UPSC Prelims 2009 Q46: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography
Consider the following statements :
1. India does not have any deposits of Thorium.
2. Kerala's monazite sands contain Uranium.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Checking two claims about Thorium and Uranium in India
These statements examine India's radioactive mineral resources, often confused with each other.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. India has no Thorium deposits | Incorrect | India actually holds among the world's largest Thorium reserves, mainly in monazite sands along coastal regions like Kerala — this statement is clearly false |
| 2. Kerala's monazite sands contain Uranium | Incorrect | Monazite sands are primarily a source of Thorium (and rare earth elements), not a significant Uranium source — this statement confuses the two radioactive elements |
Correcting both claims:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| India's Thorium reserves | Among the world's largest, via monazite sands |
| Kerala's monazite sands | Primarily a Thorium source, not Uranium |
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. India does have substantial Thorium deposits, so statement 1 is false.
- (b) Incorrect. Kerala's monazite sands are primarily a Thorium source, not Uranium, so statement 2 is false.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements are factually wrong, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) CORRECT. India does have large Thorium reserves, and Kerala's monazite sands are a Thorium, not Uranium, source.
Key point
India has among the world's largest Thorium reserves (mainly in Kerala's monazite sands) — Kerala's monazite sands are primarily a THORIUM source, NOT a significant Uranium source, contrary to both statements.
Remember
India has substantial Thorium reserves (via Kerala's monazite sands), which are a Thorium source, NOT a Uranium source.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Thorium and Uranium as the same or interchangeable radioactive elements.
- Not knowing India's status as having among the world's largest Thorium reserves.
- Assuming monazite sands are a Uranium source rather than their actual primary content, Thorium.
Exam tip
Monazite sands (Kerala) = Thorium, NOT Uranium. India has huge Thorium reserves, contrary to the 'no deposits' claim. Don't mix up these two radioactive elements.
Sources
- Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India — Annual Report 2008–09 (thorium and monazite resources)
- Indian Rare Earths Limited — Annual Report 2008–09 (monazite mining and processing)