AIM ASSIGNMENT
WEEK 2 – DAY 4
GEOGRAPHY
[MODEL ANSWER]
www.nextias.com
2 GEOGRAPHY | AIM ASSIGNMENT | WEEK 2 | DAY 4
GEOGRAPHY
WEEK 2 DAY-4
Q1. Define critical and strategic minerals and explain their significance for India’s economic and national security.
Discuss the current status of India’s reserves of these minerals
India’s rising energy needs and digital growth have intensified the demand for critical and strategic minerals,
making their secure access vital.
Despite having a geologically diverse landscape, India remains 100% import-dependent for several key
minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and vanadium, which are indispensable for electric vehicles, solar
panels, semiconductors, and missile systems.In 2023, the Ministry of Mines identified a list of 30 critical
minerals tailored to India’s industrial and strategic priorities
DEFINITION
y Critical Minerals: Minerals essential for economic growth and clean energy, with high supply risk due
to limited global producers (e.g., lithium, cobalt, and Rare Earth Elements).
y Strategic Minerals: Minerals critical for national security and defence technologies (e.g., tungsten,
titanium, beryllium).
As per the Ministry of Mines (2023), India identified 30 minerals as critical, aligning with global supply
chain imperatives.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA
1. Economic Development: Enable clean energy technologies like EVs, solar panels, wind turbines,
and battery storage, promote industrial growth under PLI schemes, Make in India, and electronics
manufacturing, and support India’s 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030.
2. Job Creation: Create direct and indirect jobs in mineral exploration, mining, and processing industries.
3. National Security and Defence: Used in missiles, aircraft, satellites, and surveillance systems, it ensures
strategic autonomy, reducing reliance on external powers, especially China.
4. Import-Export Dynamics
a. Import Dependency: India imports 100% of its lithium, nearly all of its cobalt, and all of its REEs
from China, Australia, Argentina, DRC.
b. Export Potential: The recent discovery of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium in Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir
(2023) and REEs in Andhra Pradesh offers long-term potential.
c. Trade imbalance due to mineral imports affects the current account and industrial competitiveness.
5. Technological and Energy Transition: It is central to battery storage, hydrogen fuel cells, wind turbines,
and AI technologies supporting India’s commitment to net zero by 2070 and energy security goals.
6. Global Competitiveness & Diplomacy
a. Strategic tie-ups like the India-Australia Critical Minerals Partnership and Quad Clean Energy
Supply Chain Initiative aim to enhance self-reliance.
GEOGRAPHY | AIM ASSIGNMENT | WEEK 2 | DAY 4 3
b. Part of India’s G20 and IPEF agenda is to push resilient mineral supply chains.
CURRENT STATUS OF RESERVES
Mineral Reserves in India Remarks
Lithium 5.9 million tonnes (Reasi, J&K – 2023) Under exploration; key to battery
manufacturing
Cobalt Traces in Odisha, Nagaland Mostly imported; critical for rechargeable
batteries
Graphite Found in Arunachal, Jharkhand High-quality reserves limited; used in EV
batteries
REEs Monazite sands in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Extraction is complex; dependent on China
Andhra Pradesh for processing
Nickel Odisha, Jharkhand No commercial production; imported for steel
and EV use
Tungsten Rajasthan (Degana, Sirohi), lesser in Andhra Strategically important; defence and
Pradesh electronics sector
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
1. The Critical Minerals List (2023) was released by the Ministry of Mines.
2. KABIL, formed to ensure mineral security through overseas sourcing.
3. Emphasis on domestic exploration, battery recycling, and strategic stockpiling.
4. Draft Critical Minerals Policy (in pipeline) to boost mining and processing capacity.
With global transitions toward clean energy and digitalisation, India must adopt a multipronged strategy—
domestic exploration, international collaboration, and circular economy—to reduce dependence and build
a secure, sustainable mineral ecosystem.
Q2. Despite having huge coal reserves, India is one of the largest importer of coal. Analyse. Discuss the future
prospect of coal based industries in transition toward renewables.
As per official Indian government data (Ministry of Coal) Coal Reserves Ranking: India ranks 5th globally,
holding approximately 319 billion tonnes (as of April 2024), after USA, Russia, Australia, and China. Coal
Imports Ranking, India is the 2nd-largest importer of coal worldwide, importing nearly 239 million tonnes
of coal during FY 2022-23, ranking just behind China.
Synopsis for the Paradox
y Lower quality of domestic coal, which has a high ash content,
y Rising energy demands exceeding 1.1 billion tons annually,
y Policy challenges.
