1. Karnataka is one of the leading states in India for:
A) Coal production
B) Iron ore and gold production
C) Petroleum production
D) Bauxite exports
Answer: B) Iron ore and gold production
Explanation: Karnataka ranks among India’s top producers of iron ore and is the only state with major gold mines.
2. The major mineral belt of Karnataka is known as the:
A) Konkan Belt
B) Dharwar–Bellary Belt
C) Godavari Belt
D) Aravalli Belt
Answer: B) Dharwar–Bellary Belt
Explanation: The Dharwar–Bellary Belt is rich in iron ore, manganese, gold, and other metallic minerals.
3. The oldest geological formations containing minerals in Karnataka are part of:
A) Gondwana System
B) Dharwar System
C) Deccan Trap
D) Vindhyan System
Answer: B) Dharwar System
Explanation: The Dharwar rocks (3 billion years old) are rich in metallic ores like iron, gold, and manganese.
4. Which region of Karnataka is known as the “Mineral-rich region”?
A) Coastal region
B) Malnad region
C) Deccan Plateau region (Ballari–Chitradurga–Tumakuru)
D) Southern plains
Answer: C) Deccan Plateau region
Explanation: The Ballari–Chitradurga–Tumakuru belt contains most of Karnataka’s mineral wealth.
5. The Department of Mines and Geology (DMG), Karnataka, was established in:
A) 1880
B) 1893
C) 1910
D) 1956
Answer: B) 1893
Explanation: One of India’s oldest geology departments, it monitors exploration and mining regulation.
6. The headquarters of the Department of Mines & Geology (DMG) is at:
A) Hubballi
B) Bengaluru
C) Ballari
D) Chitradurga
Answer: B) Bengaluru
Explanation: The department operates under the Ministry of Commerce & Industries, Govt. of Karnataka.
7. The Dharwar Craton in Karnataka is famous for:
A) Coal
B) Iron, manganese, gold
C) Uranium
D) Petroleum
Answer: B) Iron, manganese, gold
Explanation: The Dharwar Craton hosts major metallic ore deposits of southern India.
8. The main iron ore producing districts in Karnataka are:
A) Mysuru, Kodagu
B) Ballari, Chitradurga, Tumakuru
C) Udupi, Uttara Kannada
D) Kolar, Bengaluru
Answer: B) Ballari, Chitradurga, Tumakuru
Explanation: These three form the “Iron Triangle” of Karnataka.
9. The main gold producing districts in Karnataka are:
A) Kolar, Raichur, Dharwad
B) Ballari, Shivamogga, Chitradurga
C) Kodagu, Hassan, Tumakuru
D) Bengaluru, Mysuru, Ramanagara
Answer: A) Kolar, Raichur, Dharwad
Explanation: Home to the famous Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) and Hutti Gold Mines.
10. The Hutti Gold Mine, the only operational gold mine in India, is located in:
A) Raichur district
B) Chitradurga district
C) Kolar district
D) Dharwad district
Answer: A) Raichur district
Explanation: Managed by Hutti Gold Mines Company Limited (HGML).
11. The Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) were closed in:
A) 1999
B) 2001
C) 2003
D) 2005
Answer: B) 2001
Explanation: KGF, one of the world’s deepest gold mines, stopped production due to high cost and low yield.
12. The major manganese deposits are found in:
A) Dakshina Kannada
B) Ballari, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, and Uttara Kannada
C) Kodagu and Hassan
D) Kolar and Chikkaballapur
Answer: B) Ballari, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, and Uttara Kannada
Explanation: Karnataka ranks among India’s top five manganese-producing states.
13. The Shimoga Belt is rich in:
A) Manganese and iron
B) Copper and zinc
C) Bauxite and clay
D) Limestone and mica
Answer: A) Manganese and iron
Explanation: Western Dharwar region is rich in ferrous minerals.
14. The Ilkal region is famous for:
A) Iron ore
B) Red granite
C) Limestone
D) Gold
Answer: B) Red granite
Explanation: Ilkal (Bagalkot) is world-famous for its red-colored building stone and saree namesake.
