1.
Factors Affecting the Exploitation of Mineral Resources
The exploitation of mineral resources depends on several natural, economic, and technological
factors:
Availability and Quality: High-grade and easily accessible minerals are more profitable
to extract.
Technology: Advanced mining and processing technology helps extract minerals from
difficult areas.
Economic Factors: Market demand, price of minerals, and cost of extraction and
transport affect exploitation.
Accessibility: Good transport and communication facilities make mining easier and
cheaper.
Labour Availability: Skilled and cheap labour encourages mineral exploitation.
Political Stability and Government Policy: Stable governments and supportive mining
policies attract investment.
2. Effect of Mining on the National Economy
Mining has both positive and negative effects on a country's economy:
Positive Effects:
o Provides raw materials for industries like steel, cement, and energy.
o Generates employment in mining and related sectors.
o Earns foreign exchange through export of minerals.
o Encourages industrialization and infrastructure development.
Negative Effects:
o Overdependence on mining may cause economic instability if prices fall.
o Depletion of resources and environmental degradation can harm long-term
growth.
3. Factors Influencing Power Resource Development
Power resource development depends on the following factors:
Availability of Resources: Presence of coal, petroleum, water, wind, or sunlight.
Technology: Advanced machinery and knowledge are needed to generate and distribute
power efficiently.
Capital Investment: Large funds are required for setting up power plants.
Topography and Climate: Mountains favor hydroelectric projects; sunny regions favor
solar power.
Population and Demand: Growing population and industries increase power demand.
Government Policy: Policies promoting renewable energy encourage development.
4. Potential and Limitations of Fossil Fuels in Industrialization
Potential:
o Provide a steady and powerful energy source for industries.
o Support transportation and manufacturing sectors.
o Are easily available and well-developed technologically.
Limitations:
o Non-renewable and may exhaust in the future.
o Cause air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
o Uneven distribution creates regional imbalance.
o Rising extraction costs as deposits go deeper.
5. Environmental Concerns Associated with Conventional Energy
Sources
Conventional sources like coal, oil, and natural gas cause:
Air Pollution: Emission of CO₂, SO₂, and nitrogen oxides leads to smog and acid rain.
Global Warming: Excess CO₂ increases the greenhouse effect.
Water Pollution: Oil spills and mining waste contaminate water.
Land Degradation: Open-cast mining destroys natural habitats.
Health Hazards: Polluted air and water cause respiratory and skin diseases.
6. Potential of Non-Conventional Energy in the Indian Context
India has great potential for non-conventional (renewable) energy sources due to its geography
and climate:
Solar Energy: Abundant sunshine throughout the year.
Wind Energy: Coastal and hilly regions like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra are
suitable.
Hydro and Tidal Energy: Long coastline and river systems provide opportunities.
Biomass and Biogas: Large agricultural base offers raw materials.
Geothermal Energy: Potential in the Himalayas and volcanic regions.
7. Advantages and Limitations of Non-Conventional Energy
Sources
1. Solar Energy
Advantages:
1. Renewable and inexhaustible source of energy.
2. Eco-friendly — produces no air or water pollution.
3. Suitable for decentralized power supply in remote areas.
4. Low operating and maintenance cost after installation.
Limitations:
1. High initial installation cost.
2. Efficiency depends on sunlight — not available at night or during cloudy days.
3. Requires large areas for solar farms.
4. Energy storage (batteries) is expensive.
2. Wind Energy
Advantages:
1. Clean and renewable energy source.
2. Low operating cost once turbines are installed.
3. Useful in coastal and hilly regions with consistent wind.
4. Reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Limitations:
1. Irregular and unpredictable wind flow reduces reliability.
2. Requires large open areas for wind farms.
3. Noise pollution and impact on bird life.
4. High initial cost of turbines and transmission lines.
3. Tidal Energy
Advantages:
1. Predictable and consistent energy generation from tides.
2. Non-polluting and renewable.
3. Long lifespan of tidal plants.
4. Suitable for coastal countries like India.
Limitations:
1. Limited suitable sites for tidal plants.
2. High initial construction and maintenance cost.
3. May affect marine life and ecosystems.
4. Irregular energy generation depending on tidal cycles.
4. Biomass Energy
Advantages:
1. Renewable source derived from agricultural and organic waste.
2. Reduces waste and helps in waste management.
3. Provides employment in rural areas.
4. Reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Limitations:
1. Inefficient combustion may cause air pollution.
2. Excessive use may lead to deforestation.
3. Requires large quantities of biomass to produce sufficient energy.
4. Transportation and storage of biomass are difficult.
5. Geothermal Energy
Advantages:
1. Provides a continuous and reliable source of energy.
2. Environmentally friendly — low greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Low operating cost after setup.
4. Occupies less land compared to solar or wind plants.
Limitations:
1. High initial drilling and construction cost.
2. Limited to areas with volcanic or tectonic activity.
3. Risk of land subsidence and minor earthquakes.
4. Water used in the process may contain harmful minerals.
8. Environmental Consequences of Using Non-Conventional
Energy Resources
Generally, less harmful than conventional sources, but may have local impacts:
o Wind turbines can affect bird life and create noise.
o Large solar farms may disturb land ecosystems.
o Biomass burning can still release CO₂.
o Geothermal energy may cause land subsidence or minor earthquakes.
9. Need to Promote Non-Conventional Energy Resources
Renewable and Sustainable: Can be used repeatedly without depletion.
Environment-Friendly: Produce minimal pollution compared to fossil fuels.
Energy Security: Reduce dependence on imported fuels.
Rural Development: Small-scale projects can provide power in remote areas.
Economic Growth: Encourages new industries and green jobs.
Climate Change Mitigation: Helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.