RAS question
Manganese is primarily used in the manufacture of:
Correct answer: (B) Steel.
Manganese is primarily used in the manufacture of steel.
Explanation
Manganese is a key input in steel-making because it acts as a deoxidiser and desulphuriser, helping remove oxygen and sulphur during the process. NCERT states that manganese is mainly used in manufacturing steel and ferro-manganese alloy, and notes that nearly 10 kg of manganese is required to manufacture one tonne of steel. This directly explains why steel, not a general industrial product such as glass or another metal, is the best answer. Manganese also belongs in India's mineral geography: India is among the top producers, with major deposits in Odisha, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Glass is not the primary use identified here; NCERT links manganese mainly with steel and ferro-manganese alloy.
- (C) Copper is a separate metal, while manganese is used as an input in steel-making, not copper manufacture.
- (D) Aluminium is not identified as manganese's main manufacturing use; NCERT points to steel and ferro-manganese alloy instead.
Concept
This tests the mineral-resource use component of Indian Geography, especially the link between metallic minerals and industries. It recurs in RAS because mineral distribution and industrial raw-material linkages are standard Rajasthan and India geography themes.