UPSC Prelims 2008 Q48: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography
Which of the following minerals are found in a natural way in the State of Chhattisgarh?
1. Bauxite
2. Dolomite
3. Iron ore
4. Tin
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Checking which minerals are found in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh is a mineral-rich state, hosting several significant deposits.
| Mineral | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Bauxite | Correct | Bauxite deposits are found in Chhattisgarh |
| 2. Dolomite | Correct | Dolomite is also found in Chhattisgarh |
| 3. Iron ore | Correct | Chhattisgarh hosts major iron ore deposits, including the famous Bailadila mines |
| 4. Tin | Correct | Tin deposits are also found in Chhattisgarh (notably in the Dongargarh area) |
Chhattisgarh's mineral wealth:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Key minerals | Bauxite, dolomite, iron ore, tin |
| Notable site | Bailadila (iron ore) |
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Mineral 4 (tin) is also found in Chhattisgarh, so '1, 2 and 3 only' is incomplete.
- (b) Incorrect. Minerals 2 and 4 (dolomite, tin) are also found there, so '1 and 3 only' is too narrow.
- (c) Incorrect. Minerals 1 and 3 (bauxite, iron ore) are also found there, so '2 and 4 only' is too narrow.
- (d) CORRECT. All four minerals — bauxite, dolomite, iron ore, and tin — are found in Chhattisgarh.
Key point
Chhattisgarh hosts all four minerals: bauxite, dolomite, iron ore (notably Bailadila), and tin (Dongargarh area).
Remember
Chhattisgarh's minerals: bauxite, dolomite, iron ore, and tin — all four.
Common mistakes
- Underestimating Chhattisgarh's mineral diversity, assuming it's known for only iron ore.
- Not knowing the state's tin deposits (Dongargarh), a less commonly cited mineral resource.
- Assuming only one or two of four plausible minerals can be correct.
Exam tip
Chhattisgarh is mineral-rich beyond just iron ore: bauxite, dolomite, iron ore, AND tin are all found there.
Sources
- Geological Survey of India — Geology and Mineral Resources of Chhattisgarh
- Indian Bureau of Mines — Indian Minerals Yearbook 2007 (state-wise mineral production)