Tag: distribution and conservation of mineral resources

Non- conventional sources of energy are those which have been developed in the recent past as an alternative to conventional sources of energy. These include solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, geothermal energy, nuclear energy and biogas. They are renewable and therefore, inexhaustible, non-polluting, less expensive and easy to maintain.

Solar energy: Energy from sun is called solar energy and it is the most abundant source of energy.

Geo-thermal energy: It is the heat energy contained in the rock and fluid that fills the fractures and pores within the rock in the earth's crust. It is clean and sustainable.

Tidal energy: Energy generated from tides is called tidal energy. Tidal energy can be harnessed by building dams at narrow openings of the sea. The Gulf of Kuch is best suited for tidal energy.

Non-ferrous minerals are those which do not have iron content in them like copper, bauxite, etc. They play a vital role in metallurgical, engineering and electrical industries.

Wind energy generation in India began since 1986 with the setting up of wind farms in the coastal areas of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

Among the given options Rajasthan occupies a leading position in the generation of wind energy with 4031.99 MW wind power installed. Its place is after Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

The ocean waters contain vast quantities of minerals, but most of these are too widely diffused to be of economic significance. However, common salt, magnesium and bromine are largely derived from ocean waters. The ocean beds, too, are rich in manganese nodules.

Sunlight, water, wind and biomass are the non-conventional sources of energy. Non-conventional sources are replenishable and safe to ecology. Non-conventional means not widely in use.

• Being malleable, ductile and a good conductor, copper is mainly used in electrical cables, electronics  and chemical industries.
  
• Aluminium is an important metal because it combines the strength of metals such as iron, with extreme lightness and also with good conductivity and great malleability.
  
• Due to its excellent dielectric strength, low power loss factor, insulating properties and resistance to high voltage, mica is one of the most indispensable minerals used in electric and electronic industries.
  

India is bestowed with numerous valuable mines. In terms of value Odisha leads the mineral production. Odisha has a share of 10.62% of the production. It is located on north eastern peninsular belt.

Ferrous minerals contain iron, non-ferrous minerals do not contain iron. Ferrous minerals constitute about 75% of the total production of minerals in India. Iron ore and manganese are two important ferrous minerals mined in India.

• Galena, also called lead glance, is the natural mineral form of lead(II) sulfide.
  
•  It is the most important ore of lead and an important source of silver. 
  
• Galena is one of the most abundant and widely distributed sulfide minerals.
  
•  Most of the lead minerals, such as Cerussite and Anglesite are secondary minerals formed from Galena.