Minerals and energy resources are the backbones of any industrial economy. Chapter 5 of the NCERT Class 12 Geography textbook India: People and Economy focuses on the types, distribution, and importance of India’s mineral and energy resources. It explains where different minerals are found, how they are extracted and used, and also throws light on renewable and non-renewable energy sources like coal, petroleum, solar, wind, and biomass. The chapter gives a good balance of theoretical concepts and real-world examples from Indian geography.
I chose to write on this topic because mineral and energy resources are not just academic concepts, they are connected to the country’s economy, environment, and even politics. For instance, coal shortages can shut down power plants, oil prices affect inflation, and hydro projects can cause environmental protests. This chapter is not only useful for board exam students but also important for those preparing for UPSC and other competitive exams. Understanding which minerals are found where, and how energy is generated and consumed, is also essential for making sense of current affairs. In this article, I’ll break down the main points of the chapter and also give you a direct link to download the official NCERT PDF.
Major Mineral Resources in India
India is rich in a variety of mineral resources, both metallic and non-metallic. These are some important ones covered in the chapter:
Metallic Minerals:
- Iron Ore: Found in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka
- Bauxite: Found in Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand
- Manganese: Found in Odisha and Karnataka
- Copper: Found in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand
Non-Metallic Minerals:
- Limestone: Used in cement and found in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan
- Mica: Found mainly in Jharkhand and Bihar
- Gypsum and Salt: Found in Rajasthan and Gujarat
These minerals are essential for construction, manufacturing, transport, and other key sectors.
Energy Resources in India
The chapter explains two main types of energy resources:
1. Conventional Energy Sources:
- Coal: India’s main energy source, found in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal
- Petroleum: Found in Mumbai High, Assam, and Gujarat
- Natural Gas: Found in Krishna-Godavari Basin and Tripura
- Hydropower: Major plants located in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the North-East
2. Non-Conventional (Renewable) Energy Sources:
- Solar energy: Best potential in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu
- Wind energy: Major installations in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat
- Biomass and biogas
- Tidal and geothermal energy (still under research phase)
Renewable energy is getting more attention now because of pollution and the threat of climate change.
Issues Related to Mining and Energy Use
The chapter also talks about problems like:
- Over-extraction of minerals
- Environmental damage due to mining
- Energy crisis due to rising demand
- Dependence on imported oil and gas
- Displacement of tribal populations due to mining projects
The solution lies in sustainable mining, energy conservation, and investing more in renewable energy.
Download PDF: NCERT Class 12 Geography Chapter 5 – Mineral and Energy Resources
If you want to read the full chapter, here’s the direct link to download:
NCERT Class 12 Geography (India People and Economy) Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources