UPSC Prelims 2004 Q131: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography
Which one of the following is the correct decreasing sequence in terms of the value (in
rupees) of the minerals produced in India in the year 2002 - 03?
- (a) Metallic minerals - Fuel minerals - Non - metallic minerals
- (b) Fuel minerals - Metallic minerals - Non - metallic minerals
- (c) Metallic minerals - Non - metallic minerals - Fuel minerals
- (d) Fuel minerals - Non - metallic minerals - Metallic minerals
Answer: (b) Fuel minerals - Metallic minerals - Non - metallic minerals
Explanation
Value of minerals produced in 2002-03
| Group | Position by value |
|---|---|
| Fuel minerals | First — petroleum, natural gas, coal and lignite |
| Metallic minerals | Second — iron ore and others |
| Non-metallic minerals | Third — limestone and others |
By value of production in 2002-03 the sequence was Fuel minerals - Metallic minerals - Non-metallic minerals.
Answer: (b) Fuel minerals - Metallic minerals - Non-metallic minerals.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Fuel minerals exceed metallic minerals in value.
- (b) CORRECT. Fuel, metallic, then non-metallic minerals.
- (c) Incorrect. Fuel minerals are the largest in value.
- (d) Incorrect. Metallic minerals exceed non-metallic minerals.
Key point
Indian Bureau of Mines: fuel minerals about 80 percent of value of mineral production.
Remember
Fuel minerals lead the value of mineral production in India.
Common mistakes
- Putting metallic minerals first because of iron ore.
- Ignoring petroleum and coal in the value.
- Counting by weight and not by value.
Exam tip
Value of mineral production: fuels dominate.
Sources
- Indian Bureau of Mines — Indian Minerals Yearbook
- Indian Bureau of Mines — Indian Minerals Yearbook 2003 (value of mineral production by group)