15. The Raichur–Gadag belt is famous for:
A) Bauxite
B) Gold
C) Uranium
D) Lead
Answer: B) Gold
Explanation: Contains Hutti, Uti, and Hira-Buddinni gold deposits.
16. The largest deposits of limestone in Karnataka occur in:
A) Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) and Bagalkot
B) Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu
C) Shivamogga and Hassan
D) Mandya and Mysuru
Answer: A) Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) and Bagalkot
Explanation: North Karnataka has extensive limestone used in cement industries.
17. The famous Devarayanadurga hill near Tumakuru is known for:
A) Iron ore
B) Limestone
C) Quartzite and granite
D) Gold
Answer: C) Quartzite and granite
Explanation: The region has extensive stone quarries for building materials.
18. Bauxite deposits in Karnataka are mainly found in:
A) Kodagu and Chitradurga
B) Belagavi, Chickmagaluru, and Uttara Kannada
C) Bengaluru and Tumakuru
D) Mysuru and Mandya
Answer: B) Belagavi, Chickmagaluru, and Uttara Kannada
Explanation: Used in aluminum production (NALCO and BALCO industries).
19. Magnesite deposits are found in:
A) Mysuru and Chamarajanagar
B) Ballari and Raichur
C) Bagalkot and Belagavi
D) Shivamogga and Udupi
Answer: A) Mysuru and Chamarajanagar
Explanation: Mysuru region’s magnesite supports refractory industries.
20. Copper deposits in Karnataka are found in:
A) Kodagu
B) Chitradurga and Hassan
C) Belagavi
D) Bengaluru
Answer: B) Chitradurga and Hassan
Explanation: Minor copper ore deposits exist in these central districts.
21. The first iron ore mine in Karnataka was opened at:
A) Kudremukh
B) Sandur
C) Bababudan Hills
D) Hosapete
Answer: C) Bababudan Hills
Explanation: Iron ore mining here began in the late 19th century under British rule.
22. The Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) was established in:
A) 1970
B) 1976
C) 1981
D) 1991
Answer: B) 1976
Explanation: KIOCL was a Government of India enterprise for large-scale iron ore mining in Western Ghats.
23. KIOCL stopped mining operations in Kudremukh due to:
A) Resource depletion
B) Environmental concerns
C) Low-grade ore
D) Worker strikes
Answer: B) Environmental concerns
Explanation: Mining was halted in 2006 after Supreme Court order to protect biodiversity.
24. The Sandur–Hospet region is known for:
A) Gold mines
B) Iron ore and manganese
C) Limestone
D) Clay
Answer: B) Iron ore and manganese
Explanation: Sandur in Ballari district is among the richest iron ore zones in India.
25. The Deccan Plateau of Karnataka has:
A) Metallic minerals
B) Non-metallic minerals
C) Both metallic and non-metallic minerals
D) Only precious stones
Answer: C) Both metallic and non-metallic minerals
Explanation: The plateau’s ancient rocks contain gold, iron, manganese, limestone, and granite.
26. Karnataka is the ___ largest producer of iron ore in India.
A) First
B) Second
C) Third
D) Fourth
Answer: B) Second
Explanation: Karnataka ranks 2nd after Odisha in iron ore production, contributing nearly 20% of India’s output.
27. The largest iron ore producing district in Karnataka is —
A) Chitradurga
B) Tumakuru
C) Ballari
D) Raichur
Answer: C) Ballari
Explanation: Ballari, along with Hosapete and Sandur, forms the iron-rich belt of Karnataka.
28. The Sandur–Hospet region is rich in which type of iron ore?
A) Magnetite
B) Hematite
C) Limonite
D) Siderite
Answer: B) Hematite
Explanation: Hematite (Fe₂O₃) is the most important iron ore type found in Ballari and Chitradurga.
29. The Kudremukh mines are known for which type of iron ore?
A) Magnetite
B) Hematite
C) Limonite
D) Pyrite
Answer: A) Magnetite
Explanation: Kudremukh contains low-grade magnetite ore, processed by KIOCL for export.
