Question 1

Which of the following minerals is India the world's largest producer of?

Accepted Answer

India is the world's largest producer of mica. Mica is a silicate mineral widely used in electrical insulation, cosmetics, and paint industries. India produces approximately 60-70% of the world's mica, with major reserves in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh.

Question 2

Which of the following is the most abundant mineral resource found in India?

Accepted Answer

Iron ore is the most abundant mineral resource found in India by volume and economic importance. India has vast reserves of iron ore, estimated at over 25 billion tonnes, making it one of the world's largest iron ore reserves. Other abundant minerals include coal, limestone, and bauxite.

Question 3

Bauxite, the primary ore of aluminum, is predominantly found in which region of India?

Accepted Answer

Bauxite is predominantly found in the eastern and central regions of India. Odisha is the largest bauxite-producing state, followed by Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. Odisha alone accounts for approximately 50% of India's bauxite production.

Question 4

Which mineral is India completely dependent on imports for, despite having some domestic production?

Accepted Answer

India is heavily dependent on imports for petroleum (crude oil). Although India has some domestic oil production from fields like Bombay High, it meets only about 20-25% of domestic demand. India imports approximately 75-80% of its crude oil requirements, primarily from the Middle East and Russia.

Question 5

Which of the following minerals is India the world's largest producer of, as of 2024?

Accepted Answer

India is the world's largest producer of mica. India produces approximately 70% of the world's mica, with major reserves and production centers in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh. Mica is used in electrical insulation, cosmetics, and paint industries.

Question 6

Bauxite, the primary ore of aluminium, is most abundantly found in which Indian state?

Accepted Answer

Odisha is India's leading bauxite producer, with major deposits in the Kalahandi, Rayagada, and Koraput districts. The state accounts for over 60% of India's bauxite reserves.

Question 7

Which mineral is most abundantly mined in Rajasthan?

Accepted Answer

Gypsum is the most abundantly mined mineral in Rajasthan by quantity. Rajasthan accounts for approximately 95% of India's gypsum production, with major deposits in Jodhpur, Nagaur, and Pali districts.

Question 8

Which country is the world's largest producer of diamonds by volume?

Accepted Answer

Russia is the world's largest diamond producer by volume, accounting for approximately 30% of global production. The Siberian region, particularly the Yakutia region, contains the world's largest diamond reserves.

Question 9

Which of the following states in India is the largest producer of Bauxite ore, accounting for approximately 50% of the nation's total bauxite production?

Accepted Answer

Odisha is India's leading bauxite producer, with major deposits in the Eastern Ghats. The state accounts for roughly 50% of India's bauxite output, followed by Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Bauxite is the primary ore of aluminium and is critical for India's aluminium industry.

Question 10

The Kolar Gold Fields, historically significant for gold mining in India, are located in which state and are now largely defunct due to depletion of reserves?

Accepted Answer

The Kolar Gold Fields are located in Karnataka and were among the oldest and richest gold mining regions in India. Mining operations began in the 1880s and continued until 2001 when the mines were closed due to ore depletion and economic unviability. The region was crucial to India's gold production during the British colonial period and post-independence era.

Question 11

Which mineral is primarily extracted from the Singhbhum region, located in Jharkhand, and has made this region one of the world's richest mineral zones?

Accepted Answer

The Singhbhum region in Jharkhand is renowned for copper ore extraction. It contains one of the world's largest copper reserves and is home to the Copper Mines of Singhbhum, particularly the Mosabani and Surda mines. This region also produces significant quantities of iron ore, uranium, and other minerals, making it a critical mineral hub for India.

Question 12

The Kudremukh Iron Ore Mines, one of India's largest iron ore deposits, are located in which state and at what approximate elevation above sea level?

Accepted Answer

Kudremukh Iron Ore Mines are located in Karnataka's Western Ghats region at an elevation of approximately 1,894 meters (6,214 feet) above sea level, making it one of the world's highest iron ore mining operations. The mines were operational from 1973 to 2018 and produced high-grade iron ore. Mining operations were suspended due to environmental concerns and the location's proximity to the Western Ghats biodiversity zone.

Question 13

Which of the following states in India is the largest producer of Bauxite ore, and in which district is the majority of its reserves concentrated?

Accepted Answer

Odisha is India's leading bauxite producer, accounting for approximately 60% of national production. The Kalahandi and Rayagada districts in Odisha contain the largest bauxite reserves in the country, with Kalahandi being the primary mining hub.

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60-Second Revision — Minerals & Resources