Question 2 - Past Year Questions - 5 Marks - Chapter 5 Class 10 Geography - Minerals and Energy Resources - Geography

Why is it necessary to conserve mineral resources? Explain any four ways to conserve mineral resources.

Answer :

Points to remember :

• Minerals are finite and non renewable.
• They need to be used judiciously , as they require millions of years to be created again.
• Ways to conserve minerals like using scrap metals, recycling of metals, innovating new technologies should be adopted.
• Wastage of mining should be reduced.

Answer to be written in exam :

We need to conserve mineral resources because :

• We are rapidly consuming mineral resources that require millions of years to be created and concentrated.
• Geological processes of mineral formation are so slow that the rates of replenishment are infinitely small in comparison to the present rates of consumption.
• Mineral resources are finite and non renewable.

(any 1 point)

Efforts have to be made to use our mineral resources in a planned and sustainable manner.

• Ways to conserve minerals :

1. Improved technologies need to be evolved to allow use of low grade ores at low costs.
2. Recycling of metals
3. Using scrap metals and other substitutes are steps in conserving our mineral resources for future.
4. Wastage in mining and processing should be  minimized. 

(any 4 points, 1 + 4)