Industrial Sector - Critical Minerals in India MCQs with Explanations
Critical Minerals are essential resources required for clean energy, electronics, defence and advanced manufacturing industries. India is focusing on securing supplies of lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements and other strategic minerals to support industrial growth and energy security. This topic is highly relevant for UPSC, SSC and other competitive examinations.
What is/are the purpose/purposes of 'District Mineral Foundations' in India?
Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts.
Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations.
Authorizing state Governments to issue licenses for mineral exploration.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Correct Answer:
(B) 2 only
District Mineral Foundation (DMF) is a trust set up as a non-profit body, in those districts affected by the mining works, to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining related operations. It is funded through the contributions from miners. Its manner of operation comes under the jurisdiction of the relevant State Government. Setting up of District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) in all districts in the country affected by mining related operations was mandated through the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015. On 16 September 2015, Central Government issued a notification directing states to set up DMF.
Ques: 2
In the 'Index of Eight Core Industries', which one of the following is given the highest weight?
Correct Answer:
(B) Electricity generation
The Office of Economic Adviser, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade releases the 'Index of Eight Core Industries' (ICI) for every month with base 2011 – 12 = 100. ICI measures combined and individual performance of production in selected Eight Core Industries. The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 percent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The weights (in %) of Eight Core Industries in ICI in descending order are as follows:
1. Refinery Products (28.0376),
2. Electricity (19.8530),
3. Steel (17.9166),
4. Coal (10.3335),
5. Crude Oil (8.9833),
6. Natural Gas (6.8768),
7. Cement (5.3720),
8. Fertilizers (2.6276).
Hence, in the ICI, highest weight is given to refinery products, but among the given options the highest weight is given to electricity generation.
Ques: 3
Consider the following statements regarding Critical Minerals:
1. It is a metallic or non-metallic element essential for the functioning of modern technologies.
2. China and India are the top producers of Critical Minerals in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A) 1 only
An expert committee set up by the Central Government recently identified 30 minerals as critical to India, including lithium and vanadium, which are largely used in the manufacturing of batteries.
About Critical Minerals:
It is a metallic or non-metallic element that has two characteristics.
It is essential for the functioning of our modern technologies, economies or national security and
There is a risk that its supply chains could be disrupted.
The 'criticality' of minerals changes with time as supply and society's needs shift.
Applications:
They are used to manufacture advanced technologies, including mobile phones, computers, fibre-optic cables, semiconductors, banknotes, and defence, aerospace and medical applications.
Many are used in low-emission technologies, such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and rechargeable batteries.
Some are also crucial for common products, such as stainless steel and electronics.
Examples: antimony, beryllium, bismuth, cobalt, copper, gallium, germanium, lithium, vanadium etc.
Top Producers: Chile, Indonesia, Congo, China, Australia and South Africa.
Ques: 4
Consider the following statements regarding Critical Mineral Mission:
1. The mission aims to enhance exploration and mining activities within India to increase the domestic output of critical minerals.
2. Under the mission, India seeks to establish long-term supply contracts with South-East Asian countries.
which of the following statement(s) given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A) 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. One of the primary objectives of the Critical Mineral Mission is to boost domestic production by enhancing exploration and mining activities within India. This initiative aims to reduce import dependency and ensure a stable supply of critical minerals for various industries.
Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Critical Mineral Mission does aim to secure international supplies through long-term contracts, the focus has been primarily on resource-rich countries, especially in Africa, rather than South-East Asia. The mission involves engaging with mineral-rich countries to secure a stable supply of critical minerals.
Ques: 5
Consider the following statements:
Countries create their own critical minerals list based on strategic needs.
These are minerals that are essential for economic development and national security.
which of the following statement(s) given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(C) Both 1 and 2
A critical mineral is a metallic or non-metallic element crucial for modern technologies, economies, and national security, with the potential risk of disruptions to its supply chains. It includes both primary and processed minerals.
A mineral is critical when the risk of supply shortage and associated economic impact is (relatively) higher than other raw materials.
Countries create their own critical minerals list based on strategic needs.
These are minerals that are essential for economic development and national security.
The lack of availability of these minerals or the concentration of extraction or processing in a few geographical locations can lead to “supply chain vulnerabilities and even disruption of supplies”.