Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Major and Minor Minerals
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Mines has reclassified Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz as major minerals, aligning with the National Critical Mineral Mission to boost India’s industrial growth.
Major and Minor Minerals in India
What are Major Minerals?
- Major minerals are those with high economic value, used in industrial applications, energy production, and metallurgy.
- Regulation: Controlled by the Central Government under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).
- Examples:
- Metallic Minerals: Iron ore, Copper, Bauxite, Gold, Manganese, Zinc, Lead.
- Energy Minerals: Coal, Lignite, Uranium.
- Industrial Minerals: Limestone, Rare Earth Elements, Graphite, Gypsum.
What are Minor Minerals?
- Minor minerals have lower economic value and are mainly used in construction, local industries, and ornamental purposes.
- Regulation: Controlled by State Governments under the MMDR Act, which gives them the power to grant leases and regulate mining activities.
- Examples:
- Building Materials: Sand, Gravel, Stone, Marble.
- Non-Metallic Minerals: Dolomite, Mica, Quartz, Felspar, Clay (until reclassified as major minerals).
Key Reasons for Reclassification:
- Extraction of Critical Minerals: These minerals are found with Lithium, Beryl, Niobium, Tin, and Tantalum, essential for energy transition, space, and healthcare industries.
- Industrial & Strategic Importance: Barytes is used in oil drilling, electronics, radiation shielding, while Quartz, Felspar, and Mica are crucial for ceramics, glass, and semiconductor industries.
- Improved Regulation & Transparency: Reclassification ensures scientific mining, reporting, and compliance under Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), reducing illegal extraction and enhancing exploration.
- No Impact on Existing Leases: Current leases remain valid for 50 years, allowing miners to adapt to new rules without disruption, with revenue continuing to benefit State Governments.
PYQ:[2020] Consider the following minerals:
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 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
