CUET UG Geography Booster Test 2-Non-Ferrous and Non-Metallic Minerals -

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CUET UG Geography Booster Test 2-Non-Ferrous and Non-Metallic Minerals

⏱️ 30 Minutes

❓ 20 Questions

📌 Answers are locked once submitted — results and explanations appear at the end.

CUET UG Geography Booster Test 2-Non-Ferrous and Non-Metallic Minerals

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QUESTION 1 OF 20

While bauxite is distinctively the primary ore for manufacturing aluminium, it is geologically classified as a __________ metallic mineral.

Answer Review

1 While bauxite is distinctively the primary ore for manufacturing aluminium, it is geologically classified as a __________ metallic mineral.

A Ferrous

B Non-ferrous

C Precious

D Radioactive

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: Bauxite consists primarily of hydrated aluminum oxides. Point 2: Since it contains no iron, it does not fit into the ferrous category. Point 3: The standard geological and industrial classification for bauxite is a non-ferrous metallic mineral.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Bauxite is classified as a non-ferrous metallic mineral. Ferrous minerals, by definition, contain iron, such as hematite or magnetite. Because bauxite is the ore for aluminum—a metal prized for its low weight and non-corrosive properties—it falls squarely into the non-ferrous category, confirming Option B.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A: This is incorrect because ferrous minerals must contain significant iron, which bauxite does not.
Option C: This is incorrect because precious metals include gold, silver, and platinum, which have different geological origins.
Option D: This is incorrect because radioactive minerals include uranium and thorium, which are not related to the aluminum-producing bauxite ore.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Conceptual Classification

Application: Use the NCERT classification of mineral resources.

Final Logic: Aluminum is famously non-ferrous, therefore its primary ore must be non-ferrous.

🧠 Memory Trick

Aluminium is Always non-ferrous (A → A).

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

2 Consider the geological characteristics of bauxite formation in India:
1. It is mainly found in tertiary deposits.
2. It is extensively associated with laterite rocks.
3. It only occurs in the deep alluvial plains of North India.
Select the correct statements:

A 1 and 2 only

B 2 and 3 only

C 1 and 3 only

D 1, 2, and 3

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: Bauxite formation is linked to tropical weathering in Tertiary times. Point 2: Laterite cappings are the diagnostic geological feature of these deposits. Point 3: Alluvial plains are sedimentary environments, not locations for lateritic bauxite.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Bauxite deposits are typical of the Tertiary geological period, formed by the intensive chemical weathering of parent rocks. Statement 2 is also correct as this process results in laterite rocks, which form cappings on plateaus. Statement 3 is incorrect because bauxite is not found in the alluvial plains of North India; it is found on peninsular plateaus and coastal tracts, validating Option A.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B: Incorrect because it includes Statement 3, which is factually wrong.
Option C: Incorrect because it includes Statement 3 and omits Statement 2.
Option D: Incorrect because Statement 3 is false.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Fact-Checking/Geological Mapping

Application: Identify the correct environment (plateaus vs. alluvial plains).

Final Logic: Statement 3 is a distractor; only 1 and 2 represent NCERT facts.

🧠 Memory Trick

Bauxite loves Plateaus, not Plains (P ≠ P).

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

3 Arrange the following states in ascending order of their status as Bauxite producers (from minor producer to the largest producer):
1. Odisha
2. Goa
3. Gujarat

A 2, 3, 1

B 1, 3, 2

C 3, 2, 1

D 2, 1, 3

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: Odisha is the primary (largest) producer of bauxite in India. Point 2: Gujarat is a significant western producer, but less than Odisha. Point 3: Goa is not a significant producer compared to the other two.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Ascending order requires starting with the smallest and ending with the largest. Odisha is the largest producer of bauxite in India (1). Gujarat is a major producing state (3), and Goa is a minor/non-producer in this specific context (2). Therefore, 2 < 3 < 1, which corresponds to 2, 3, 1, validating Option A.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B: Places the largest (1) first, failing the "ascending" requirement.
Option C: Incorrect ordering of Gujarat and Goa.
Option D: Incorrect placement of Odisha.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Hierarchical Ranking

Application: Rank based on known NCERT production data.

