Mineral and Energy Resources Class 12 Geography Chapter 5 CBSE Notes 2025-26

India has a diverse range of mineral and energy resources due to its complex geological structure. Most of the valuable minerals in India are associated with ancient metamorphic and igneous rocks found in the peninsular plateau. However, the alluvial plains in North India generally lack minerals of economic value. The mineral wealth of India provides the essential raw materials required for the nation’s industrial growth.

A mineral is a naturally occurring substance of organic or inorganic origin that has definite chemical and physical properties. Minerals can be classified into two broad categories: metallic and non-metallic minerals.

• Metallic Minerals: Contain metal elements. They are further divided into:
  • Ferrous minerals (contain iron): Example – iron ore.
  • Non-ferrous minerals (do not contain iron): Examples – copper, bauxite.
• Non-Metallic Minerals: Do not contain metals. They are further split into:
  • Organic (fossil fuels): Such as coal, petroleum.
  • Inorganic: Examples – mica, limestone, graphite.

The characteristics of mineral resources include their uneven spatial distribution, an inverse relationship between their quality and quantity, and the fact that all minerals are exhaustible and cannot be quickly replenished once depleted.

Most metallic minerals and fuels in India are found in the old crystalline rocks of the peninsular plateau. About 97% of coal reserves are concentrated in the valleys of the Damodar, Sone, Mahanadi, and Godavari rivers. Petroleum is mainly found in Assam, Gujarat, and offshore in Mumbai High, with new reserves in the Krishna-Godavari and Kaveri basins.

• North-Eastern Plateau Belt (Chhotanagpur, Odisha Plateau, parts of West Bengal & Chhattisgarh):
  • Minerals: iron ore, coal, manganese, bauxite, mica
• South-Western Plateau Belt (Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu uplands, Kerala):
  • Minerals: high grade iron ore, manganese, bauxite, limestone, monazite, thorium
• North-Western Region (Aravali, Rajasthan, Gujarat):
  • Minerals: copper, zinc, granite, marble, gypsum, petroleum, salt

The Himalayan region has deposits of copper, lead, zinc, cobalt, and tungsten. The Assam valley is noted for mineral oil.

Ferrous minerals, such as iron ore, manganese, and chromite, are fundamental for the metallurgical industry. India is rich in these resources, particularly iron ore which is found mainly as haematite and magnetite.

• Iron Ore: About 95% of iron ore reserves are located in Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Goa. Major mines include Gurumahisani, Sulaipet, Kiruburu, Bonai, Noamundi, and Bailadila.
• Manganese: Used mainly to make iron and steel strong. Leading states are Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Main mining areas are Bonai, Kendujhar, Ballari, and Nagpur.

Non-ferrous minerals do not contain iron and are crucial to sectors like power and transport. Aluminium (from bauxite) and copper are especially important, as they are used in electrical and manufacturing industries.

• Bauxite: Largest producer is Odisha (Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Koraput). Other locations include Lohardaga (Jharkhand), Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Goa.
• Copper: Essential for electrical equipment. Main reserves are found in Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), and Jhunjhunu, Alwar (Rajasthan). Smaller deposits exist in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Non-metallic minerals such as mica, limestone, dolomite, and phosphate are important for local industries and agriculture. Mica, particularly, is valued for its use in electrical appliances.

• Mica: Major areas include the Hazaribagh belt (Jharkhand), Nellore (Andhra Pradesh), and regions in Telangana, Rajasthan, and Karnataka.
• Other minerals: Limestone is widespread and is critical in cement manufacturing and steel plants. Dolomite and phosphate are also used locally.

India’s industrial development depends on different energy resources, both conventional (coal, petroleum, natural gas, nuclear) and non-conventional (solar, wind, biomass, geothermal). Coal continues to be the main source of energy for power and industries.

• Coal: The largest reserves are bituminous-type found in the Gondwana rocks, mainly in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal. Major mines are in Raniganj, Jharia, Bokaro, and Singrauli.
• Petroleum: Known as ‘liquid gold’, it is essential for transport and industries. Main oilfields are Digboi, Naharkatiya, and Moran (Assam), Ankaleshwar and Mehsana (Gujarat), and offshore Mumbai High. New reserves are found in the Krishna-Godavari and Kaveri basins. Refineries are field-based (e.g. Digboi) or market-based (e.g. Barauni).
• Natural Gas: Extracted from underground reserves with petroleum. Main reserves are in Mumbai High (West) and Krishna-Godavari basin (East). It is used for domestic cooking, power plants, fertiliser, and industries.

To promote sustainable development, India is investing in renewable energy resources. These include solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass energies, which are renewable and less polluting compared to conventional sources.

• Nuclear Energy: Uranium and thorium are the key minerals. Uranium is mainly found in the Singbhum copper belt (Jharkhand) and in Rajasthan, while thorium is found in the monazite sands of Kerala and other coastal states. Main power stations: Tarapur, Kota (Rawatbhata), Kalpakkam, Narora, Kaiga, Kakarapara.
• Solar Energy: Uses photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight to electricity. Major potential seen in Gujarat and Rajasthan due to high solar intensity.
• Wind Energy: Major wind farms are found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Wind energy is renewable and pollution-free.
• Tidal/Wave Energy: The western coastline is suitable for tidal energy, though it is not yet widely used in India.
• Geothermal Energy: Uses heat from within the earth. India’s only plant is at Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh).
• Bio-Energy: Produced by processing organic waste. Example: Okhla waste-to-energy plant in Delhi.

Conserving minerals and energy is vital for balancing industrial growth with environmental protection. Sustainable development calls for the wise use of resources, recycling of scrap metals, use of substitutes wherever possible, and minimising the export of strategic minerals. Developing alternative and renewable energy sources is also encouraged to reduce dependency on finite fossil fuels.

Students should review questions related to the distribution of minerals, definitions of energy sources, and ways to conserve resources. Practising MCQs and short-answer questions will help in reinforcing their understanding and preparing effectively for exams.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 5 Notes – Mineral and Energy Resources: Complete NCERT Study Material

These CBSE Class 12 Geography Chapter 5 revision notes on Mineral and Energy Resources are designed to help you quickly understand key facts, tables, and regional distributions. Our notes make it easy to grasp the difference between metallic and non-metallic minerals, ensuring you remember important examples and key locations.

Use these notes for last-minute revisions to highlight distinctions like renewable and non-renewable energy sources, conservation strategies, and statewise mineral distribution. They are tailored for exam success, with concise bullet points and highlighted concepts as per the latest NCERT guidelines.