30. The Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. (KIOCL) exports pellets mainly through which port?
A) Mangaluru Port
B) Karwar Port
C) Chennai Port
D) Goa Port
Answer: A) Mangaluru Port
Explanation: KIOCL’s beneficiation plant sends ore concentrate to Mangaluru via pipeline for pelletization and export.
31. The Sandur Hills are part of which geological formation?
A) Dharwar System
B) Vindhyan System
C) Gondwana System
D) Deccan Traps
Answer: A) Dharwar System
Explanation: Ancient Dharwar rocks host Karnataka’s major iron and gold deposits.
32. Karnataka ranks ___ in India in manganese production.
A) First
B) Second
C) Third
D) Fourth
Answer: C) Third
Explanation: After Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Karnataka ranks 3rd in manganese production.
33. The major manganese producing areas in Karnataka are —
A) Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu
B) Ballari, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, and Uttara Kannada
C) Mysuru and Mandya
D) Hassan and Kolar
Answer: B) Ballari, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, and Uttara Kannada
Explanation: These districts form the manganese belt of Karnataka.
34. Manganese in Karnataka is used primarily for —
A) Fertilizer
B) Steel and ferroalloy industries
C) Paints and pigments
D) Electrical batteries only
Answer: B) Steel and ferroalloy industries
Explanation: Manganese is a key ingredient in steel-making and metal alloys.
35. The Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Limited (SMIORE) operates mainly in —
A) Chitradurga
B) Ballari
C) Raichur
D) Kodagu
Answer: B) Ballari
Explanation: SMIORE is a leading mining company operating in Sandur taluk.
36. Karnataka accounts for about ___% of India’s total gold production.
A) 20%
B) 50%
C) 80%
D) 90%
Answer: D) 90%
Explanation: Karnataka contributes nearly 90% of India’s gold output, mainly from Hutti mines.
37. The Hutti Gold Mines Company Limited (HGML) is wholly owned by —
A) Government of India
B) Government of Karnataka
C) Private investors
D) NMDC
Answer: B) Government of Karnataka
Explanation: HGML, established in 1947, is the only state-owned gold mining company in India.
38. The Hutti–Maski Belt is located in which district?
A) Raichur
B) Ballari
C) Chitradurga
D) Hassan
Answer: A) Raichur
Explanation: This Precambrian belt contains the only working gold mines in India.
39. The Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) were started by —
A) Tippu Sultan
B) British (John Taylor & Co.)
C) Mysore State Government
D) French Company
Answer: B) British (John Taylor & Co.)
Explanation: The British company began operations in 1880 under Mysore administration control.
40. The deepest mine in India before its closure was —
A) Hutti
B) Kolar Gold Fields
C) Uti Mines
D) Chitradurga Mines
Answer: B) Kolar Gold Fields
Explanation: KGF reached a depth of more than 3,000 meters below surface.
41. The Hira-Buddinni gold mine is situated in —
A) Kolar
B) Dharwad
C) Raichur
D) Tumakuru
Answer: C) Raichur
Explanation: One of the three important gold fields under the Hutti Gold Mining Company.
42. Copper deposits in Karnataka are mainly found in —
A) Belagavi and Bagalkot
B) Chitradurga and Hassan
C) Kodagu and Mysuru
D) Raichur and Tumakuru
Answer: B) Chitradurga and Hassan
Explanation: Minor deposits of chalcopyrite are found in Chitradurga schist belts.
43. Lead and zinc deposits occur in small quantities in —
A) Bidar and Kalaburagi
B) Tumakuru and Chitradurga
C) Mysuru and Hassan
D) Uttara Kannada and Kodagu
Answer: B) Tumakuru and Chitradurga
Explanation: Lead and zinc occur as minor associated minerals in these schist regions.
44. The Chitradurga schist belt is rich in —
A) Gold, copper, iron
B) Coal, limestone
C) Bauxite only
D) Gypsum
Answer: A) Gold, copper, iron
Explanation: Chitradurga forms part of the Dharwar system with multiple metallic ores.
