1. Which is the largest producer of iron ore in India?
A) Odisha
B) Chhattisgarh
C) Karnataka
D) Jharkhand
Answer: A
Explanation: Odisha produces the largest share (~50%) of India’s iron ore.
2. Which is the largest iron ore mine in India?
A) Bailadila (Chhattisgarh)
B) Noamundi (Jharkhand)
C) Kudremukh (Karnataka)
D) Kiriburu (Odisha)
Answer: A
Explanation: Bailadila mines (Chhattisgarh) are India’s largest iron ore mines.
3. The Kudremukh mines in Karnataka are famous for:
A) Manganese
B) Bauxite
C) Iron ore (magnetite)
D) Copper
Answer: C
Explanation: Kudremukh is famous for magnetite iron ore, one of the largest reserves.
4. The largest exporter of iron ore in India is:
A) NMDC
B) SAIL
C) Vedanta
D) Kudremukh Iron Ore Co. Ltd. (KIOCL)
Answer: A
Explanation: NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation) is the largest exporter.
5. Which state is the largest producer of manganese in India?
A) Odisha
B) Maharashtra
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Karnataka
Answer: B
Explanation: Maharashtra contributes ~30% of manganese production.
6. Manganese is mainly used in:
A) Fertilizers
B) Cement
C) Steel industry (as alloy)
D) Glass
Answer: C
Explanation: Manganese is essential in steel-making as an alloy.
7. Which state is the largest producer of bauxite in India?
A) Odisha
B) Gujarat
C) Jharkhand
D) Maharashtra
Answer: A
Explanation: Odisha (~50%) is the largest bauxite producer.
8. Bauxite is the ore of:
A) Iron
B) Copper
C) Aluminium
D) Lead
Answer: C
Explanation: Bauxite → Aluminium (Al2O3·2H2O).
9. Which state is the largest producer of copper in India?
A) Madhya Pradesh
B) Rajasthan
C) Jharkhand
D) Gujarat
Answer: B
Explanation: Rajasthan (Khetri mines) is the largest copper producer.
10. Khetri mines (Rajasthan) are famous for:
A) Zinc
B) Copper
C) Bauxite
D) Iron
Answer: B
Explanation: Khetri (Rajasthan) is India’s main copper belt.
11. The largest producer of zinc and lead in India is:
A) Odisha
B) Gujarat
C) Rajasthan
D) Jharkhand
Answer: C
Explanation: Rajasthan (Zawar, Rampura-Agucha mines) produces most zinc-lead.
12. Singhbhum (Jharkhand) is famous for:
A) Bauxite
B) Mica
C) Iron ore & Copper
D) Gypsum
Answer: C
Explanation: Singhbhum belt = iron ore + copper deposits.
13. Which mineral is found in Balaghat mines (Madhya Pradesh)?
A) Manganese
B) Bauxite
C) Iron
D) Copper
Answer: A
Explanation: Balaghat (MP) is India’s largest manganese belt.
14. Which state leads in gold production in India?
A) Jharkhand
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Karnataka
D) Rajasthan
Answer: C
Explanation: Karnataka (Kolar & Hutti mines) produces most of India’s gold.
15. The Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) are located in:
A) Andhra Pradesh
B) Karnataka
C) Jharkhand
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: B
Explanation: KGF (Karnataka) were once world-famous gold mines (now closed).
16. The only active gold mine in India is:
A) Kolar
B) Hutti (Karnataka)
C) Singhbhum
D) Ramgiri
Answer: B
Explanation: Hutti Gold Mines (Karnataka) is the only active gold mine now.
17. Which mineral is mined at Jaduguda (Jharkhand)?
A) Coal
B) Mica
C) Uranium
D) Zinc
Answer: C
Explanation: Jaduguda mines are India’s oldest uranium mines.
18. Balaghat (MP) is also known for production of:
A) Silver
B) Copper
C) Manganese
D) Zinc
Answer: C
Explanation: Balaghat → Manganese capital of India.
19. Which state is the largest producer of chromite in India?
A) Odisha
B) Karnataka
C) Jharkhand
D) Maharashtra
Answer: A
Explanation: Odisha (~90%) produces maximum chromite.
20. Which mineral is essential in stainless steel production?
A) Bauxite
B) Chromite
C) Limestone
D) Mica
Answer: B
Explanation: Chromite → Ferrochrome alloy → Stainless steel.
21. Which state is the largest producer of silver in India?
A) Karnataka
B) Rajasthan
C) Jharkhand
D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: B
Explanation: Rajasthan (Zawar mines, Rampura-Agucha) is India’s largest silver producer.
