CBSE Class 10 Geography • 2026–27
Minerals and Energy Resources Class 10 Questions and Answers
2-Mark, 3-Mark, 5-Mark & Competency-Based Practice
Exam-focused answers covering minerals, mineral distribution, conventional and non-conventional energy resources, conservation and map-related concepts.
How to use this page: First understand the concept, then write the answer yourself before opening the model answer. Focus on keywords, examples, causes, comparisons and geographical locations rather than memorising long paragraphs.
15 × 2-markShort-answer revision
18 × 3-markConcept + explanation
8 × 5-markDetailed board answers
4 case-basedCompetency practice
SECTION A
2-Mark Questions with Answers
1What is a mineral?
Answer: A mineral is a homogeneous, naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure and characteristic chemical composition. Minerals are formed through geological processes over very long periods.
2Why are minerals unevenly distributed in India?
Answer: Mineral formation depends on geological structure, rock type and geological processes. Since these conditions vary from region to region, mineral deposits are unevenly distributed.
3What are ferrous minerals? Give two examples.
Answer: Ferrous minerals contain iron as an important constituent. Iron ore and manganese are important examples.
4What are non-ferrous minerals? Give two examples.
Answer: Non-ferrous minerals do not contain iron as their main constituent. Copper and bauxite are important examples.
5Why is iron ore important for industry?
Answer: Iron ore is the basic raw material for the iron and steel industry. Steel is essential for machinery, construction, transport equipment and many industrial activities.
6What is bauxite? Mention one major use.
Answer: Bauxite is the chief ore from which aluminium is obtained. Aluminium is widely used because it is light, durable and useful in transport, electrical and other industries.
7Why is mica important?
Answer: Mica has excellent insulating properties and can withstand high temperatures. Therefore, it is important in electrical and electronic industries.
8Why is limestone important for the economy?
Answer: Limestone is a major raw material for the cement industry. It is also used in the iron and steel industry and several other industrial processes.
9What is meant by a conventional source of energy?
Answer: Conventional sources are energy sources that have been traditionally used on a large scale. Coal, petroleum, natural gas and hydel power are common examples.
10What is a non-conventional source of energy? Give two examples.
Answer: Non-conventional sources are alternative sources developed or increasingly used to supplement traditional energy sources. Solar energy and wind energy are two examples.
11Why should coal and petroleum be conserved?
Answer: Coal and petroleum are exhaustible fossil fuels that take extremely long periods to form. Their careful use also helps reduce pollution and environmental damage.
12Why is natural gas considered an important energy resource?
Answer: Natural gas is used for power generation, industry, transport and domestic purposes. It is also an important industrial raw material and generally burns more cleanly than coal.
13Name two renewable sources of energy and state one advantage of renewable energy.
Answer: Solar and wind energy are renewable sources. They can reduce dependence on exhaustible fossil fuels and help diversify the energy supply.
14Why is conservation of minerals necessary?
Answer: Minerals are finite and generally non-renewable on a human time scale. Conservation helps reduce wastage, extend resource availability and limit environmental damage caused by extraction.
15Mention two environmental problems caused by mining.
Answer: Mining may cause land degradation and water pollution. It may also contribute to deforestation, soil erosion and air pollution if poorly managed.
SECTION B
3-Mark Questions with Answers
16Explain three ways in which minerals occur in nature.
Answer:
1. Minerals may occur in veins and lodes in cracks and crevices of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
2. They may occur in beds or layers in sedimentary rocks.
3. Some minerals occur as alluvial or placer deposits in sands of valley floors and at the base of hills.
1. Minerals may occur in veins and lodes in cracks and crevices of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
2. They may occur in beds or layers in sedimentary rocks.
3. Some minerals occur as alluvial or placer deposits in sands of valley floors and at the base of hills.
17Describe the importance of manganese.
Answer: Manganese is important because:
1. It is used in the manufacture of steel and ferro-manganese alloys.
2. It is used in several chemical and industrial processes.
3. It is also used in products such as paints, batteries and certain bleaching and chemical applications.
1. It is used in the manufacture of steel and ferro-manganese alloys.
2. It is used in several chemical and industrial processes.
3. It is also used in products such as paints, batteries and certain bleaching and chemical applications.
18Explain the importance of iron ore in India's industrial development.
Answer: Iron ore is the basic raw material for the iron and steel industry. Steel supports construction, transport, engineering, machinery and infrastructure. Therefore, iron ore is closely linked with industrial development.
19Describe any three characteristics of the Bailadila iron ore region.
