Question

UPSC Prelims 2018 Question:

Consider the following statements

In India, State Governments do not have the power to auction non-coal mines.

Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand do not have gold mines.

Rajasthan has iron ore mines.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 3 only

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4: 3 only

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

As per the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015, non-coal mines have to be auctioned by the respective State Governments. The auction of mining licences for non-coal minerals is conducted by the respective State Governments. So, statement 1 is not correct.
The majority of these reserves are located in the State of Karnataka and account for 88% of the total; a further 12% are situated in Andhra Pradesh and an insignificant amount (less than 0.1t) are found in Jharkhand. So, statement 2 is not correct.
In Rajasthan, the Iron-Ore Deposits are located in the district of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Bhilwara, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa and Banswara. About 2621 million tones resources of Iron–Ore (Both Hematite & Magnetite) are estimated in the State. So, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Geography | Mineral Resources

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