Question

Mineral resources are richly distributed on the earth though unevenly distributed in India. They are exhaustible and non-renewable and need to be used judiciously. They have a huge impact on environment and economy.

1. State the environmental impact of mining and minerals use.
2. In regard to ferrous metals, state the economic uses of any one mineral studied by you.
3. What are the different methods to conserve minerals?
4. With reference to the picture answer the following questions:
   1. Which ore is used to manufacture the object in the picture?
      
   2. Which qualities of the ore make it suitable for this purpose?

Answer 1

1. Environmental impact of mining and minerals use:
   • Mining leads to deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.
   • It pollutes air and water bodies due to dust and chemicals.
   • Mining activities disturb natural habitats and cause land degradation.
   • Extraction and use of minerals contribute to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Economic uses of a ferrous metal (Iron ore):
   • About 90% of iron ore is used to make steel.
   • Steel is used in construction, automobiles, transportation (trucks, trains, rails), infrastructure and machinery.
   • Powdered iron is used in manufacturing magnets, auto parts, and catalysts.
   • Radioactive iron is used in medicine and research.
3. Different methods to conserve minerals:
   • Recycling and reusing metals and minerals.
   • Using alternative materials to reduce demand.
   • Minimizing wastage during mining and processing.
   • Adopting efficient technologies to optimize mineral use.
   • Promoting sustainable mining practices.
   • Exploring and extracting lower grade ores economically.
4.  Referring to the picture (Air India airplane): (i) The ore used to manufacture the object (airplane) is bauxite. (ii) Qualities of the ore making it suitable for this purpose:
   
   • Bauxite is the ore of aluminium.
   • Aluminium is lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant.
   • It has high strength-to-weight ratio making it ideal for aircraft manufacturing.
   • Aluminium is also malleable and ductile, allowing it to be shaped into aircraft parts.