Answer: Bailadila in Chhattisgarh is known for high-grade hematite iron ore. The deposits are suitable for steel making, and the region has been an important source of iron ore for domestic industry as well as exports.
20Why is the Kudremukh region important in the distribution of iron ore?
Answer: Kudremukh in Karnataka is part of an important iron ore belt. It has substantial iron ore deposits, and its ore has historically been transported as slurry through pipelines to a port near Mangaluru for further movement.
21Differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous minerals.
Answer:
Ferrous: Iron is an important constituent; examples include iron ore and manganese.
Non-ferrous: Iron is not the main constituent; examples include copper and bauxite.
Both are important raw materials for different industries.
Ferrous: Iron is an important constituent; examples include iron ore and manganese.
Non-ferrous: Iron is not the main constituent; examples include copper and bauxite.
Both are important raw materials for different industries.
22Why is mining an environmentally sensitive activity?
Answer: Mining removes vegetation and soil, alters landforms and may generate waste. It can cause deforestation, land degradation, soil erosion, water pollution and air pollution. Poorly managed mining can also create health and safety risks.
23Suggest three measures for conserving mineral resources.
Answer:
1. Use minerals efficiently and reduce wastage during mining and processing.
2. Recycle and reuse mineral-based materials wherever possible.
3. Improve technology and use substitutes or alternatives where appropriate.
1. Use minerals efficiently and reduce wastage during mining and processing.
2. Recycle and reuse mineral-based materials wherever possible.
3. Improve technology and use substitutes or alternatives where appropriate.
24Distinguish between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.
Answer:
1. Conventional sources such as coal and petroleum have been used extensively for a long time; non-conventional sources such as solar and wind are alternative sources.
2. Many conventional sources are exhaustible; many non-conventional sources are renewable.
3. Greater use of suitable renewable sources can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
1. Conventional sources such as coal and petroleum have been used extensively for a long time; non-conventional sources such as solar and wind are alternative sources.
2. Many conventional sources are exhaustible; many non-conventional sources are renewable.
3. Greater use of suitable renewable sources can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
25Explain three uses of petroleum.
Answer: Petroleum provides fuels used in transport and industry. Its products are also used in petrochemical industries. Petroleum derivatives are used to make a wide range of products and materials used in everyday life.
26Why is natural gas considered an important fuel for the future?
Answer: Natural gas has multiple uses in power generation, industry, transport and households. It can also serve as an industrial raw material and generally produces fewer pollutants at the point of combustion than coal.
27Explain the importance of electricity in modern life.
Answer: Electricity powers industries, transport systems, communication, agriculture, homes and services. It is essential for modern economic activity and improves productivity and quality of life.
28Explain three advantages of solar energy for India.
Answer:
1. India receives abundant sunlight over much of the year.
2. Solar energy is renewable and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
3. Solar systems can be used in both large projects and decentralised applications.
1. India receives abundant sunlight over much of the year.
2. Solar energy is renewable and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
3. Solar systems can be used in both large projects and decentralised applications.
29Explain the importance of wind energy.
Answer: Wind energy is renewable and can generate electricity without burning fossil fuels. It is especially useful in regions with favourable wind conditions and can diversify the energy mix.
30Why is nuclear energy important but also sensitive?
Answer: Nuclear power can generate large quantities of electricity from relatively small amounts of nuclear fuel. However, nuclear energy requires strict safety systems, careful handling of radioactive materials and responsible management of waste.
31How can energy resources be conserved in everyday life?
Answer: Energy can be conserved by using efficient appliances, switching off unnecessary electrical equipment, improving transport efficiency, reducing fuel wastage and increasing the use of suitable renewable energy sources.
32Why should India diversify its energy sources?
Answer: Dependence on one or a few sources creates supply and environmental risks. A diversified energy mix can improve energy security, reduce dependence on exhaustible fuels and make greater use of renewable resources.
33Explain the relationship between resource conservation and sustainable development.
Answer: Sustainable development requires meeting present needs without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Efficient use, recycling and conservation of minerals and energy resources help maintain this balance.
SECTION C
5-Mark Questions with Answers
34Describe the major iron ore belts of India.
Answer:
1. Odisha-Jharkhand belt: Important high-grade hematite deposits occur in areas including Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar in Odisha and Gua and Noamundi in Jharkhand.
2. Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt: It extends through Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. The Bailadila range is known for high-grade hematite ore.
3. Bellary-Chitradurga-Chikkamagaluru-Tumakuru belt: Located in Karnataka, it includes the important Kudremukh region.
4. Maharashtra-Goa belt: It includes Goa and the Ratnagiri region of Maharashtra. These deposits have supported mining and export activity.