45. The Ingaldhal copper mines are located in —
A) Chitradurga district
B) Raichur district
C) Ballari district
D) Kalaburagi district
Answer: A) Chitradurga district
Explanation: Ingaldhal is Karnataka’s main copper-mining site.
46. The major bauxite-producing districts of Karnataka are —
A) Mysuru and Mandya
B) Belagavi, Chikkamagaluru, and Uttara Kannada
C) Tumakuru and Ballari
D) Kolar and Hassan
Answer: B) Belagavi, Chikkamagaluru, and Uttara Kannada
Explanation: Bauxite deposits are found along the western ghat regions.
47. Bauxite is the ore of —
A) Iron
B) Copper
C) Aluminium
D) Zinc
Answer: C) Aluminium
Explanation: Bauxite (Al₂O₃·2H₂O) is the chief ore used for aluminum extraction.
48. The Dandeli region in Karnataka is known for —
A) Iron ore mining
B) Paper and aluminum industries
C) Cement production
D) Granite quarries
Answer: B) Paper and aluminum industries
Explanation: The area supports industries using local bauxite and forest resources.
49. The Indian Aluminium Company (INDAL) had its plant in —
A) Belagavi
B) Ballari
C) Mysuru
D) Chitradurga
Answer: A) Belagavi
Explanation: INDAL (now part of Hindalco) processed bauxite into alumina at Belagavi.
50. The important iron and manganese exports from Karnataka are shipped mainly through —
A) Karwar and Mangaluru Ports
B) Goa Port only
C) Chennai Port
D) Kochi Port
Answer: A) Karwar and Mangaluru Ports
Explanation: These two coastal ports handle mineral exports from North and Central Karnataka.
51. Karnataka is one of India’s leading producers of —
A) Coal
B) Limestone
C) Tin
D) Uranium
Answer: B) Limestone
Explanation: Karnataka ranks among the top states producing cement-grade limestone, mainly in the north.
52. The largest limestone-producing districts in Karnataka are —
A) Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu
B) Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Bagalkot, and Belagavi
C) Mysuru and Mandya
D) Kolar and Tumakuru
Answer: B) Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Bagalkot, and Belagavi
Explanation: North Karnataka is rich in limestone, supporting several cement factories.
53. The Sedam region in Kalaburagi district is famous for —
A) Gold mining
B) Limestone and cement industries
C) Granite export
D) Bauxite mining
Answer: B) Limestone and cement industries
Explanation: Sedam has abundant cement-grade limestone, leading to major cement plants.
54. The ACC (Associated Cement Company) has a major plant at —
A) Chitradurga
B) Wadi (Kalaburagi)
C) Mysuru
D) Ballari
Answer: B) Wadi (Kalaburagi)
Explanation: The Wadi plant is one of the world’s largest cement manufacturing units.
55. The limestone of Karnataka is mostly —
A) Marine sedimentary
B) Igneous
C) Metamorphic
D) Volcanic
Answer: A) Marine sedimentary
Explanation: Formed from ancient sea beds rich in calcium carbonate.
56. Bagalkot district’s limestone is mainly used for —
A) Fertilizer
B) Cement production
C) Paint
D) Building stone
Answer: B) Cement production
Explanation: Bagalkot has abundant cement-grade limestone deposits.
57. Mica deposits in Karnataka are found mainly in —
A) Kodagu and Mysuru
B) Kolar, Hassan, and Chikkamagaluru
C) Raichur and Belagavi
D) Dharwad and Tumakuru
Answer: B) Kolar, Hassan, and Chikkamagaluru
Explanation: Mica occurs in pegmatite veins associated with granitic rocks in these areas.
58. Mica is used extensively in —
A) Electronics and electrical insulation
B) Steel industry
C) Fertilizer production
D) Textile making
Answer: A) Electronics and electrical insulation
Explanation: Mica’s heat resistance makes it ideal for electrical appliances and electronic components.