Final Logic: Odisha must be the last item in an ascending list.

🧠 Memory Trick

Odisha is the Overall leader (O → O).

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

4 Match the specific bauxite mining regions with their respective states:

List I	List II
1. Lohardaga	a. Chhattisgarh
2. Amarkantak plateau	b. Madhya Pradesh
3. Katni-Jabalpur	c. Jharkhand
4. Koraput	d. Odisha

A 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d

B 1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d

C 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d

D 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d

💡 Short Explanation

Lohardaga is a major bauxite-producing region located in Jharkhand. Amarkantak plateau is associated with bauxite deposits mainly in the Chhattisgarh region. Katni-Jabalpur is an important bauxite belt located in Madhya Pradesh. Koraput is one of India's major bauxite-producing areas located in Odisha.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

This question requires matching important bauxite mining regions with their respective states. Lohardaga (1) is located in Jharkhand and is famous for high-grade bauxite deposits → c. Amarkantak plateau (2) lies in the central Indian bauxite belt associated with Chhattisgarh → a. Katni-Jabalpur (3) belongs to Madhya Pradesh and is a significant mineral-producing region → b. Koraput (4) in Odisha has extensive bauxite reserves → d. Therefore, the correct combination is 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d, which corresponds to Option A.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B: Incorrectly assigns Lohardaga to Chhattisgarh and changes the correct state associations.
Option C: Incorrectly places Lohardaga and Amarkantak in unsuitable states.
Option D: Incorrectly assigns Katni-Jabalpur to Chhattisgarh instead of Madhya Pradesh.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Geographical Mapping

Jharkhand: Lohardaga → major bauxite area.
Chhattisgarh: Amarkantak plateau region → bauxite deposits.
Madhya Pradesh: Katni-Jabalpur belt → bauxite mining.
Odisha: Koraput → major bauxite reserves.

Final Logic:

Lohardaga → Jharkhand (1-c)
Amarkantak plateau → Chhattisgarh (2-a)
Katni-Jabalpur → Madhya Pradesh (3-b)
Koraput → Odisha (4-d)

🧠 Memory Trick

"Lohardaga lies in Jharkhand, Amarkantak in Chhattisgarh belt, Katni in MP, Koraput in Odisha."

📚 Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

5 Which of the following is true about Gujarat's bauxite deposits?

A They are completely devoid of laterite associations.

B Bhavanagar and Jamnagar have major deposits.

C Gujarat is the absolute largest producer of bauxite in India.

D The deposits are found offshore in the Arabian Sea.

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: Gujarat contains significant bauxite reserves. Point 2: The districts of Bhavanagar and Jamnagar are explicitly mentioned in NCERT. Point 3: Bauxite is universally associated with laterite in India.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Option B is true because the NCERT text specifically identifies Bhavanagar and Jamnagar as the major bauxite-producing districts in Gujarat. Option A is false because bauxite is almost always associated with laterite. Option C is false because Odisha is the largest producer. Option D is false because the mines are onshore, not offshore in the sea, validating Option B.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A: Contradicts the lateritic nature of bauxite formation.
Option C: Odisha holds the largest production share.
Option D: Bauxite is a terrestrial (plateau/coastal) mineral, not an offshore marine one.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Fact Verification

Application: Confirm regional production nodes against NCERT.

Final Logic: Bhavanagar and Jamnagar are the only scientifically correct geographical locations listed.

🧠 Memory Trick

Gujarat's bauxite is in Jamnagar (G-J).

