Mineral and Energy Resources

Introduction

Minerals and energy are two of the most critical natural resources for human survival and economic development. Human civilization has advanced from the Stone Age to the Information Age primarily because of the discovery, utilization, and management of mineral and energy resources. From making tools in the prehistoric period to building skyscrapers, producing electricity, and launching satellites, minerals and energy form the backbone of industrialization and modern life.

While minerals are naturally occurring substances with definite chemical composition and physical properties, energy resources refer to sources that provide power to operate machines, transport systems, industries, and households. Together, they determine the pace of economic growth, the quality of life, and the strength of nations.

However, both resources are finite, unevenly distributed, and often associated with environmental degradation and political conflicts. Therefore, their wise and sustainable management is essential for present and future generations.

Mineral Resources

Meaning of Minerals

A mineral is a naturally occurring substance that has a definite chemical composition and is usually found in the Earth’s crust. They may be metallic, non-metallic, or energy minerals. Minerals are formed through various geological processes such as cooling of magma, sedimentation, evaporation, and metamorphosis.

Types of Minerals

1. Metallic Minerals
   • Contain metals in raw form.
   • Further classified into:
     • Ferrous Minerals: Contain iron (e.g., iron ore, manganese, chromite).
     • Non-Ferrous Minerals: Do not contain iron but are important for industries (e.g., copper, bauxite, zinc, lead, gold).
2. Non-Metallic Minerals
   • Do not contain metals.
   • Used in industries, agriculture, and construction.
   • Examples: mica, limestone, gypsum, salt, phosphates, graphite.
3. Energy Minerals
   • Used for generating power and fuel.
   • Examples: coal, petroleum, natural gas, uranium, thorium.

Distribution of Minerals in India

India is endowed with rich mineral resources, though their distribution is uneven.

• Iron Ore: Found in Odisha (Keonjhar, Sundargarh), Chhattisgarh (Bastar), Karnataka (Bellary, Hospet), Jharkhand (Singhbhum).
• Manganese: Odisha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka.
• Bauxite: Odisha (Kalahandi, Koraput), Gujarat, Maharashtra, Jharkhand.
• Copper: Rajasthan (Khetri mines), Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh.
• Mica: Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan.
• Gold: Kolar Gold Fields (Karnataka), Hutti mines.
• Limestone: Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh.
• Salt: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Odisha.

Importance of Minerals

• Industrial Growth: Basis for iron and steel, cement, fertilizer, and other industries.
• Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, dams, railways.
• Energy: Coal, petroleum, uranium → generate electricity and fuel transport.
• Agriculture: Fertilizer minerals like phosphates, nitrates.
• Economic Value: Exports, employment, GDP contribution.
• Cultural Uses: Gold, silver, and gemstones in ornaments, traditions, and currency reserves.

Problems of Mineral Resources

• Exhaustion: Minerals are finite and non-renewable.
• Unequal Distribution: Leads to regional imbalance and international conflicts.
• Environmental Damage: Mining causes deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and displacement.
• Overdependence on Imports: India imports crude oil, copper, and gold.
• Illegal Mining: Loss of revenue and ecological destruction.

Conservation of Minerals

• Efficient mining and processing.
• Recycling of metals (aluminum, copper, iron, etc.).
• Substitution of rare minerals with alternatives.
• Exploration of new reserves through technology.
• Environmental regulations for sustainable mining.

Energy Resources

Meaning

Energy resources are sources of power that help in performing work, operating machines, and providing heat and light. They are indispensable for transport, communication, agriculture, industry, and daily life.

Types of Energy Resources

1. Conventional Energy Sources
   • Traditional, widely used, non-renewable.
   • Examples: coal, petroleum, natural gas, electricity (hydel + thermal), uranium.
2. Non-Conventional Energy Sources
   • Renewable, eco-friendly, sustainable.
   • Examples: solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, biogas, hydrogen, nuclear fusion (future).

Conventional Energy Resources in India

1. Coal

• Major source of energy (about 55% of commercial energy in India).
• Types: Anthracite, Bituminous, Lignite, Peat.
• Distribution: Jharia (Jharkhand), Raniganj (West Bengal), Korba (Chhattisgarh), Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh).
• Problems: Pollution, greenhouse gases, low calorific value in Indian coal.