1. Odisha-Jharkhand belt: Important high-grade hematite deposits occur in areas including Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar in Odisha and Gua and Noamundi in Jharkhand.
2. Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt: It extends through Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. The Bailadila range is known for high-grade hematite ore.
3. Bellary-Chitradurga-Chikkamagaluru-Tumakuru belt: Located in Karnataka, it includes the important Kudremukh region.
4. Maharashtra-Goa belt: It includes Goa and the Ratnagiri region of Maharashtra. These deposits have supported mining and export activity.
35Explain the different modes of occurrence of minerals with examples.
Answer:
1. Veins and lodes: Minerals occur in cracks, crevices, faults and joints of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
2. Beds and layers: Minerals may accumulate in horizontal strata of sedimentary rocks.
3. Decomposition of surface rocks: Weathering may remove soluble materials and leave a residual mass containing ores, as in bauxite formation.
4. Alluvial deposits: Some minerals occur in sands of valley floors and at the base of hills as placer deposits.
5. Ocean waters: Sea water contains minerals, although many are too widely dispersed to be economically extracted.
1. Veins and lodes: Minerals occur in cracks, crevices, faults and joints of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
2. Beds and layers: Minerals may accumulate in horizontal strata of sedimentary rocks.
3. Decomposition of surface rocks: Weathering may remove soluble materials and leave a residual mass containing ores, as in bauxite formation.
4. Alluvial deposits: Some minerals occur in sands of valley floors and at the base of hills as placer deposits.
5. Ocean waters: Sea water contains minerals, although many are too widely dispersed to be economically extracted.
36Explain why conservation of minerals is essential and suggest suitable measures.
Answer: Minerals are finite and take very long periods to form. Rapid extraction and wastage can reduce their availability and damage the environment. Conservation measures include efficient mining and processing, reducing wastage, recycling mineral-based materials, using substitutes where suitable, improving technology and adopting sustainable extraction practices.
37Describe the major conventional sources of energy used in India.
Answer:
Coal: A major fossil fuel used in electricity generation and industries.
Petroleum: An important transport fuel and raw material for petrochemical industries.
Natural gas: Used in power generation, industry, transport and households.
Hydel power: Electricity generated from flowing or falling water and an important renewable source of electricity.
These sources have supported industrial and economic development, although fossil fuels are exhaustible and have environmental impacts.
Coal: A major fossil fuel used in electricity generation and industries.
Petroleum: An important transport fuel and raw material for petrochemical industries.
Natural gas: Used in power generation, industry, transport and households.
Hydel power: Electricity generated from flowing or falling water and an important renewable source of electricity.
These sources have supported industrial and economic development, although fossil fuels are exhaustible and have environmental impacts.
38Explain the importance of non-conventional sources of energy for India.
Answer: Non-conventional sources can reduce dependence on exhaustible fossil fuels and diversify India's energy supply. Solar and wind energy can be developed at suitable locations, while tidal, wave, geothermal and bio-energy provide additional options. Greater use of appropriate renewable sources can support energy security and reduce certain environmental impacts.
39Compare conventional and non-conventional energy resources on the basis of availability, environmental impact and future importance.
Answer:
Availability: Many conventional fossil fuels are finite, while many non-conventional sources are renewable.
Environmental impact: Burning fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases and other pollutants; renewable sources generally have lower operational emissions.
Future importance: Conventional sources remain important, but expanding suitable renewable sources is increasingly necessary for a diversified and sustainable energy system.
Availability: Many conventional fossil fuels are finite, while many non-conventional sources are renewable.
Environmental impact: Burning fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases and other pollutants; renewable sources generally have lower operational emissions.
Future importance: Conventional sources remain important, but expanding suitable renewable sources is increasingly necessary for a diversified and sustainable energy system.
40Explain the importance of minerals in the economic development of a country.
Answer: Minerals provide raw materials for industries such as iron and steel, aluminium, cement, electrical equipment and chemicals. They support infrastructure, transport, construction and manufacturing. Mineral resources therefore contribute to industrialisation, employment and economic development, but their extraction must be managed sustainably.
41Explain the major environmental problems associated with mining and suggest measures to reduce them.
Answer: Mining may cause deforestation, land degradation, soil erosion, air pollution and contamination of water sources. These impacts can be reduced through scientific mining, controlled waste disposal, land reclamation, afforestation, water treatment, dust control, worker-safety measures and proper environmental monitoring.
