Question 62 from UPSC CSE 2020 - GEOGRAPHY

Question

Consider the following minerals:
1. Bentonite
2. Chromite
3. Kyanite
4. Sillimanite
In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 2, 3, and 4 only

Strategy: First, identify which minerals are classified as 'major minerals' under Indian mining law. Specifically, note that Bentonite is designated as a 'minor mineral' via a Government of India notification from 2015. Chromite, Kyanite, and Sillimanite are recognized as 'major minerals' due to their industrial importance and central regulation. Therefore, the correct set includes only Chromite, Kyanite, and Sillimanite.

Key Info: Major minerals in India are defined in distinction from 'minor minerals' by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act). The government periodically updates this classification through official notifications.

- **Bentonite**: A clay primarily composed of montmorillonite. As per Government of India Notification S.O. 423(E) dated 10th February 2015, Bentonite was notified as a 'minor mineral'. Its regulation and royalty collection fall under the jurisdiction of State Governments.

- **Chromite**: An oxide mineral of chromium and iron (FeCr2O4). It is India's only significant source of chromium and is classified as a 'major mineral' due to its national and industrial significance. Chromite mines are regulated by the Central Government.

- **Kyanite and Sillimanite**: Both are alumino-silicate minerals (Al2SiO5), part of a group that includes andalusite. Kyanite and sillimanite are utilized in the refractory and ceramics industries. They are listed as 'major minerals' because their exploration and extraction are centrally regulated.

The Government of India may shift minerals between categories based on factors such as industrial demand, economic value, and resource availability. This designation directly affects royalty collection and governance rules. Currently, only minerals explicitly notified as minor are excluded from the major minerals list.

Chromite, Kyanite, and Sillimanite require central-level licensing and oversight, reflecting their importance in metallurgy and industry. Bentonite, primarily used in foundries, drilling mud, and as an absorbent, is legislated as a minor mineral for administrative convenience.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 4 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 1 and 3 only

Consider the following minerals: Bentonite Chromite Kyanite Sillimanite In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?

Consider the following minerals:

Bentonite

Chromite

Kyanite

Sillimanite
In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?