2. Petroleum

• Called “Black Gold”.
• Used in transport, industry, and petrochemicals.
• Oil fields: Digboi (Assam), Bombay High (offshore), Ankleshwar (Gujarat).
• India imports over 80% of its crude oil → energy security concern.

3. Natural Gas

• Cleaner than coal and oil.
• Fields: Krishna-Godavari basin, Bombay High, Assam.
• Used in power plants, fertilizers, households (PNG, CNG).

4. Hydroelectric Power

• Renewable but conventional.
• Projects: Bhakra Nangal (Punjab-Haryana), Hirakud (Odisha), Tehri (Uttarakhand).
• India’s hydro potential: ~1,45,000 MW.

5. Nuclear Energy

• Uses uranium and thorium.
• Plants: Tarapur (Maharashtra), Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu), Narora (Uttar Pradesh), Kakrapar (Gujarat).
• India has huge thorium reserves (Kerala sands).

Non-Conventional Energy Resources

1. Solar Energy

• India receives huge solar insolation.
• Leading projects: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh.
• National Solar Mission aims for 100 GW solar capacity by 2030.

2. Wind Energy

• Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka.
• India is among the world’s top producers.

3. Biogas

• Produced from animal dung and agricultural waste.
• Rural households use it for cooking and lighting.

4. Tidal and Wave Energy

• Potential in Gujarat, West Bengal.
• Still at pilot project stage.

5. Geothermal Energy

• Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh.
• Limited use but future potential.

6. Hydrogen Energy

• Seen as the fuel of the future.
• Clean, renewable, but expensive technology.

Energy Scenario in India

• India is the third-largest energy consumer globally.
• Energy mix:
  • Coal: 55%
  • Oil: 30%
  • Natural gas: 6%
  • Hydro: 6%
  • Nuclear: 1-2%
  • Renewables: rising fast (~10-15%).

The dependence on imports makes India vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Hence, self-reliance in energy is a national priority.

Problems of Energy Resources

• Depletion of fossil fuels.
• Import dependence on crude oil.
• Environmental issues: pollution, greenhouse gases, climate change.
• Displacement due to big dams and mining.
• High cost of renewable technologies.

Conservation of Energy Resources

• Efficient use of electricity and fuels.
• Promotion of renewable energy.
• Public transport, electric vehicles.
• Recycling and energy-efficient appliances.
• Awareness campaigns.
• Government programs:
  • UJALA (LED bulbs).
  • National Electric Mobility Mission.
  • International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Government Initiatives

• Integrated Energy Policy for long-term planning.
• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) with missions on solar, energy efficiency, and sustainable habitat.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: clean cooking fuel to rural women.
• Hydrogen Mission (2021): developing hydrogen fuel.
• Renewable Energy targets: 500 GW by 2030.

Global Importance of Mineral and Energy Resources

• Minerals like oil, uranium, and rare earth metals influence geopolitics.
• Control over energy routes (like Strait of Hormuz, South China Sea) determines global power balance.
• Countries compete for African minerals, Middle-East oil, Arctic resources.
• Transition to green energy is reshaping global relations.

Future Prospects

• Shift from fossil fuels to renewables.
• Electric vehicles and smart grids.
• Hydrogen economy.
• Circular economy → recycling and efficient resource use.
• International cooperation for sustainable energy.

Conclusion

Minerals and energy resources are the engines of human progress. They fuel industries, agriculture, transport, technology, and daily life. However, they are finite, unevenly distributed, and environmentally damaging when exploited recklessly.

For India and the world, the challenge lies in balancing development and sustainability. Conservation, diversification of energy mix, adoption of non-conventional resources, recycling, and international cooperation are the keys to the future.

If managed wisely, minerals and energy will continue to power human civilization for centuries. If misused, they may trigger crises, conflicts, and ecological collapse. Hence, the motto should be:
“Use minerals and energy resources judiciously today to secure a sustainable tomorrow.”