As the global energy landscape shifts toward renewables, the future of India’s coal-based industries faces
significant transformation and adaptation challenges.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF INDIA’S COAL IMPORTS DESPITE HUGE RESERVES:
1. Quality vs. Quantity:
India’s substantial coal reserves(Total Coal + Lignite resources: 389.42 billion tonnes;Coal: 389.42 Bt,
Lignite: 47.29 Bt), are largely low-grade with high ash content, making them less efficient for power
generation and steel production.
Consequently, India imports higher-quality coal, particularly from Australia, with a calorific value
of 5,500-6,500 kcal/kg, to meet environmental standards and improve efficiency in thermal power
plants.
4 GEOGRAPHY | AIM ASSIGNMENT | WEEK 2 | DAY 4
2. Domestic Energy Demand vs. Supply:
India's rapid economic growth has spiked energy demand, particularly in industry and power
generation. In 2022-23, domestic coal production was 891 million tons, falling short of the 1.1 billion
tons needed, leading to a significant shortfall and increased reliance on imports.
3. Market Dynamics:
Global coal prices and supply chain disruptions, like those during COVID-19, significantly impact
India's coal imports. In 2021, global prices surged by over 100%, leading India to increase imports
by 12% to meet domestic demand.
4. Government Policies:
Government policies on coal allocation and delayed reforms, such as opening commercial coal
mining to private players and issues with the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, have
hindered the domestic coal industry’s ability to fully meet demand.
5. Environmental Concerns and Regulations:
Stringent environmental regulations by the MoEFCC have restricted domestic coal production.
Additionally, initiatives like the National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) promote renewable energy to
reduce coal dependency.
FUTURE PROSPECTS OF COAL-BASED INDUSTRIES AMID THE RENEWABLE TRANSITION
1. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):
Implementing CCS technologies is crucial for mitigating the environmental impact of coal-based
industries. The Ministry of Coal has been advocating for the adoption of CCS to align with India’s
commitments under the Paris Agreement. However, the high cost and technological barriers remain
significant challenges.
2. Clean Coal Technologies:
Adapting advanced technologies, such as supercritical and ultra-supercritical power plants, fluidized
bed combustion, and Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC), is essential for improving
efficiency and reducing emissions.
The NITI Aayog’s National Energy Policy emphasizes the need for clean coal technologies as part
of India’s energy transition strategy.
3. Innovation and Diversification:
Coal-based industries must explore diversification into areas such as carbon capture and utilization,
production of high-value chemicals, and advanced materials.
The Ministry of Coal's 2021 document, "Sustainable Development of Coal Sector,” highlights the
potential for coal-to-chemical projects and coal gasification as future growth areas.
4. Energy Efficiency Measures:
Enhancing energy efficiency in coal-based industries is vital for reducing coal consumption,
operational costs, and environmental impact.
Initiatives like the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency
(BEE) have been instrumental in driving energy efficiency improvements across the industrial sector.
5. Transition Policies:
Government policies and incentives are crucial for facilitating the transition from coal to renewables.
y The draft National Coal Policy emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that ensures energy
security while promoting sustainable development. Measures such as carbon pricing, subsidies for
renewable energy, and stricter emissions standards are critical for guiding the transition.
GEOGRAPHY | AIM ASSIGNMENT | WEEK 2 | DAY 4 5
The future of coal-based industries in India lies in their ability to adapt and innovate in response to the
global shift toward renewable energy. While coal will continue to play a role in India’s energy mix during
the transition, the focus must be on adopting cleaner technologies, diversifying operations, and integrating
renewables. By doing so, coal- based industries can contribute to economic growth while minimizing their
environmental footprint and supporting India’s commitment to sustainable development
Q3. What are Rare Earth Elements? Highlight their importance and examine their distribution across the world.
Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a group of 17 chemically similar metals — 15 lanthanides along with
scandium and yttrium — that are essential in modern technologies. Despite being moderately abundant in
the Earth’s crust, they are rarely found in concentrated, economically exploitable forms, hence termed “rare.”
India holds the fifth-largest REE resources globally, mainly in monazite-rich beach sands, yet remains limited
in refining and value-added processing.
WHAT ARE RARE EARTH ELEMENTS?
1. Composition: 15 lanthanides + scandium + yttrium.
2. Classification:
a. Light REEs (LREEs): La to Eu.
b. Heavy REEs (HREEs): Gd to Lu, Sc, Y.
3. Characteristics: REEs are characterised by high density, high melting point, high conductivity and high
thermal conductance.
