JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY HYDERABAD B.Tech II DEVELOPMENT OF MINERAL DEPOSITS Previous Question Paper (March - 2021 - R13/R15)

Mining has been the cornerstone of human civilization, providing the raw materials essential for technological advancement, infrastructure development, and industrial growth. From the Stone Age to the modern digital era, the extraction of metals and minerals has enabled the evolution of tools, transport, energy systems, and construction.

In the Indian context, the mining sector is a vital pillar of the national economy, contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and providing large-scale employment. It serves as the primary source of raw materials for core industries like power, steel, cement, and manufacturing. India is a global leader in the production of several minerals, ranking among the top producers of coal, iron ore, bauxite, and chromite. The country's vast mineral wealth, including significant reserves of mica and manganese, strengthens its position in international trade and supports the 'Make in India' initiative by ensuring the availability of indigenous resources for industrial self-reliance.

i) Mine: A mine is an excavation or a system of excavations made in the earth for the purpose of extracting valuable minerals. It encompasses the entire operation, including surface pits, underground tunnels, shafts, and the associated infrastructure required for mineral recovery. Example: The Kolar Gold Fields or the Bailadila Iron Ore Mine.

ii) Ore: An ore is a naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be profitably extracted. Not all minerals are ores; the distinction depends on the concentration of the valuable element and the economic feasibility of extraction given current market prices and technology. Example: Hematite (Fe2O3) is an ore of iron; Galena (PbS) is an ore of lead.

iii) Mineral: A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid substance with a definite chemical composition and an ordered atomic structure. Minerals are the building blocks of rocks. Example: Quartz (SiO2), Calcite (CaCO3), and Feldspar.