22. The major silver production in India is as a byproduct of:
A) Gold mining
B) Copper mining
C) Lead & Zinc mining
D) Mica mining
Answer: C
Explanation: In India, silver is obtained as a byproduct of zinc-lead mining.
23. Which mineral is found in Jaduguda, Singhbhum, and Narwapahar mines?
A) Manganese
B) Uranium
C) Copper
D) Iron
Answer: B
Explanation: Jharkhand’s Singhbhum belt is India’s uranium hub.
24. The largest producer of tungsten in India is:
A) Rajasthan
B) Karnataka
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Jharkhand
Answer: A
Explanation: Rajasthan (Degana & Balda mines) has tungsten deposits.
25. The mineral Monazite, found in Kerala beaches, is rich in:
A) Thorium
B) Uranium
C) Zinc
D) Copper
Answer: A
Explanation: Monazite sands in Kerala are rich in thorium reserves.
26. Which state is the largest producer of mica in India?
A) Rajasthan
B) Andhra Pradesh
C) Bihar
D) Jharkhand
Answer: B
Explanation: Andhra Pradesh accounts for the largest share of India’s mica production.
27. India is the largest producer and exporter of which non-metallic mineral?
A) Gypsum
B) Mica
C) Limestone
D) Salt
Answer: B
Explanation: India is the largest producer and exporter of mica in the world.
28. Which belt is famous as the “mica belt of India”?
A) Singhbhum Belt (Jharkhand)
B) Nellore Belt (Andhra Pradesh)
C) Chota Nagpur Plateau
D) Rajasthan Desert Belt
Answer: B
Explanation: Nellore belt (Andhra Pradesh) is called the mica belt.
29. Which state is the largest producer of limestone in India?
A) Madhya Pradesh
B) Andhra Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) Gujarat
Answer: C
Explanation: Rajasthan is the leading producer of limestone in India.
30. Limestone is primarily used in:
A) Fertilizers
B) Glass
C) Cement industry
D) Medicine
Answer: C
Explanation: Limestone is the raw material for cement manufacturing.
31. Which state is the largest producer of gypsum in India?
A) Gujarat
B) Rajasthan
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: B
Explanation: Rajasthan produces the maximum gypsum (used in fertilizer & cement).
32. Gypsum is mainly used in:
A) Steel
B) Fertilizers & cement
C) Copper smelting
D) Textile industry
Answer: B
Explanation: Gypsum is used in fertilizers, cement, and plaster of Paris.
33. Which state is the largest producer of salt in India?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Rajasthan
C) Maharashtra
D) Gujarat
Answer: D
Explanation: Gujarat produces over 70% of India’s salt, especially from Rann of Kutch.
34. The Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan) is famous for production of:
A) Limestone
B) Salt
C) Gypsum
D) Mica
Answer: B
Explanation: Sambhar Lake is India’s largest inland salt lake.
35. Which state is the leading producer of dolomite in India?
A) Madhya Pradesh
B) Odisha
C) Jharkhand
D) Gujarat
Answer: A
Explanation: Madhya Pradesh is the top producer of dolomite (used in iron & steel industry).
36. Which mineral is used in making plaster of Paris (POP)?
A) Mica
B) Gypsum
C) Dolomite
D) Bauxite
Answer: B
Explanation: POP is made by heating gypsum.
37. Which state is the largest producer of marble in India?
A) Rajasthan
B) Gujarat
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Odisha
Answer: A
Explanation: Rajasthan (Makrana region) is the largest marble producer.
38. Makrana marble was famously used in:
A) Red Fort
B) Taj Mahal
C) Qutub Minar
D) India Gate
Answer: B
Explanation: Makrana marble (Rajasthan) was used in building the Taj Mahal.
39. Which mineral is known as “mineral of the future” due to its electrical properties?
A) Dolomite
B) Gypsum
C) Mica
D) Graphite
Answer: C
Explanation: Mica is called the mineral of the future, widely used in electronics.
40. The Balangir district of Odisha is famous for which non-metallic mineral?
A) Graphite
B) Limestone
C) Salt
D) Gypsum
Answer: A
Explanation: Balangir (Odisha) has large graphite reserves.
41. Which mineral is found in the Satpura hills of Madhya Pradesh?
A) Dolomite
B) Graphite
C) Mica
D) Salt
Answer: B
Explanation: Satpura hills have large deposits of graphite.
42. Which state is the largest producer of graphite in India?
A) Jharkhand
B) Odisha
C) Rajasthan
D) Gujarat
Answer: B
Explanation: Odisha is the largest graphite producer.
