Theme T35 · Resources & Economic Geography

Minerals & mining: resource vs environment

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What UPSC asks

Cross-paper: GS1 asks about mineral distribution (Gondwana, Deccan trap) and why mining's GDP share is low; GS3 asks why mining is an environmental hazard, illegal mining and go/no-go zones.

Prepare these

• Gondwana coal, Dharwar metallic minerals, Deccan trap resources
• Low GDP share: regulation, exploration gaps, technology, land issues
• Environmental impacts: deforestation, water, air, displacement
• Illegal mining, go/no-go zones, MMDR reforms, District Mineral Foundation

Answer writing

• Balance development needs with environmental costs
• Use specific mining regions as examples

Directive words in these PYQs: Discuss (4), Explain (1), Why (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Comes back later in

Later themes that take this one further.

On the map

Syllabus lines covered

• GS1-L11 — Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)
• GS3-L14 — Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

All 5 PYQs, newest first

1. GS3202515 marks · 250 wordsGS3-ENV-02-M2025-Q17

   Mineral resources are fundamental to the country's economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining.

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2. GS1202210 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-05-M2022-Q06

   Discuss the natural resource potential of ‘Deccan trap’.

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3. GS12021GS1-GEO-05-M2021-S01

   Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.

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4. GS12017GS1-GEO-05-M2017-S01

   “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss.

   Also needs: T153 Renewable energy transition: solar, wind, EVs, green corridorCopyReport a typo
5. GS32013GS3-ENV-02-M2013-S01

   What are the consequences of Illegal mining? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forests’ concept of GO AND NO GO zones for coal mining sector.

   Also needs: T158 Environmental Impact Assessment & project displacementCopyReport a typo