SECTION D
Case-Based and Competency Questions
Case 1 — Mineral Conservation: A mining region has rich mineral deposits, but extraction has increased land degradation and waste. Local industries also generate mineral-based waste that could be recycled. The administration wants to promote resource efficiency without stopping necessary industrial activity.
(a) Why are minerals considered non-renewable on a human time scale?
Answer: They take extremely long geological periods to form, so natural replacement is far slower than the rate of human extraction.
(b) Give two measures that can reduce mineral wastage.
Answer: Improve mining and processing efficiency and promote recycling/reuse of mineral-based materials.
(c) Why is conservation compatible with industrial development?
Answer: Efficient and sustainable resource use can maintain industrial supply while reducing wastage, environmental damage and pressure on finite reserves.
Case 2 — Energy Transition: A state wants to increase electricity generation while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. It has high solar potential and suitable locations for wind power, but industries still depend heavily on conventional fuels.
(a) Which two non-conventional sources are most directly suggested?
Answer: Solar energy and wind energy.
(b) State one advantage of diversifying the energy mix.
Answer: It reduces dependence on a limited number of fuels and can improve energy security.
(c) Why cannot conventional energy resources simply be ignored immediately?
Answer: Conventional sources currently support major industrial, transport and electricity requirements. A practical transition requires suitable alternatives, infrastructure and reliable supply.
Case 3 — Mineral Distribution: A steel plant wants a reliable supply of iron ore. The company studies mineral belts and finds that deposits are concentrated in specific geological regions rather than evenly spread across India.
(a) Why is iron ore important for a steel plant?
Answer: Iron ore is the basic raw material required for producing iron and steel.
(b) Name any two important iron ore regions.
Answer: The Odisha-Jharkhand belt and the Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt are two important regions.
(c) Why should industries consider location and transport when using mineral resources?
Answer: Minerals are unevenly distributed and bulky to transport. Location and transport connections influence production costs and the efficient movement of raw materials.
Case 4 — Sustainable Energy Choice: A remote settlement has no reliable grid connection but receives strong sunlight for much of the year. The community wants an energy source that can operate locally and reduce dependence on diesel.
(a) Which energy source is particularly suitable?
Answer: Solar energy is particularly suitable because the settlement receives strong sunlight and solar systems can be deployed locally.
(b) State one limitation that planners should consider.
Answer: Solar generation depends on sunlight, so storage or backup arrangements may be required when sunlight is unavailable.
(c) How does this choice support sustainable development?
Answer: It can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, provide local energy access and support a more diversified energy system.
MAP & APPLICATION
Map-Based Practice Questions
Important: For the 2026–27 Class 10 map work, practise the prescribed mineral locations for identification and the listed thermal and nuclear power plants for locating and labelling.
| Category | Locations to Practise | Typical Skill |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Ore Mines | Mayurbhanj, Durg, Bailadila, Bellary, Kudremukh | Identification |
| Coal Mines | Raniganj, Bokaro, Talcher, Neyveli | Identification |
| Oil Fields | Digboi, Naharkatia, Mumbai High, Bassien, Kalol, Ankaleshwar | Identification |
| Thermal Power Plants | Namrup, Singrauli, Ramagundam | Locating and labelling |
| Nuclear Power Plants | Narora, Kakrapara, Tarapur, Kalpakkam | Locating and labelling |
42Name any two iron ore mines and state their respective states.
Answer: Mayurbhanj — Odisha; Bailadila — Chhattisgarh. Other prescribed examples include Durg, Bellary and Kudremukh.
43Name any two coal mines included in the map list.
Answer: Raniganj and Bokaro. Other prescribed coal-mine locations include Talcher and Neyveli.
44Name the three thermal power plants prescribed for locating and labelling.
Answer: Namrup, Singrauli and Ramagundam.
45Name the four nuclear power plants prescribed for locating and labelling.
Answer: Narora, Kakrapara, Tarapur and Kalpakkam.
EXAM SKILL
How to Write Better Answers in the Exam
2 marks
Give two precise points. Avoid a long introduction.
3 marks
Write three distinct points with keywords and relevant examples.
5 marks
Use a short opening followed by clearly separated points. Add examples where appropriate.
Competency questions
Identify the concept first, then connect it to the situation instead of reproducing a memorised paragraph.
High-value keywords: geological processes, ferrous, non-ferrous, veins and lodes, sedimentary strata, alluvial deposits, conservation, fossil fuels, renewable, energy security, sustainable development and environmental impact.
EXPLORE MORE