43. Which non-metallic mineral is essential for the fertilizer industry?
A) Limestone
B) Dolomite
C) Gypsum
D) Phosphorite
Answer: D
Explanation: Phosphorite is a key raw material for phosphate fertilizers.
44. The largest phosphorite deposits in India are found in:
A) Madhya Pradesh
B) Rajasthan
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Gujarat
Answer: B
Explanation: Rajasthan (Udaipur, Jhamarkotra mines) has India’s largest phosphorite reserves.
45. Which mineral is found in large deposits in Udaipur district of Rajasthan?
A) Dolomite
B) Phosphorite
C) Mica
D) Graphite
Answer: B
Explanation: Udaipur (Rajasthan) is famous for phosphorite mining.
46. Which mineral is commonly used in pencil manufacturing?
A) Mica
B) Graphite
C) Gypsum
D) Dolomite
Answer: B
Explanation: Graphite is used in pencils, lubricants, batteries.
47. Which mineral is abundant in the Rann of Kutch (Gujarat)?
A) Phosphorite
B) Salt
C) Gypsum
D) Dolomite
Answer: B
Explanation: Rann of Kutch = largest salt-producing area in India.
48. Which state is the largest producer of feldspar in India?
A) Andhra Pradesh
B) Rajasthan
C) Karnataka
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: B
Explanation: Rajasthan dominates feldspar production.
49. Which mineral is most used in glass industry?
A) Limestone
B) Dolomite
C) Feldspar
D) Gypsum
Answer: C
Explanation: Feldspar is the key raw material for glass & ceramics.
50. The mineral Sillimanite, used in refractory industry, is found mostly in:
A) Kerala
B) Odisha
C) Rajasthan
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: B
Explanation: Odisha is the main source of Sillimanite, used in refractory bricks.
51. The main uranium-producing state in India is:
A) Jharkhand
B) Rajasthan
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Chhattisgarh
Answer: A
Explanation: Jharkhand (Singhbhum belt – Jaduguda, Narwapahar, Bhatin) is the major uranium producer.
52. The only operational uranium mines in India are located at:
A) Jaduguda (Jharkhand)
B) Nellore (AP)
C) Udaipur (Rajasthan)
D) Nagpur (Maharashtra)
Answer: A
Explanation: Jaduguda mines (UCIL) are India’s oldest and operational uranium mines.
53. Uranium mining in India is controlled by:
A) NMDC
B) UCIL (Uranium Corporation of India Ltd.)
C) NPCIL
D) BARC
Answer: B
Explanation: UCIL (1967) manages uranium exploration and mining in India.
54. Thorium reserves in India are mainly found in:
A) Jharkhand
B) Rajasthan
C) Kerala & Tamil Nadu beaches
D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: C
Explanation: Monazite sands of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra coast are rich in thorium.
55. India has the world’s ___ largest thorium reserves.
A) 1st
B) 2nd
C) 3rd
D) 4th
Answer: A
Explanation: India has the largest thorium reserves (~25% of world total).
56. Thorium-based nuclear programme is part of India’s:
A) Green Energy Mission
B) 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme
C) Jal Jeevan Mission
D) Digital India
Answer: B
Explanation: Thorium is crucial in India’s 3-Stage Nuclear Programme for sustainable nuclear energy.
57. Monazite, found in Kerala sands, is the chief ore of:
A) Uranium
B) Thorium
C) Titanium
D) Zinc
Answer: B
Explanation: Monazite sands contain thorium phosphate (ThPO4).
58. Which state has the largest thorium-bearing monazite reserves in India?
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Odisha
Answer: A
Explanation: Kerala’s coastal sands have the highest thorium concentration.
59. Which mineral sand is also a source of titanium in India?
A) Monazite
B) Ilmenite
C) Zircon
D) Chromite
Answer: B
Explanation: Ilmenite sands (Kerala, Odisha, TN) are used for titanium dioxide.
60. The Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) was set up in:
A) 1948
B) 1954
C) 1962
D) 1971
Answer: A
Explanation: AMD (1948) under DAE explores uranium, thorium, rare earths.
61. Which mineral is called a “strategic mineral” because of its use in defence & nuclear industries?
A) Bauxite
B) Chromite
C) Uranium
D) Mica
Answer: C
Explanation: Uranium is a critical strategic mineral for nuclear power & defence.
62. The Singhbhum thrust belt (Jharkhand) is famous for:
A) Coal
B) Uranium
C) Iron ore
D) Gold
Answer: B
Explanation: Singhbhum belt = India’s uranium hub (Jaduguda, Bhatin, Narwapahar).
