Indian Coal Types, Renewable Energy, and Mineral Resources

Indian Coal Types, Formation, and Uses

1. Coal Types in India

   Describe the qualities of four different types of coal found in India. How is coal formed?
   • Peat: Low carbon and high in moisture.
   • Lignite: Low-grade brown coal, soft and with high moisture content.
   • Bituminous Coal: High carbon and low moisture content, the most popular coal for commercial use.
   • Anthracite: The highest quality hard coal.

   Coal is formed due to the compression of plant material over millions of years. Most coal was formed during the Carboniferous period.

2. Renewable Energy Resources

   What are renewable resources? Why has it become necessary to use renewable energy resources?

   The resources which can be renewed or reproduced by physical, chemical, or mechanical processes are known as renewable resources.

   Dependence on fossil fuels (i.e., coal, oil, and gas) and rising prices of oil and gas, along with their potential shortages, have raised uncertainties about the security of energy supply in the future, which affects the growth of the national economy. Besides, the use of fossil fuels also causes serious environmental problems. Hence, there is a need for the use of renewable energy resources.

3. Mineral Formations

   What is a mineral? Mention two types of formations in which they occur.

   Rocks are combinations of homogeneous substances called minerals.

   1. It occurs in cracks, crevices, faults, and joints, particularly in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
   2. It also occurs in beds and layers, particularly in sedimentary rocks.

4. Mineral Resources in Manufacturing

   In what ways are some manufacturing industries dependent on mineral resources?

   Some manufacturing industries based on mineral resources transform raw materials into valuable industrial products. Iron and steel, cement, aluminum, and petrochemicals are mineral-based industries. They use raw materials to create finished products.

5. Necessity of Non-Conventional Energy

   Explain why the use of non-conventional sources of energy is becoming necessary in our country? Give three reasons.

   The use of non-conventional sources of energy is becoming necessary in our country for the following reasons:

   1. Rising prices of oil and gas.
   2. To save environmental pollution.
   3. As a renewable source of energy.

6. Factors Turning Mineral Reserve into a Mine

   Describe any three factors which play a very important role in turning a mineral reserve into a mine.
   1. The concentration of mineral in the ore.
   2. The ease of extraction of minerals.
   3. Closeness to the market.