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

6 Which combination of districts accurately maps the bauxite plateau sites in Maharashtra?

A Kolaba, Thane, Ratnagiri, Satara, Pune, Kolhapur

B Nagpur, Bhandara, Ratnagiri, Satara

C Chandrapur, Thane, Pune, Kolhapur

D Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Nashik, Pune

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: Maharashtra has bauxite in the coastal and inland plateau regions. Point 2: The districts listed in the NCERT cover the Konkan coast and inland plateaus. Point 3: Other combinations include eastern industrial districts (Nagpur/Chandrapur) which are not primary bauxite sites.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The list in Option A accurately includes the coastal belt districts (Kolaba, Thane, Ratnagiri) and the southern plateau districts (Satara, Pune, Kolhapur) mentioned in the textbook. Other options incorrectly add eastern districts like Nagpur or Chandrapur, which are known for iron and manganese but not bauxite, validating Option A.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B: Nagpur and Bhandara are not primary bauxite sites.
Option C: Chandrapur is an iron/manganese hub.
Option D: Missing key districts like Kolaba.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Mapping/Elimination

Application: Use the textbook list to identify the complete group.

Final Logic: Only Option A provides the full list of Maharashtra's bauxite districts as specified by NCERT.

🧠 Memory Trick

Kolaba, Thane, Ratnagiri, Satara, Pune, Kolhapur = KTRSPK.

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

7 Due to its unique technical traits, copper is indispensable in manufacturing electrical transformers. Which characteristic is NOT a reason for this specific application?

A It is alloyable

B It is ductile

C It is highly brittle and insulating

D It is malleable

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: Copper is a highly conductive metal, not an insulator. Point 2: Copper is highly ductile, not brittle. Point 3: The question asks for the "NOT a reason" (the incorrect property).

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Option C is the correct answer because it states copper is "brittle and insulating." This is factually false; copper is the standard for high-conductivity electrical components and is ductile, not brittle. All other options (alloyable, ductile, malleable) are positive traits that make copper ideal for transformers, validating Option C.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A: Copper is indeed alloyable (e.g., brass, bronze).
Option B: Copper is indeed ductile (drawn into wire).
Option D: Copper is indeed malleable (shaped into sheets).

🎯 Strategy

Used: Negative Selection

Application: Identify the false property of the metal.

Final Logic: An electrical conductor cannot be an "insulator."

🧠 Memory Trick

Copper = Conductor, not Insulator (C ≠ I).

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

8 Copper is frequently mixed with __________ to provide strength to jewellery, showcasing its highly alloyable and malleable nature.

A Silver

B Gold

C Platinum

D Iron

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: Pure gold is too soft for daily use in jewellery. Point 2: Adding copper provides the necessary structural hardness. Point 3: This process is a classic example of copper's alloyability.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Copper is mixed with gold (Option B) to harden it. Gold, in its pure state (24 karats), is extremely soft and prone to deformation. Mixing it with a small amount of copper creates a more durable alloy suitable for crafting rings, necklaces, and other jewellery, validating Option B.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A: While silver is sometimes mixed with gold, copper is the industry standard for creating the "rose gold" effect and increasing hardness.
Option C: Platinum is usually alloyed with other platinum-group metals (like iridium).
Option D: Iron is not standard for jewellery alloying.

🎯 Strategy

Used: General Knowledge/Metallurgy

Application: Recall common jewellery metallurgy facts.

Final Logic: Gold + Copper is the standard recipe for durability in jewellery.

🧠 Memory Trick

Gold + Copper = Great Crafting.

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

9 Match the copper-producing districts with their respective states:

List I	List II
1. Singhbhum	a. Madhya Pradesh
2. Balaghat	b. Andhra Pradesh
3. Agnigundala	c. Jharkhand
4. Khetri	d. Rajasthan

A 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d

B 1-a, 2-c, 3-b, 4-d

C 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d

D 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d

💡 Short Explanation

Singhbhum is a famous copper-producing region located in Jharkhand, known for the Singhbhum Copper Belt. Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh contains important copper deposits, including the Malanjkhand copper mine. Agnigundala in Andhra Pradesh is a known copper-producing area. Khetri in Rajasthan is one of India's oldest and most important copper mining regions.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