59. The largest mica-producing area in India is —
A) Karnataka
B) Jharkhand
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Odisha
Answer: C) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Karnataka has small-scale mica deposits compared to Andhra’s extensive fields.
60. The main clay-producing areas of Karnataka are —
A) Tumakuru, Ballari, and Shivamogga
B) Kodagu and Hassan
C) Kalaburagi and Bidar
D) Bengaluru and Mysuru
Answer: A) Tumakuru, Ballari, and Shivamogga
Explanation: These regions produce pottery clay, brick clay, and kaolin.
61. Kaolin (China clay) is used primarily in —
A) Fertilizer
B) Ceramics, paper, and rubber industries
C) Textile dyeing
D) Construction
Answer: B) Ceramics, paper, and rubber industries
Explanation: Kaolin provides smoothness and whiteness to paper and ceramics.
62. Kaolin deposits in Karnataka occur mainly in —
A) Dakshina Kannada and Udupi
B) Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and Ballari
C) Tumakuru and Bengaluru Rural
D) Belagavi and Bagalkot
Answer: B) Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and Ballari
Explanation: These districts have quality kaolin used in ceramics.
63. Fire clay, used in refractories, is mainly found in —
A) Tumakuru and Ballari
B) Bengaluru and Kolar
C) Mysuru and Mandya
D) Hassan and Kodagu
Answer: A) Tumakuru and Ballari
Explanation: Fire clay resists high temperatures and is used in furnace linings.
64. Quartz and silica are found abundantly in —
A) Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada
B) Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and Tumakuru
C) Mysuru and Chamarajanagar
D) Belagavi and Bagalkot
Answer: B) Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and Tumakuru
Explanation: Quartz occurs in veins and pegmatite rocks in these districts.
65. Quartz is mainly used in —
A) Glass and silicon industries
B) Textile industry
C) Paper manufacturing
D) Steel alloying
Answer: A) Glass and silicon industries
Explanation: Quartz is a source of silica for glass, cement, and electronic chips.
66. Silica sand is found in large quantities in —
A) Bagalkot and Kalaburagi
B) Chitradurga and Shivamogga
C) Udupi and Dakshina Kannada
D) Kodagu and Hassan
Answer: C) Udupi and Dakshina Kannada
Explanation: Coastal sands are rich in silica, used in glass industries.
67. The Ilkal granite (reddish in color) is famous worldwide for —
A) Sculpture and architecture
B) Jewellery
C) Pottery
D) Cement
Answer: A) Sculpture and architecture
Explanation: Ilkal (Bagalkot) granite is a premium export material.
68. The Mysuru region produces which type of granite?
A) Pink granite
B) Black granite
C) Green granite
D) White granite
Answer: A) Pink granite
Explanation: Mysuru and Chamarajanagar are known for decorative pink and black granites.
69. The Magadi and Kanakapura regions are known for —
A) Soapstone
B) Quartz
C) Building stone (granite and gneiss)
D) Clay
Answer: C) Building stone (granite and gneiss)
Explanation: These are traditional quarrying centers near Bengaluru.
70. The Shivakashi-type granite of Karnataka is extracted mainly in —
A) Tumakuru and Chikkaballapur
B) Bagalkot and Ballari
C) Raichur and Kalaburagi
D) Hassan and Mysuru
Answer: B) Bagalkot and Ballari
Explanation: These granites are used extensively in flooring and export markets.
71. Feldspar, used in glass and ceramics, is found in —
A) Hassan, Tumakuru, and Ballari
B) Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu
C) Udupi and Dakshina Kannada
D) Mysuru and Mandya
Answer: A) Hassan, Tumakuru, and Ballari
Explanation: Feldspar occurs in pegmatite veins with quartz and mica.
72. Soapstone (Steatite) is mainly found in —
A) Ballari and Raichur
B) Chamarajanagar and Hassan
C) Tumakuru and Shivamogga
D) Bagalkot and Belagavi
Answer: B) Chamarajanagar and Hassan
Explanation: Soapstone is used in talcum powder and as refractory material.
