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Geography

Model Answer Frameworks

Mineral Resources of Rajasthan: Types, Distribution, Industrial Uses

Paper II · Unit 3 Section 10 of 14 0 PYQs 38 min
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Model Answer Frameworks

5-Mark Answer Template (50 words)

Question: Name the major rock phosphate producing areas of Rajasthan and mention its industrial uses. (Modelled on RPSC Mains 2023 Paper II Q31)

Model Answer:

Rajasthan's major rock phosphate deposits are at Jhamarkotra (Udaipur) — India's largest mine with ~200 million tonnes reserves, operated by RSMML; also Kanpur-Deval and Matoon (Udaipur). Industrial uses: manufacture of Single Superphosphate (SSP) fertilizer, phosphoric acid production, and soil conditioner in agriculture. RSMML's Rock Phosphate SBU earned ₹719 crore (2024-25).

Word budget: Locations (15) + Reserve figure (5) + Uses (20) + Operator + revenue (10) = ~50 words

Question: Write the zinc producing areas of Rajasthan. (Modelled on RPSC Mains 2021 Paper II Q31)

Model Answer:

Rajasthan is India's sole lead-zinc ore producer. Key areas: Zawar mines (Udaipur) — India's original primary zinc mine; Agucha (Bhilwara) — one of world's largest zinc mines; Sindesar Khurd (Rajsamand) and Rajpura-Dariba (Bhilwara). All operated by Hindustan Zinc Limited (Vedanta). Refined zinc is produced at Chanderiya (Chittorgarh) and Debari (Udaipur) smelters.

Word budget: National status (10) + Mine names + districts (25) + Operator (8) + Smelter locations (7) = ~50 words

10-Mark Answer Template (150 words)

Question: Discuss the distribution of major metallic minerals of Rajasthan and their industrial significance. (Modelled on RPSC Mains 2021 Paper II Q36)

Model Answer:

Introduction: Rajasthan's Aravalli metallogenic belt hosts India's most significant metallic mineral deposits, making the state a national leader in zinc, lead, silver, and copper.

Key Points:

  1. Lead-Zinc (Udaipur — Zawar; Bhilwara — Agucha; Rajsamand — Sindesar Khurd): Rajasthan is India's sole lead-zinc producer. HZL (Vedanta) smelts ore at Chanderiya (Chittorgarh) and Debari (Udaipur). India ranks 4th globally in zinc production because of these deposits. Zinc is critical for galvanisation (steel rust protection) and die-casting.

  2. Silver (Rajsamand — Sindesar Khurd; Bhilwara — Rajpura-Dariba): Rajasthan is India's leading primary silver producer. Sindesar Khurd, India's largest silver mine, has produced >700 tonnes silver annually. Silver feeds India's jewellery, electronics, and silverware industries.

  3. Copper (Jhunjhunu — Khetri Belt: Kolihan, Chandmari mines): India's 2nd largest copper reserve. Operated by Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL). Copper wire is fundamental to power infrastructure and electronics.

  4. Tungsten (Pali/Nagaur — Degana): India's only economic tungsten deposit; a strategic/critical mineral for defence cutting tools and superalloys.

Conclusion: Rajasthan's metallic minerals underpin national metal security — the state's Aravalli belt is India's irreplaceable source of primary zinc, lead, and silver, with strategic copper and tungsten deposits requiring accelerated development under the Mineral Policy 2024.

Word budget: Introduction (15) + Point 1 (40) + Point 2 (35) + Point 3 (30) + Point 4 (15) + Conclusion (25) ≈ 160 words