This question requires matching major copper-producing regions with their respective states. Singhbhum (1) belongs to Jharkhand and is a major copper belt → c. Balaghat (2) is located in Madhya Pradesh and contains significant copper deposits → a. Agnigundala (3) is located in Andhra Pradesh → b. Khetri (4) is situated in Rajasthan and is famous for copper mining → d. Therefore, the correct combination is 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d, which corresponds to Option A.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B: Incorrectly assigns Singhbhum to Madhya Pradesh instead of Jharkhand.
Option C: Incorrectly places Singhbhum in Andhra Pradesh.
Option D: Incorrectly assigns Balaghat to Andhra Pradesh.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Mineral Region Mapping

Jharkhand: Singhbhum Copper Belt
Madhya Pradesh: Balaghat (Malanjkhand)
Andhra Pradesh: Agnigundala
Rajasthan: Khetri

Final Logic:

Singhbhum → Jharkhand (1-c)
Balaghat → Madhya Pradesh (2-a)
Agnigundala → Andhra Pradesh (3-b)
Khetri → Rajasthan (4-d)

🧠 Memory Trick

"Singh belongs to Jharkhand, Balaghat belongs to MP, Agni burns in Andhra, Khetri shines in Rajasthan."

📚 Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

10 Consider the copper mining landscape in Rajasthan:
1. It occurs predominantly in the Jhunjhunu and Alwar districts.
2. Rajasthan is one of the major producers of copper, lead, and zinc in India.
3. The Khetri Copper Belt is an important copper-producing region of Rajasthan.
4. Rajasthan is completely devoid of non-ferrous metallic minerals.
Which statement(s) is/are correct?

A 1, 2 and 3 only

B 1 and 4 only

C 2 and 3 only

D 1, 2, 3 and 4

💡 Short Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Copper mining in Rajasthan is mainly associated with the Jhunjhunu region, especially the Khetri belt. Statement 2 is correct: Rajasthan is a leading producer of copper, lead, and zinc, which are non-ferrous minerals. Statement 3 is correct: The Khetri Copper Belt is one of India's important copper-producing areas. Statement 4 is incorrect: Rajasthan has abundant non-ferrous mineral resources and is not devoid of them.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

This question tests knowledge of Rajasthan's copper-producing regions and mineral importance. The Khetri Copper Belt located in Rajasthan is a major copper-producing area, making Statements 1 and 3 correct. Rajasthan's mineral profile includes important non-ferrous minerals like copper, lead, and zinc, making Statement 2 correct. The claim that Rajasthan lacks non-ferrous minerals is false, making Statement 4 incorrect. Therefore, the correct combination is 1, 2 and 3 only, which is Option A.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B: Incorrect because Statement 4 is false.
Option C: Incorrect because it excludes the correct statement about the copper-producing region.
Option D: Incorrect because Statement 4 is factually wrong.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Mineral Region Verification

Identify the major copper belt → Khetri (Rajasthan).
Recall Rajasthan's mineral richness → Copper, lead, zinc.
Eliminate statements using extreme words like "completely devoid", which contradict known facts.

Final Logic:

Jhunjhunu–Khetri region ✔
Copper, lead, zinc production ✔
Khetri Copper Belt ✔
No non-ferrous minerals ✘

🧠 Memory Trick

"Khetri gives Copper, Rajasthan gives Zinc and Lead."

📚 Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

11 Which of the following accurately describes the technical traits of mica that make it suitable for its primary industrial uses?

A It exists as a thick, rigid block that cannot be deformed.

B It can be split into very thin sheets which are tough and flexible.

C It is highly soluble and brittle.

D It operates as a highly conductive metallic element.

