Mineral and Energy Resources
India is endowed with a rich variety of mineral resources due to its varied geological structure, primarily associated with pre-Palaeozoic age metamorphic and igneous rocks in the peninsular area. This section outlines the availability and types of mineral resources, categorizing them into metallic and non-metallic minerals. Metallic minerals include ferrous (e.g., iron ore) and non-ferrous (e.g., copper, bauxite), while non-metallic minerals encompass fossil fuels and other minerals like limestone and mica.
The mineral distribution varies significantly across India, with major mining regions such as the North-Eastern Plateau primarily rich in iron and bauxite, the South-Western Plateau with high-grade iron ore and coal, and the North-Western Region, which houses copper and zinc deposits. The section also addresses energy resources, detailing the importance of fossil fuels like coal and petroleum, the nuclear energy framework, and emerging non-conventional energy sources like solar and wind energy. This comprehensive overview emphasizes the critical role these resources play in supporting industrial development and economic sustainability in India.