Mineral and Energy Resources — NCERT Solutions

The main non-ferrous metal mentioned in the chapter is bauxite; copper is also a non-ferrous metal. Their spatial distribution is as follows: Bauxite is mainly produced in Odisha (largest producer), especially Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Bolangir and Koraput; other major areas are Lohardaga in Jharkhand, Bhavnagar and Jamnagar in Gujarat, Amarkantak plateau in Chhattisgarh, Katni-Jabalpur area and Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh, and Kolaba, Thane, Ratnagiri, Satara, Pune and Kolhapur in Maharashtra. Copper occurs mainly in Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh) and Jhunjhunu and Alwar (Rajasthan). Minor producers are Agnigundala in Guntur (Andhra Pradesh), Chitradurg and Hassan (Karnataka) and South Arcot (Tamil Nadu).

Non-conventional sources of energy are the newer, alternative and mostly renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, tidal, wave, geothermal and bio-energy. The chapter says these are more equitable and environment-friendly, and they can provide sustained, cheaper energy after the initial cost is met.

Petroleum is a major source of energy and is often called liquid gold because of its scarcity and diversified uses. Crude petroleum consists of hydrocarbons in liquid and gaseous form. It is an essential fuel for automobiles, railways and aircraft, and its by-products are used in petrochemical industries such as fertilisers, synthetic rubber, synthetic fibre, medicines, vaseline, lubricants, wax, soap and cosmetics.

In India, crude petroleum occurs in sedimentary rocks of the tertiary period. Systematic exploration began after the establishment of ONGC in 1956. Earlier, Digboi in Assam was the only oil-producing region, but after 1956 production expanded. Important oil-producing areas in Assam are Digboi, Naharkatiya and Moran. In Gujarat, major oilfields are Ankaleshwar, Kalol, Mehsana, Nawagam, Kosamba and Lunej. Mumbai High, about 160 km off Mumbai, was discovered in 1973 and production started in 1976. Oil and natural gas have also been found in exploratory wells in the Krishna-Godavari and Kaveri basins on the east coast.

Crude oil obtained from wells contains impurities, so it must be refined before use. India has two kinds of refineries: field-based refineries like Digboi and market-based refineries like Barauni.

The chapter does not give a separate detailed essay on hydel power. From standard school knowledge, hydel power is electricity generated from flowing or falling water. It is a renewable and non-polluting source of energy. India has many hydroelectric projects because of its rivers and mountainous regions.

Hydel power is important because it is clean, helps meet electricity demand, and supports industrial and domestic use. However, it depends on the availability of water, so production may fall during dry seasons. Large hydro projects also need heavy investment and may cause displacement of people and environmental changes.

Thus, hydel power is a major conventional renewable energy source in India and an important part of the country’s energy mix.