ECONOMICS (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Minerals are essential raw materials in our daily lives, and are vital for economic, social and technological development. For example, in the following: Agriculture: Phosphate rock, potash and lime are used in agricultural fertilisers and other mineral products are used to improve soil.

Detailed explanation-2: -Copper is the most vital mineral to modern life, used in everything from electrical wiring in households and cars to the saucepans in our kitchens.

Detailed explanation-3: -Energy minerals include coal, oil, natural gas and uranium. Metals such as iron (as steel) is used in cars or for frames of buildings, copper is used in electrical wiring, lithium in rechargeable batteries, and aluminium in aircraft and to make drink cans. Precious metals are used in jewellery and mobile phones.

Detailed explanation-4: -Some minerals like coal, natural gas, and petroleum are used as fuels. They are also used in industries. Iron, aluminium, gold, uranium, etc. are used in medicine, in fertilizers etc.