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: Mica is a silicate mineral known for basal cleavage. Point 2: This allows it to be peeled into thin, flexible layers. Point 3: These layers are excellent insulators for electronics.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Option B is the definition of mica's unique physical property. Mica's ability to be split into thin, tough, and flexible sheets makes it the perfect material for high-voltage insulation in electrical and electronic industries, where rigid blocks or conductive metals would not function, validating Option B.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A: Mica is not a rigid block in its useful form.
Option C: Mica is neither soluble nor brittle when prepared for sheets.
Option D: Mica is a non-metallic mineral, not a conductive metal.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Descriptive Identification

Application: Match the mineral property to the NCERT definition.

Final Logic: The text emphasizes the "thin sheets" property.

🧠 Memory Trick

Mica = Multiple Incredibly Clear Arrangements (M-I-C-A).

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

12 Because of its tough, flexible, and thin sheet formations, mica sees major demand as a non-metallic mineral in the __________ industries.

A Construction and housing

B Electrical and electronic

C Automobile and transport

D Agricultural and fertiliser

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: Mica's primary property is high dielectric strength. Point 2: This makes it indispensable for insulating components in electronics. Point 3: The NCERT text explicitly links mica to these industries.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Mica is an insulator; it resists electricity. Therefore, it is essential in electrical and electronic industries for parts like circuit boards, heating elements, and transformers. It has no primary function in agriculture or basic housing construction, validating Option B.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A: Construction uses limestone, not mica.
Option C: Transport uses steel and aluminium.
Option D: Fertilisers use phosphates, not mica.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Industrial Mapping

Application: Identify the industry where "insulation" is the key requirement.

Final Logic: Electrical and electronic industries require high-insulation materials.

🧠 Memory Trick

Mica = Mains/Electronics (M → M).

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

13 Arrange the following physical dimensions of the high-quality Hazaribagh mica belt in the correct sequence (Length, then Width):
1. 22 km
2. 150 km
3. 40 km
4. 100 km

A 2, 1

B 1, 2

C 3, 4

D 4, 3

💡 Short Explanation

The Hazaribagh mica belt of Jharkhand is one of India's important mica-producing regions. Its approximate length is 150 km. Its approximate width is 22 km. Since the question asks for the sequence Length followed by Width, the correct order is 150 km (Item 2) → 22 km (Item 1).

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

This question requires recalling the dimensions of the Hazaribagh mica belt. Length (2): 150 km Width (1): 22 km The belt extends much more in length than in width, forming a long and narrow mineral belt. Therefore, the correct sequence is 2 then 1, which matches Option A.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B: Incorrect because it reverses the order by placing width before length.
Option C: Incorrect because the given dimensions do not match the Hazaribagh mica belt.
Option D: Incorrect because it does not represent the correct length-width relationship.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Dimension-Based Recall

Identify the larger value as the length.
Identify the smaller value as the width.
Apply the sequence requested in the question.

Final Logic:

Length → 150 km (2)
Width → 22 km (1)
Therefore, Answer: A) 2 then 1

🧠 Memory Trick

"Hazaribagh is Long: 150 km long, 22 km wide."

📚 Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

14 If a manufacturer requires the absolute best quality mica available in India, which eastern district's deposits should they predominantly source from?

A Hazaribagh, Jharkhand

B Purulia, West Bengal

C Nellore, Andhra Pradesh

D Alleppey, Kerala

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: Nellore is famous for high-quality sheet mica. Point 2: It is the primary eastern region for this specific mineral quality. Point 3: Hazaribagh is significant, but Nellore is synonymous with the highest grade.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

While Hazaribagh is a major belt, the Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh is widely recognized in the geography curriculum for producing the best quality mica in the southern part of the eastern mica-producing region. Manufacturers specifically seek out Nellore for its high-grade deposits, validating Option C.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A: While significant, it is generally listed as a standard major belt rather than the "best quality" specialist.
Option B: Not a major producer of high-quality mica.
Option D: Not a primary mica hub.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Comparative Regional Analysis

Application: Distinguish between "major" and "best quality" as per standard geography texts.

Final Logic: Nellore is the high-grade benchmark.

🧠 Memory Trick

Nellore = Number 1 Quality (N-N).

