UPSC Prelims 2002 Q42: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography
HINDALCO, an aluminium factory located at Renukoot owes its site basically to
- (a) proximity of raw materials
- (b) abundant supply of power
- (c) efficient transport network
- (d) proximity to the market
Answer: (b) abundant supply of power
Explanation
Location factor of HINDALCO at Renukoot
| Factor | Relevance to HINDALCO, Renukoot |
|---|---|
| Abundant supply of power | Yes — cheap power from the Rihand dam and nearby coal, vital for aluminium smelting |
| Proximity of raw materials | Bauxite comes from Amarkantak and Lohardaga region, some distance away |
| Efficient transport network | Not the main reason for the site |
| Proximity to the market | Aluminium is sold across India, not tied to a local market |
Aluminium smelting consumes huge quantities of electricity. HINDALCO at Renukoot (Uttar Pradesh) was set up near the Rihand reservoir and coalfields, so its site is basically due to the abundant supply of power.
Answer: (b) abundant supply of power.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Bauxite is brought from other areas, so raw materials are not the basic reason.
- (b) CORRECT. The Rihand hydel power and coal explain the site.
- (c) Incorrect. Transport is helpful but was not the basic reason.
- (d) Incorrect. The product is sold across the country, so the market is not the basic reason.
Key point
Aluminium is power-intensive: about 14,000-15,000 kWh per tonne, so plants sit near cheap power.
Remember
HINDALCO Renukoot sits on the Rihand power supply.
Common mistakes
- Choosing raw materials as for iron and steel plants.
- Giving the transport network the main role in the site choice.
- Linking the plant with the market, though aluminium is sold across India.
Exam tip
For aluminium, ask about electricity first.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — India: People and Economy (Manufacturing industries)
- Majid Husain — Geography of India