73. Gypsum deposits in Karnataka are found in —
A) Kalaburagi and Bagalkot
B) Kolar and Bengaluru
C) Kodagu and Hassan
D) Raichur and Chitradurga
Answer: A) Kalaburagi and Bagalkot
Explanation: Gypsum is used in fertilizers and cement manufacturing.
74. Barite (Barytes) deposits occur in —
A) Chitradurga and Tumakuru
B) Ballari and Shivamogga
C) Mysuru and Hassan
D) Raichur and Belagavi
Answer: A) Chitradurga and Tumakuru
Explanation: Barite is used in paints, paper, and drilling fluids for oil wells.
75. Ochre, used as a natural pigment, is found mainly in —
A) Bagalkot and Chitradurga
B) Mysuru and Mandya
C) Belagavi and Ballari
D) Hassan and Shivamogga
Answer: A) Bagalkot and Chitradurga
Explanation: Ochre provides red and yellow pigments used in paints and dyes.
76. The Karnataka State Mineral Policy (KSMP) was first introduced in:
A) 1993
B) 2000
C) 2008
D) 2014
Answer: C) 2008
Explanation: Karnataka formulated its first comprehensive mineral policy in 2008 to promote sustainable mining.
77. The revised Karnataka Mineral Policy was implemented in:
A) 2010
B) 2012
C) 2017
D) 2021
Answer: C) 2017
Explanation: The updated policy of 2017 emphasized transparency, environmental protection, and value addition.
78. The Department of Mines and Geology (DMG) functions under which state ministry?
A) Department of Industries and Commerce
B) Department of Revenue
C) Department of Energy
D) Department of Environment
Answer: A) Department of Industries and Commerce
Explanation: DMG, Karnataka, oversees exploration, regulation, and conservation of minerals.
79. The main objective of the Karnataka Mineral Policy, 2017 is:
A) Increase exports only
B) Promote scientific and sustainable mining
C) Privatize mining fully
D) Reduce taxes on minerals
Answer: B) Promote scientific and sustainable mining
Explanation: Focuses on balanced development, conservation, and environmental safety.
80. The Karnataka State Mineral Policy, 2017 gives special focus to which mineral?
A) Iron
B) Gold
C) Granite
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The policy targets diversification and value-added processing across all major minerals.
81. The major mineral regulation in India comes under:
A) Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
B) Mineral Conservation Act, 1965
C) Mining Safety Act, 1974
D) Mineral Trade Act, 1980
Answer: A) Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
Explanation: This central act governs exploration, licensing, and environmental compliance for mining.
82. The Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules were framed in:
A) 1962
B) 1994
C) 2016
D) 2021
Answer: B) 1994
Explanation: These rules regulate quarrying of minor minerals like granite, sand, and clay.
83. The Sand Mining Policy of Karnataka aims to:
A) Encourage illegal mining
B) Regulate extraction and promote M-sand (manufactured sand)
C) Ban sand mining entirely
D) Export river sand
Answer: B) Regulate extraction and promote M-sand (manufactured sand)
Explanation: The policy encourages eco-friendly M-sand to reduce riverbed mining.
84. The Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISL) is located at:
A) Ballari
B) Bhadravati (Shivamogga)
C) Hosapete
D) Kalaburagi
Answer: B) Bhadravati (Shivamogga)
Explanation: Established in 1923, VISL was India’s first alloy steel plant, now part of SAIL.
85. The Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant was founded under the guidance of:
A) Sir M. Visvesvaraya
B) Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV
C) J.N. Tata
D) Both A and B
Answer: D) Both A and B
Explanation: It was started by Mysore Maharaja with Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s industrial vision.
86. The JSW Steel Plant, one of India’s largest, is located at:
A) Ballari (Toranagallu)
B) Shivamogga
C) Tumakuru
D) Raichur
Answer: A) Ballari (Toranagallu)
Explanation: JSW Steel (Vijayanagar Works) is India’s largest single-location steel plant.
