MP Board · Class 10 · Social Science · Geography: Minerals and Energy ResourcesExplain the importance of minerals in our life. Differentiate between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy with examples.

Introduction to Minerals\nMinerals are an indispensable part of our lives. Almost everything we use, from a tiny pin to a towering building or a big ship, is made from minerals. The railways and the roads along which we move, our implements and machinery too are made from minerals. Cars, buses, trains, aeroplanes are manufactured from minerals and run on power resources derived from the earth. Even the food that we eat contains minerals. In all stages of development, human beings have used minerals for their livelihood, decoration, festivities, religious and ceremonial rites.

Importance of Minerals in Daily Life

• Industrial Backbone: Minerals form the base of various industries. Metallurgical industries, for instance, depend entirely on mineral ores like iron ore, bauxite, and manganese.
• Agricultural Sector: Minerals are extensively used in manufacturing fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural equipment, which directly boost food production.
• Economic Development: Export of surplus minerals earns valuable foreign exchange for the country, contributing significantly to the national GDP.

Difference Between Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

1. Conventional Sources of Energy

• Definition: These are traditional sources of energy that have been in common use for a long time and are mostly non-renewable.
• Availability: They are exhaustible and get depleted with continuous usage.
• Environmental Impact: Their usage causes heavy pollution as they release greenhouse gases upon burning.
• Examples: Coal, petroleum, natural gas, and electricity (thermal and hydel).

2. Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

• Definition: These are modern, renewable sources of energy that have been developed recently due to technological advancements.
• Availability: They are inexhaustible and freely available in nature.
• Environmental Impact: They are generally eco-friendly and cause little to no pollution.
• Examples: Solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, geothermal energy, and biogas.