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UPSC Prelims 2020 Paper-1 📅 04 Oct, 2020

Consider the following minerals:
1. Bentonite
2. Chromite
3. Kyanite
4. Sillimanite
In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?

A
1 and 2 only
B
4 only
C
1 and 3 only
D
2, 3 and 4 only
Result Summary
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UPSC Prelims
2020 • 04 Oct, 2020 • Paper-1
Consider the following minerals:
1. Bentonite
2. Chromite
3. Kyanite
4. Sillimanite
In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?
Correct Answer
2, 3 and 4 only
Statutory Classification Framework: In India, the legal framework governing mining—the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957—categorizes......
Ref/Book : UPSC Prelims 2020
Ref. Subject Geography
Chapter -
Ref. Topic Mineral Resources
Pg. No -
💡 Analysis & Explanation
Statutory Classification Framework ▼
In India, the legal framework governing mining—the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957—categorizes all minerals into either 'major' or 'minor' classifications. The Central Government holds regulatory power over major minerals, while State Governments control minor minerals.
Minor Mineral Identification ▼
Bentonite is a type of absorbent clay. Due to its common, widespread availability and primarily localized use, the government officially notified and downgraded Bentonite to the status of a 'minor mineral' in 2015. Thus, statement 1 is excluded.
Major Mineral Identification ▼
Highly strategic and industrially critical minerals required for metallurgy, refractories, and national infrastructure, such as Chromite (essential for stainless steel), Kyanite, and Sillimanite, are strictly retained under the central 'major mineral' designation.
Conclusion ▼
Consequently, only minerals 2, 3, and 4 hold the major designation.
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