87. The Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) currently operates a pelletization plant in:
A) Kudremukh
B) Mangaluru
C) Hassan
D) Chitradurga
Answer: B) Mangaluru
Explanation: After closure of mining at Kudremukh, the company runs beneficiation and pellet plants in Mangaluru.
88. The Hutti Gold Mines Company Limited (HGML) has its processing unit at:
A) Hutti
B) Uti
C) Hira-Buddinni
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: HGML operates all three gold mines under its jurisdiction in Raichur district.
89. The Wadi, Sedam, and Yadgir industrial zones are mainly associated with:
A) Fertilizer
B) Cement
C) Iron
D) Textiles
Answer: B) Cement
Explanation: These towns in North Karnataka have large cement plants using local limestone.
90. The Birla Shakti Cement Plant is located at:
A) Kalaburagi
B) Mysuru
C) Bagalkot
D) Raichur
Answer: A) Kalaburagi
Explanation: The plant uses limestone from the Sedam–Chittapur belt.
91. The Dalmia Cement and ACC Cement plants are concentrated in:
A) Mysuru and Mandya
B) Kalaburagi, Bagalkot, and Belagavi
C) Ballari and Raichur
D) Hassan and Tumakuru
Answer: B) Kalaburagi, Bagalkot, and Belagavi
Explanation: These districts have extensive cement-grade limestone deposits.
92. The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) operates iron ore mines in Karnataka at:
A) Donimalai (Ballari)
B) Kudremukh
C) Chitradurga
D) Sandur
Answer: A) Donimalai (Ballari)
Explanation: NMDC’s Donimalai mine is a major public sector iron ore mine.
93. The Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) township is famous for:
A) Textile industry
B) Hydro power
C) Early electrification in India
D) Diamond mining
Answer: C) Early electrification in India
Explanation: KGF was one of India’s first electrified regions (1902) due to mining operations.
94. The Supreme Court banned mining in parts of Ballari, Chitradurga, and Tumakuru in:
A) 2006
B) 2010
C) 2012
D) 2015
Answer: B) 2010
Explanation: Mining was halted to curb large-scale illegal extraction and deforestation.
95. The main environmental problem due to mining in Karnataka is:
A) Floods
B) Soil erosion and loss of biodiversity
C) Glacier melting
D) Ozone depletion
Answer: B) Soil erosion and loss of biodiversity
Explanation: Unscientific mining in Ballari and Western Ghats led to severe land degradation.
96. The Reclamation and Rehabilitation (R&R) Plan for Karnataka mines focuses on:
A) Expansion of new mines
B) Reforestation and scientific reclamation
C) Export promotion
D) Coal extraction
Answer: B) Reforestation and scientific reclamation
Explanation: Aims to restore mined lands through afforestation and soil conservation.
97. The “Iron Triangle” of Karnataka refers to the districts of —
A) Ballari, Chitradurga, Tumakuru
B) Kalaburagi, Bagalkot, Belagavi
C) Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar
D) Raichur, Koppal, Gadag
Answer: A) Ballari, Chitradurga, Tumakuru
Explanation: These three districts form Karnataka’s main iron ore belt.
98. The Raichur Gold Belt includes:
A) Hutti, Uti, Hira-Buddinni
B) Kudremukh and Bababudan
C) Ilkal and Bagalkot
D) Chitradurga and Tumakuru
Answer: A) Hutti, Uti, Hira-Buddinni
Explanation: The only operational gold-mining area in India today.
99. The most abundant mineral in Karnataka’s crust is:
A) Gold
B) Quartz (Silica)
C) Iron
D) Limestone
Answer: B) Quartz (Silica)
Explanation: Quartz is widely distributed across the Dharwar Craton and Western Ghats.
100. The importance of minerals in Karnataka’s economy lies in:
A) Contributing to industrial growth and exports
B) Supporting agriculture only
C) Reducing urbanization
D) Tourism promotion
Answer: A) Contributing to industrial growth and exports
Explanation: Mining and mineral-based industries form a key part of Karnataka’s industrial and export economy.