63. Which Indian state has significant uranium deposits at Tummalapalle?
A) Rajasthan
B) Andhra Pradesh
C) Jharkhand
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: B
Explanation: Tummalapalle (Andhra Pradesh) is one of the largest uranium reserves in the world.
64. The Zawar mines in Rajasthan are famous for:
A) Lead & Zinc
B) Uranium
C) Thorium
D) Iron ore
Answer: A
Explanation: Zawar mines (Udaipur, Rajasthan) → lead-zinc + silver byproduct.
65. The Atomic Energy Commission of India was established in:
A) 1948
B) 1950
C) 1954
D) 1962
Answer: C
Explanation: The Atomic Energy Commission (1954) regulates India’s nuclear programme.
66. Which rare earth mineral is used in space & defence technology?
A) Ilmenite
B) Zircon
C) Monazite
D) Dolomite
Answer: B
Explanation: Zircon (coastal sands) is vital in ceramics, defence & nuclear tech.
67. The largest deposits of rare earth minerals in India are found in:
A) Chhattisgarh
B) Odisha
C) Kerala coast
D) Rajasthan
Answer: C
Explanation: Kerala’s beach sands (monazite, ilmenite, zircon) are rich in rare earths.
68. Which Indian organization handles rare earths extraction from monazite?
A) BARC
B) IREL (Indian Rare Earths Ltd.)
C) ISRO
D) UCIL
Answer: B
Explanation: IREL (1950) processes monazite sands for rare earth elements.
69. Which state has uranium reserves at Domiasiat and Wahkyn (Khasi Hills)?
A) Meghalaya
B) Assam
C) Nagaland
D) Manipur
Answer: A
Explanation: Domiasiat (Meghalaya) has significant uranium deposits.
70. Which mineral is found in beach sands of Odisha and used in nuclear technology?
A) Ilmenite
B) Zircon
C) Monazite
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Odisha’s coastal sands = monazite (thorium), ilmenite (titanium), zircon (nuclear use).
71. The Black Sands of Kerala are rich in:
A) Coal
B) Atomic minerals (monazite, ilmenite)
C) Mica
D) Bauxite
Answer: B
Explanation: Kerala’s black sands are rich in thorium, titanium, zircon.
72. The largest uranium reserves in India are found in:
A) Jharkhand
B) Andhra Pradesh (Tummalapalle)
C) Rajasthan
D) Meghalaya
Answer: B
Explanation: Tummalapalle (Andhra Pradesh) has the largest uranium reserves.
73. Which mineral is considered a “green energy metal” essential for batteries?
A) Uranium
B) Lithium
C) Thorium
D) Manganese
Answer: B
Explanation: Lithium is used in Li-ion batteries for EVs and electronics.
74. In 2023, significant lithium reserves were found in India in:
A) Odisha
B) Rajasthan
C) Jammu & Kashmir (Reasi district)
D) Jharkhand
Answer: C
Explanation: In 2023, 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves were discovered in Reasi, J&K.
75. Which mineral is vital for India’s 3-Stage Nuclear Programme along with thorium?
A) Uranium
B) Bauxite
C) Copper
D) Phosphorite
Answer: A
Explanation: India’s 3-stage nuclear programme begins with uranium reactors, then plutonium, finally thorium.
76. The National Mineral Policy (NMP) of India was last revised in:
A) 1993
B) 2008
C) 2019
D) 2022
Answer: C
Explanation: NMP 2019 replaced the 2008 policy, focusing on exploration, transparency, and sustainability.
77. Which organization is the nodal agency for mineral exploration in India?
A) GSI (Geological Survey of India)
B) NMDC
C) UCIL
D) SAIL
Answer: A
Explanation: GSI (1851) is the oldest exploration body for mapping mineral resources.
78. The largest government-owned iron and steel producer in India is:
A) TISCO
B) SAIL
C) NMDC
D) Essar Steel
Answer: B
Explanation: SAIL (Steel Authority of India Ltd.) is the largest public-sector steel producer.
79. Which private company established the first integrated steel plant in India?
A) Essar Steel
B) Tata Steel (TISCO)
C) Jindal Steel
D) Bhushan Steel
Answer: B
Explanation: TISCO (Jamshedpur, 1907) was India’s first private integrated steel plant.
80. Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. (KIOCL) is famous for:
A) Manganese exports
B) Iron ore pellets
C) Copper mining
D) Bauxite refining
Answer: B
Explanation: KIOCL (Karnataka) is known for exporting iron ore pellets.
81. Which port is most important for iron ore export from India?
A) Paradeep
B) Mormugao
C) Kandla
D) Chennai
Answer: B
Explanation: Mormugao Port (Goa) is the main iron ore export hub.