4. Sources: Bastnaesite, monazite, xenotime, loparite.
IMPORTANCE OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS (REES)
1. Defence and Space: They are used in satellite communications, guidance systems, and aircraft
structures.
a. Example: Samarium and neodymium are used in magnets for precision-guided weapons.
2. Electronics Industry: Found in phones, laptops, TVs, and cameras- Europium and terbium used in LED
screens; lanthanum in high-quality camera lenses.
a. used in high-technology devices such as smartphones, hard disks, digital cameras, fluorescent
and light-emitting-diode lights, computer monitors, and electronic displays.
3. Clean Energy: Key to electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, and solar panels.
a. Example: Neodymium is used in magnets for EV motors and wind turbines.
4. Healthcare: REEs are also used in advanced medical technologies like MRIs, laser scalpels, non-
irritating antiseptic dressings, and even some cancer drugs.
a. Example: Gadolinium is used as a contrast agent in MRI scans.
5. Petroleum Refining: Help in refining petrol, making glass, and steel.
a. Example: Cerium and lanthanum used as catalysts in oil refining
6. Glass Industry: The glass industry is the largest consumer of REE raw materials, using them for glass
polishing and as additives that provide colour and special optical properties.
7. Water purifiers: Cerium shows a strong affinity for elements like phosphorus, hence used in water
purifiers.
8. Steel Making: Cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, and praseodymium, commonly in the form of a mixed
oxide known as mischmetal, are used in steel making to remove impurities and in the production of
special alloys.
6 GEOGRAPHY | AIM ASSIGNMENT | WEEK 2 | DAY 4
9. Other applications: The rare earth elements like promethium, samarium, and europium serve specific
functions in applications such as beta radiation sources, high–temperaturemagnets, and fluorescent
lighting, respectively.
Global Distribution of REEs
Country Highlights
China ~36% of global reserves; controls 60–70% of production; Bayan Obo key mine
USA Mountain Pass mine; dependent on China for processing
Australia Mount Weld mine; part of QUAD REE initiatives
Vietnam/Brazil Emerging reserves; targeted by Western nations for supply diversification
India ~6% of reserves in monazite sands (Kerala, Odisha, TN, AP); limited processing
India’s Position and Challenges
Current Status
y REEs mainly found in monazite beach sands in Odisha, Kerala, Tamil Nadu.
y IREL (India) Ltd. and AMD manage mining and exploration.
y India produces only light REEs like Neodymium, Praseodymium.
Q4. Discuss the major minerals found in the Central Highland of India.
The Central Highlands of India, lying to the north of the Narmada River, include parts of Madhya Pradesh,
eastern Rajasthan, and western Chhattisgarh. This region, part of the ancient Peninsular Plateau, is rich in
metallic and non-metallic minerals and plays a key role in supporting industries like steel, cement, aluminium,
and energy.
MAJOR MINERALS FOUND IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
1. Iron Ore: High-Found in Bailadila (Dantewada)- high-grade hematite ore (Fe > 66%), Dalli-Rajhara
(Durg), and Rowghat regions of Chhattisgarh, and Katni-Jabalpur belt in Madhya Pradesh.
GEOGRAPHY | AIM ASSIGNMENT | WEEK 2 | DAY 4 7
a. In 2022–23, Bailadila contributed over 27 million tonnes of iron ore.
b. This region supports the Nagarnar Steel Plant (Chhattisgarh), a major public sector steel project.
2. Manganese
a. Madhya Pradesh - one of India’s leading manganese-producing states contributes about 27% of
India’s manganese production (2021–22).
i. Major producing districts include Balaghat (largest), Chhindwara, and Jhabua.
b. Manganese is essential for ferroalloy production, used in steelmaking.
3. Bauxite (Aluminium Ore): Deposits are located in the Amarkantak Plateau and districts like Rewa,
Satna (MP), and Kawardha, Kanker (Chhattisgarh).
a. Bauxite from this region feeds the Korba aluminium smelter run by BALCO (Bharat Aluminium
Company).
b. In 2023, bauxite production from Chhattisgarh was over 3.5 million tonnes, making it a key
aluminium ore zone.
4. Limestone: Occurs widely in Satna, Rewa, and Katni (MP), and Bilaspur and Durg (Chhattisgarh).
a. Limestone from this region supports large cement industries, including Maihar and ACC Cement
plants.
b. Both states are among the top limestone producers in India.
5. Dolomite: Found in Mandla and Jabalpur (MP) and Bilaspur and Janjgir (Chhattisgarh).
a. Used in steel plants as a flux material.
6. Coal (Peripheral presence): While not central to the highlands, Korba basin in eastern Chhattisgarh is
a major coal-producing area.
a. Coal from here powers thermal plants and sponge iron units.
b. Chhattisgarh ranks second in coal production in India.
