Class 8 Geography


Minerals

Distribution of Minerals in India

Iron

There are deposits of high grade iron ore in India. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka are the states with iron ore deposits.

Bauxite

Jharkhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are the states with bauxite deposits.

Mica

Mica is mainly found in Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. India is the largest producer and exporter of mica.

Copper

Copper is mainly found in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Manganese

Manganese is mainly found in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Limestone

Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are the major states which produce limestone.

Gold

Gold is found in Kolar in Karnataka. The Kolar mines are among the deepest mines in the world.

Salt

Salt is obtained from sea, lakes and rocks. India is among the leading producers and exporters of salt.

Uses of Minerals:

Minerals are used in many industries, like iron and steel, automobiles, airplanes, etc.

Copper is used for making coins, electrical wires, pipes, etc.

Aluminium is used for making automobiles and airplanes.

Precious metals are used in making jewelry.

Iron is used for making heavy machines, tools, and for construction of buildings and bridges.

Conservation of Minerals:

It takes thousands of years for the formation of minerals. But we are using the minerals at a much faster rate. Hence, it is necessary to conserve minerals.

This can be done by reducing the wastage during mining.

We should reduce our consumption of items so that demand for minerals can be reduced.

We should reuse old items to reduce the demand for minerals.

Metals can be recycled many times which can help in reducing the demand for fresh minerals.