82. The Chhota Nagpur Plateau is known as India’s:
A) Rice Bowl
B) Mineral Heartland
C) Cotton Belt
D) Fertile Crescent
Answer: B
Explanation: The Chhota Nagpur Plateau has rich reserves of coal, iron, bauxite, and mica.
83. Which mineral development corporation is India’s largest iron ore producer?
A) NMDC
B) NALCO
C) IREL
D) HCL
Answer: A
Explanation: NMDC (1958) is India’s largest iron ore producer.
84. Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL) is India’s only:
A) Aluminium producer
B) Gold producer
C) Integrated copper producer
D) Bauxite miner
Answer: C
Explanation: HCL is India’s only integrated copper producer.
85. National Aluminium Company (NALCO) is primarily engaged in:
A) Iron & steel
B) Aluminium (bauxite mining & refining)
C) Copper
D) Lead & zinc
Answer: B
Explanation: NALCO mines bauxite and refines it into aluminium.
86. India’s largest aluminium-producing state is:
A) Odisha
B) Chhattisgarh
C) Maharashtra
D) Jharkhand
Answer: A
Explanation: Odisha (NALCO, Vedanta, Hindalco plants) is the top aluminium producer.
87. Which mineral-based industry is located at Koraput (Odisha)?
A) Copper smelter
B) Aluminium refinery (NALCO, Damanjodi)
C) Iron ore plant
D) Mica factory
Answer: B
Explanation: NALCO’s Damanjodi (Koraput, Odisha) refinery processes bauxite → aluminium.
88. India’s largest copper smelter is located at:
A) Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu)
B) Khetri (Rajasthan)
C) Ghatsila (Jharkhand)
D) Balaghat (MP)
Answer: A
Explanation: Tuticorin (Sterlite Copper) in Tamil Nadu is the largest copper smelter (currently shut since 2018).
89. Which organization controls India’s gold mining?
A) NMDC
B) Hutti Gold Mines Ltd.
C) SAIL
D) HCL
Answer: B
Explanation: Hutti Gold Mines Ltd. (Karnataka) is the only gold mining company in India.
90. India imports most of its gold from:
A) USA
B) South Africa
C) Switzerland & UAE
D) Russia
Answer: C
Explanation: India imports gold mainly from Switzerland & UAE.
91. Which mineral is most imported by India?
A) Iron ore
B) Bauxite
C) Crude oil
D) Gold
Answer: C
Explanation: Crude oil is India’s largest import item (~25% of imports).
92. Which mineral is most exported by India?
A) Iron ore
B) Bauxite
C) Copper
D) Gold
Answer: A
Explanation: Iron ore is India’s leading mineral export, mainly to China & Japan.
93. The Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act was first passed in:
A) 1950
B) 1957
C) 1962
D) 1971
Answer: B
Explanation: The MMDR Act (1957) regulates mining in India.
94. Which ministry oversees mineral development in India?
A) Ministry of Power
B) Ministry of Steel
C) Ministry of Mines
D) NITI Aayog
Answer: C
Explanation: Ministry of Mines controls mineral exploration & regulation.
95. The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) is headquartered at:
A) Delhi
B) Nagpur
C) Kolkata
D) Mumbai
Answer: B
Explanation: IBM HQ is in Nagpur, regulating mining activities.
96. Which state recently discovered large lithium reserves (2023)?
A) Rajasthan
B) Odisha
C) Jammu & Kashmir (Reasi)
D) Jharkhand
Answer: C
Explanation: In Reasi, J&K, 5.9 million tonnes of lithium were discovered in 2023.
97. Which is India’s largest coal-producing company?
A) SAIL
B) NTPC
C) Coal India Ltd.
D) NMDC
Answer: C
Explanation: Coal India Ltd. (1975) produces >80% of India’s coal.
98. Which mineral is crucial for India’s EV battery industry?
A) Bauxite
B) Lithium
C) Uranium
D) Thorium
Answer: B
Explanation: Lithium is vital for Li-ion batteries in electric vehicles.
99. India’s first lithium-ion cell manufacturing plant (2021) was established at:
A) Bengaluru
B) Hyderabad
C) Chennai
D) Nagpur
Answer: B
Explanation: Hyderabad hosts India’s first Li-ion cell manufacturing facility.
100. India’s net-zero target (2070) requires maximum reliance on which mineral resource?
A) Uranium & Thorium
B) Lithium & Rare Earths
C) Gold & Silver
D) Manganese & Copper
Answer: B
Explanation: Lithium & Rare Earths are key for renewable energy storage and EV transition.