UPSC Prelims 2020 Q92: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography
Consider the following minerals:
1. Bentonite
2. Chromite
3. Kyanite
4. Sillimanite In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 4 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Explanation
Major and minor minerals
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 divides minerals into two groups.
Minor minerals are those named in Section 3(e) or notified by the Centre; all others are major minerals.
| Mineral | Status | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Bentonite | Minor mineral | A clay used in drilling mud and foundries |
| 2. Chromite | Major mineral | Ore of chromium; Odisha has most of it |
| 3. Kyanite | Major mineral | Refractory material |
| 4. Sillimanite | Major mineral | Refractory material; found in beach sands |
Why the difference matters:
| Point | Major minerals | Minor minerals |
|---|---|---|
| Who makes the rules | Central Government | State Governments (Section 15) |
| Examples | Iron ore, bauxite, chromite, coal | Building stone, gravel, ordinary sand, ordinary clay |
| Royalty rates | Fixed by the Centre | Fixed by the State |
Chromite, kyanite and sillimanite are major minerals.
Answer: (d) 2, 3 and 4 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Bentonite is a minor mineral, and kyanite and sillimanite are left out.
- (b) Incorrect. Chromite and kyanite are major minerals too, not sillimanite alone.
- (c) Incorrect. Bentonite is a minor mineral, and chromite and sillimanite are left out.
- (d) CORRECT. Chromite, kyanite and sillimanite are major minerals; bentonite is minor.
Key point
MMDR Act 1957: minor minerals (Section 3(e)) are regulated by States under Section 15; bentonite is minor; chromite, kyanite and sillimanite are major.
Remember
Bentonite = minor. Chromite, kyanite, sillimanite = major.
Common mistakes
- Treating bentonite as major because it has industrial uses; it is a clay.
- Thinking 'major' and 'minor' depend on quantity or value; the law decides it.
- Forgetting that States make the rules for minor minerals.
Exam tip
Clays, sand and building stones are usually minor minerals. Metal ores and refractory minerals are major.
Sources
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 — Sections 3(e) and 15
- Indian Bureau of Mines — Indian Minerals Yearbook (Bentonite; Chromite; Kyanite and Sillimanite)