7. Other Minerals
a. Copper: Found in Balaghat (MP), mined by Hindustan Copper Ltd.
b. China clay and feldspar: Found in Kota and Bundi (Rajasthan), used in ceramic and glass industries.
The Central Highlands are rich in minerals like iron, manganese, bauxite, and limestone, which are vital to
India’s industrial growth. With scientific mining, local benefit-sharing, and environmental safeguards, the
region can become a model for resource-led balanced development.
ADDITIONAL READINGS
y Under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), mining revenue is used for health, education, and rural
development in mining-affected areas.
y Recent mineral block auctions under the MMDR Act (2021) aim to improve transparency and private
investment.
y The National Mineral Policy 2019 promotes sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Q5. Examine the disparities in resource distribution across different regions in India. How do these disparities affect
regional development and what measures can be taken to achieve resource parity?
India, with its vast and varied geography, possesses abundant natural and human resources. However,
these are unevenly distributed across states and regions, resulting in persistent regional disparities in
development. Achieving resource parity is central to realising the constitutional goal of economic justice
and the national vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.
8 GEOGRAPHY | AIM ASSIGNMENT | WEEK 2 | DAY 4
DISPARITIES IN RESOURCE DISTRIBUTION
1. Mineral and Energy Resources
a. Eastern and central states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh account for over 70% of India’s
coal and iron ore, while states like Kerala and Punjab are relatively poor in metallic minerals.
i. Example: Jharkhand accounts for ~25% of India’s coal reserves, whereas states like Kerala
and Punjab have negligible mineral presence.
2. Water Resources
a. Brahmaputra and Ganga basins have high water availability, but northwestern states (Rajasthan,
Gujarat) suffer from chronic scarcity.
3. Agricultural Land and Soil Fertility:
a. Indo-Gangetic plains are rich in alluvial soil, enabling intensive agriculture.
b. Deccan plateau and arid regions have poorer soil fertility and limited irrigation potential, hampering
productivity.
4. Industrial and Infrastructure Development: Industrial growth is concentrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat,
and Tamil Nadu, driven by access to ports, markets, and power.
a. Eastern and northeastern states, despite rich resources, suffer from poor infrastructure and
connectivity.
5. Human and Financial Resources: Southern and western states have higher literacy, skill levels, and
investment due to better governance and early reforms.
a. BIMARU states (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh) lag behind on most human
development indicators.
b. Urban centres are digitally and logistically well-connected, unlike northeast and interior tribal
areas.
Inter-state river water disputes (e.g., Cauvery dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) reflect water-
based regional tensions.
IMPACT ON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
y Economic Disparities: High-growth states attract investment and talent, creating a self-reinforcing
cycle; low-resource regions face stagnation.
y Migration and Urban Pressure: Resource-poor states witness out-migration, burdening metros like
Delhi and Mumbai.
y Social Instability: Disparities contribute to unrest; e.g., Naxalism in mineral-rich but underdeveloped
areas.
y Environmental Degradation: Over-mining in Jharkhand or water overuse in Punjab illustrates unequal
ecological stress.
MEASURES TO ACHIEVE RESOURCE PARITY
1. Fiscal and Constitutional Tools
a. Finance Commission devolution now considers income distance, forest cover, and demographic
performance.
b. Aspirational Districts Programme targets 112 backward districts through performance-based
interventions.
c. Revival of Backward Region Grant Fund can further address imbalance.
GEOGRAPHY | AIM ASSIGNMENT | WEEK 2 | DAY 4 9
2. Infrastructure and Digital Connectivity
a. PM Gati Shakti, UDAN, and Bharatmala enhance logistics in backward and landlocked areas.
b. Digital India bridges gaps in education, services, and commerce.
3. Localised Development Strategies
a. District Mineral Foundations (DMF) reinvest mining revenue into affected regions.
b. Ken-Betwa river link and PMKSY address water inequity and agricultural distress.
4. Governance and Capacity Building
a. Decentralised planning via PRIs and DPCs fosters region-specific growth.
b. Skill India and PMKVY empower local populations, reducing migration push factors.
5. Resource Mapping and Technological Use: Satellite-based resource mapping and Geospatial Policy
2022 help identify and utilise hidden regional potentials.
Disparities in resource distribution are structural but surmountable. Realising resource parity requires not just
redistribution, but building institutional capacity, targeted infrastructure, and empowered local governance.
India must turn its lagging regions into leading zones—not through uniformity, but by unlocking their unique
potential.
Balanced resources, empowered regions—toward a just and united India.
nnnn
