code is 1 and 2 only.
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Haematite and magnetite are the two main types of iron ore in India.
- (b) Incorrect. It leaves out haematite, India's most important industrial ore.
- (c) Incorrect. Siderite is a minor ore and not one of the main types.
- (d) Incorrect. Limonite is minor, and magnetite is wrongly left out.
Key point
NCERT: the two main types of iron ore in India are haematite and magnetite. Magnetite has the highest iron content (up to 70%); haematite is the most important industrial ore. Leading states: Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Jharkhand.
Remember
India's iron ore = haematite + magnetite.
Common mistakes
- Ticking all four because each is a real iron ore somewhere in the world.
- Saying haematite has the highest iron content; that is magnetite.
- Forgetting that the question asks only for the main types in India.
Exam tip
Educated guess: haematite must be in the answer, so (b) is out. Magnetite must be in too, so (d) is out. Between (a) and (c), the word main favours the shorter list.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII Geography — India: People and Economy, Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources
- NCERT Class X Geography — Contemporary India II, Chapter 5: Minerals and Energy Resources