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

15 Regarding the western mica belts, which statement accurately maps the Rajasthan deposit range?

A It spans 150 kms from Ajmer to Jodhpur.

B It extends for about 320 kms from Jaipur to Bhilwara.

C It is entirely located within the Thar Desert.

D It connects Udaipur directly to the Gujarat border.

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: The Rajasthan mica belt is a major feature. Point 2: It is defined by the Jaipur-Bhilwara span. Point 3: The distance is 320 km.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Option B is the precise description given in the NCERT. The western mica belt in Rajasthan extends for about 320 km, connecting the Jaipur and Bhilwara areas. Options A, C, and D contain incorrect distances or geographic misstatements, validating Option B.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A: Incorrect distance and location.
Option C: The belt is along the Aravalli range, not the deep Thar Desert.
Option D: Incorrect connection.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Direct Recall

Application: Match the belt span to the state description.

Final Logic: 320 km and Jaipur-Bhilwara are the standard NCERT identifiers.

🧠 Memory Trick

Jaipur to Bhilwara = 320 km (J-B-320).

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

16 In Rajasthan, apart from the long continuous stretch from Jaipur to Bhilwara, significant mica mining areas are also concentrated around __________.

A Bikaner

B Udaipur

C Jaisalmer

D Kota

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: Udaipur is a key mining district in Rajasthan. Point 2: Aside from the Jaipur-Bhilwara corridor, it is the secondary mica hub. Point 3: Geography texts confirm this southern concentration.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Apart from the primary Jaipur-Bhilwara mica belt, significant mining activities in Rajasthan occur around Udaipur. Udaipur is well-positioned geologically within the Aravalli region to host such mica deposits, validating Option B.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A: Bikaner is known for lignite, not mica.
Option C: Jaisalmer is a desert sedimentary area.
Option D: Kota is primarily a limestone/cement region.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Geographic Association

Application: Identify secondary clusters in Rajasthan mica geography.

Final Logic: Udaipur is a major geological node in the Aravallis.

🧠 Memory Trick

Udaipur = Unique secondary hub (U-U).

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

17 While many metallic minerals are exported, non-metallic minerals like limestone, dolomite, and phosphate are primarily extracted for:

A Foreign exchange earnings

B Local consumption

C Smelting of bauxite

D Producing fossil fuels

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: Non-metallic minerals like limestone are heavy and bulky. Point 2: Their low value-to-weight ratio makes export uneconomical. Point 3: They are consumed by regional cement and fertiliser plants.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Non-metallic minerals like limestone, dolomite, and phosphate are bulk minerals. They are usually processed into building materials (cement) or agricultural enhancers (fertilisers) near the source of extraction. Transporting these across long distances for export is generally not profitable, so they are primarily mined for local consumption, validating Option B.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A: They are rarely exported in large quantities due to high transport costs.
Option C: They have no role in smelting bauxite.
Option D: They are not fossil fuels.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Economic Logic

Application: Analyze the cost-benefit of bulky non-metallic mineral trade.

Final Logic: Bulk weight = Local market.

🧠 Memory Trick

Bulk minerals = Based locally.

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

18 Match the non-metallic minerals with their primary industrial uses:

List I	List II
1. Mica	a. Cement Industry
2. Dolomite	b. Electronics Industry
3. Limestone	c. Iron and Steel Industry
4. Gypsum	d. Fertilizer Industry

A 1-b, 2-a, 3-a, 4-d

B 1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d

C 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d

D 1-d, 2-a, 3-b, 4-c

💡 Short Explanation

Mica is widely used in the electronics and electrical industries because of its excellent insulating properties. Dolomite is used as a raw material in the cement industry and also as a flux in metallurgical processes. Limestone is the main raw material required for cement production. Gypsum is used in the fertilizer industry and also in cement manufacturing.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

