Mineral and Power Resources

Description:

• This chapter deals with minerals and energy resources, which are vital for human progress but also cause major environmental challenges if exploited carelessly.

Minerals

• Minerals are naturally occurring substances with a definite chemical composition.
• They are unevenly distributed across the world and classified into:
• Metallic minerals (e.g., iron, copper, bauxite, manganese) – used in industries.
• Non-metallic minerals (e.g., limestone, mica, salt).
• Minerals are extracted through mining, drilling, and quarrying.
• Environmental impact of mining includes deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and land degradation.

Power (Energy) Resources

• Energy resources are crucial for domestic use, industries, and transport. They are divided into:
• Conventional Sources (commonly used, but mostly non-renewable)
• Coal: Called “black gold”, used in industries and power plants; causes air pollution and greenhouse gases.
• Petroleum: Major energy source for vehicles; reserves are limited and concentrated in certain regions.
• Natural gas: Cleaner than coal and oil, but still finite.
• Hydel power: Uses moving water to generate electricity; construction of dams can cause displacement and ecological damage.
• Non-Conventional (Renewable) Sources (clean and sustainable)
• Solar energy: Harnessed using solar panels; abundant and eco-friendly.
• Wind energy: Uses wind turbines; renewable but site-specific.
• Biogas: Produced from organic waste; useful for rural areas.
• Geothermal energy: Heat from Earth’s interior; limited use.
• Tidal energy: Produced from ocean tides.
• Nuclear power: Produces large amounts of energy, but has radiation risks and waste disposal problems.

Conservation of Minerals & Power Resources

• Minerals are finite, so their overuse can cause depletion.
• Conservation measures include:
• Recycling metals
• Using substitutes
• Energy efficiency
• Promoting renewable energy sources
• Reducing wastage

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