Consider the following statements with regard to the mining industry o...
Uneven Spatial Distribution of Minerals
- India's mineral resources are not evenly distributed across the country. Certain regions have a higher concentration of specific minerals while others may have very limited resources.
- For example, states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka are rich in iron ore deposits, while Rajasthan is known for its reserves of limestone and marble.
Export-Oriented Mining Industry
- Historically, the mining industry in India has been export-oriented, with a focus on extracting minerals for export rather than for domestic consumption.
- During the colonial period, the British exploited India's mineral resources primarily for export to meet the industrial needs of the empire.
- Even after independence, the trend of exporting minerals continued, with a significant portion of India's mineral production being exported to other countries.
Therefore, both statements are correct as the spatial distribution of minerals in India is uneven, and the mining industry has been export-oriented since colonial times.