29-03-2014, 12:24 PM
Mineral and Power Resources
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A naturally occurring substance that has a definite chemical composition is a mineral.
Minerals are not evenly distributed over space. They are concentrated in a particular
area or rock formations.
Minerals are formed in different types of geological environments, under varying
conditions. They are created by natural processes without any human interference.
They can be identified on the basis of their physical properties such as colour,
density, hardness and chemical property such as solubility.
TYPES OF MINERALS
There are over three thousand different minerals. On the basis of composition,
minerals are classified mainly as metallic and non-metallic minerals.
Metallic Minerals: The metallic minerals contain metal in raw form. Metals are hard
substances that conduct heat and electricity and have a characteristic luster or shine.
Iron ore, bauxite, manganese ore are some examples. Metallic minerals may be
ferrous or non-ferrous.
Ferrous Minerals: Ferrous minerals like iron ore, manganese and chromites contain
iron. A non ferrous mineral does not contain iron but may contain some other metal
such as gold, silver, copper or lead.
Non-Metallic Minerals: The non-metallic minerals do not contain metals.
Limestone, mica and gypsum are examples of such minerals. The mineral fuels like
coal and petroleum are also non-metallic minerals.
Minerals can be extracted by mining, drilling or quarrying.
Mining: The process of taking out minerals from rocks buried under the earth’s
surface is called mining. Minerals that lie at shallow depths are taken out by
removing the surface layer; this is known as open-cast mining. Deep bores, called
shafts, have to be made to reach mineral deposits that lie at great depths. This is
called shaft mining. Petroleum and natural gas occur far below the earth’s surface.
Deep wells are bored to take them out, this is called drilling. Minerals that lie near
the surface are simply dug out, by the process known as quarrying.
DISTRIBUTION OF MINERALS
Minerals occur in different types of rocks. Some are found in igneous rocks, some in
metamorphic rocks while others occur in sedimentary rocks. Generally, metallic
minerals are found in igneous and metamorphic rock formations that form large
plateaus. Africa are examples of minerals found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Sedimentary rock formations of plains and young fold mountains contain non-
metallic minerals like limestone.
CONSERVATION OF MINERALS
Minerals are a non-renewable resource. It takes thousands of years for the formation
and concentration of minerals. The rate of formation is much smaller than the rate at
which the humans consume these minerals. It is necessary to reduce wastage in the
process of mining. Recycling of metals is another way in which the mineral resources
can be conserved.
POWER RESOURCES
Power or energy plays a vital role in our lives. We also need power for industry,
agriculture, transport, communication and defense. Power resources may be broadly
categorized as conventional and non-conventional resources.