This question requires matching non-metallic minerals with their major industrial applications. Mica (1) has strong electrical resistance and heat-resistant properties, making it useful in electronics industries → b. Dolomite (2) is used in cement manufacturing as a mineral component → a. Limestone (3) is the basic raw material for cement production → a. Gypsum (4) is used in fertilizer industries due to its mineral composition → d. Therefore, the correct combination is 1-b, 2-a, 3-a, 4-d, which corresponds to Option A.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B: Incorrectly reverses the uses of mica and dolomite.
Option C: Incorrectly assigns dolomite to iron and steel as its primary use in this context.
Option D: Incorrectly links mica and limestone with unrelated industries.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Mineral–Industry Association Mapping

Mica → Insulation → Electronics
Dolomite → Mineral component → Cement
Limestone → Calcium carbonate → Cement
Gypsum → Fertilizer and cement applications

Final Logic:

Mica → Electronics Industry (1-b)
Dolomite → Cement Industry (2-a)
Limestone → Cement Industry (3-a)
Gypsum → Fertilizer Industry (4-d)

🧠 Memory Trick

"Mica manages electricity, Dolomite and limestone build cement, Gypsum feeds fertilizer."

📚 Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

📄 Passage

"Use of scrap is specially significant in metals like copper, lead and zinc in which India's reserves are meagre. Use of substitutes for scarce metals may also reduce their consumption. Export of strategic and scarce minerals must be reduced, so that the existing reserve may be used for a longer period. The challenge of sustainable development requires integration of quest for economic development with environmental concerns." According to the passage, why is the use of scrap metals specifically significant for copper, lead, and zinc in India?

A Because they are found abundantly in the northern alluvial plains.

B Because India's reserves of these metals are meagre.

C Because they cannot be substituted.

D Because they are highly radioactive.

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: The passage explicitly states reserves are "meagre." Point 2: Scrap utilization helps reduce dependence on scarce primary sources. Point 3: This is a conservation strategy for non-ferrous metals.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The passage states, "Use of scrap is specially significant in metals like copper, lead and zinc in which India's reserves are meagre." This directly provides the rationale for the emphasis on scrap usage, validating Option B.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A: They are not found in the alluvial plains.
Option C: The text says they can be substituted, not that they cannot.
Option D: Radioactive metals are uranium/thorium, not copper/lead/zinc.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Passage Reading/Comprehension

Application: Locate the exact sentence in the provided passage.

Final Logic: The text uses the word "meagre" as the definitive cause.

🧠 Memory Trick

Meagre reserves = Must use scrap (M-M).

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

📄 Passage

"Use of scrap is specially significant in metals like copper, lead and zinc in which India's reserves are meagre. Use of substitutes for scarce metals may also reduce their consumption. Export of strategic and scarce minerals must be reduced, so that the existing reserve may be used for a longer period. The challenge of sustainable development requires integration of quest for economic development with environmental concerns." The passage outlines specific strategic substitutions and conservation methods. Which action is recommended to ensure existing reserves last for a longer period?

A Increasing the export of strategic and scarce minerals.

B Decreasing the use of scrap metals.

C Reducing the export of strategic and scarce minerals.

D Eliminating the use of substitutes.

💡 Short Explanation

Point 1: The passage advocates for resource conservation. Point 2: Export reduction preserves domestic stocks. Point 3: The passage explicitly mentions this strategy to extend reserve life.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The passage says, "Export of strategic and scarce minerals must be reduced, so that the existing reserve may be used for a longer period." This is a clear directive from the text to extend reserve life, validating Option C.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A: Increasing exports would shorten the life of reserves.
Option B: Decreasing scrap use would increase the need for new mining, shortening the life of reserves.
Option D: Eliminating substitutes would increase consumption, shortening the life of reserves.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Passage Comprehension

Application: Identify the conservation technique mentioned for extending reserve duration.

Final Logic: Export reduction = Resource preservation.

🧠 Memory Trick

Export Reduction = Extended Reserves (E-R).

📚 Class XII – India: People and Economy – Chapter 7: Mineral and Energy Resources

CUET UG Geography Booster Test 2-Non-Ferrous and Non-Metallic Minerals

Test Complete!

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