NDA & CDS 1 2026 Exam Geography – Mineral & Resources

India is one of the world’s leading countries in terms of mineral wealth and resource diversity. The country is richly endowed with a wide variety of minerals that form the foundation of its industrial and economic development. For aspirants preparing for the NDA & CDS 1 2026 Exam, understanding India’s mineral distribution and types of resources is vital, as questions on this topic are frequently asked in the General Knowledge section.

NDA & CDS 1 2026 Exam Geography – Mineral & Resources

Types of Natural Resources

Natural resources can broadly be classified into two categories:

1. Renewable Resources:
   These resources can be regenerated naturally over time.
   Examples: Solar energy, wind energy, forests, water, and soil.
2. Non-Renewable Resources:
   These are finite resources that take millions of years to form and cannot be replenished easily.
   Examples: Coal, petroleum, natural gas, and minerals like iron and copper.

Classification of Minerals

Minerals are generally classified into three main categories based on their chemical composition and usage:

1. Metallic Minerals
   These minerals contain metals and can be further divided into:
   • Ferrous Minerals: Contain iron.
     Examples: Iron ore, manganese, chromite.
   • Non-Ferrous Minerals: Do not contain iron.
     Examples: Copper, bauxite, zinc, lead.
2. Non-Metallic Minerals
   These minerals do not contain metals and are used in industries for manufacturing.
   Examples: Mica, limestone, gypsum, dolomite.
3. Energy Minerals
   These are used for generating energy.
   Examples: Coal, petroleum, natural gas, uranium.

Major Mineral Resources of India

1. Iron Ore

• India’s Position: One of the top producers globally.
• Main Producing States: Odisha (Keonjhar, Sundargarh), Jharkhand (Singhbhum), Chhattisgarh (Bailadila), Karnataka (Bellary).
• Types: Hematite and Magnetite.

2. Coal

• India’s Position: Fourth-largest producer in the world.
• Major Coalfields: Jharia (Jharkhand), Raniganj (West Bengal), Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh), Talcher (Odisha).
• Uses: Power generation, steel production, and industrial fuel.

3. Manganese

• Uses: Essential for steel manufacturing and glass industries.
• Major States: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Karnataka.

4. Bauxite

• Ore of Aluminium.
• Major Producing States: Odisha (Kalahandi, Koraput), Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra.
• Uses: Manufacturing of aircraft, automobiles, and electrical goods.

5. Mica

• India’s Position: Leading producer globally.
• Major States: Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
• Uses: Electrical and electronic industries.

6. Copper

• Major States: Rajasthan (Khetri Mines), Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat), Jharkhand (Singhbhum).
• Uses: Electrical wiring, electronics, and alloys.

7. Limestone

• Uses: Cement and chemical industries.
• Major States: Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan.

8. Petroleum and Natural Gas

• Major Fields:
  • Onshore: Digboi (Assam), Ankleshwar (Gujarat).
  • Offshore: Mumbai High, Krishna-Godavari Basin.
• Uses: Fuel, petrochemical, and energy industries.

9. Uranium and Thorium

• Uranium Deposits: Jaduguda (Jharkhand), Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh.
• Thorium Deposits: Found in monazite sands along the Kerala coast.
• Uses: Nuclear power generation.

Distribution Pattern

The Peninsular Plateau is the richest in mineral resources, especially metallic and non-metallic minerals.
In contrast, the Himalayan Region is poor in minerals, while the Alluvial Plains are devoid of significant mineral wealth.

Conservation of Mineral Resources

Minerals are non-renewable and finite. Hence, their sustainable utilization is crucial.
Measures include:

• Promoting recycling and reuse.
• Encouraging energy-efficient mining.
• Using alternative materials.
• Adopting eco-friendly technologies.

Conclusion

Minerals and natural resources are the backbone of India’s industrial growth. For NDA & CDS aspirants, a clear understanding of the types, distribution, and importance of mineral resources in India is essential. Questions related to major mineral-producing states, uses of key minerals, and conservation methods are often asked in competitive exams. Thus, mastering this topic not only boosts your geography preparation but also strengthens your overall general awareness.