Microtheme: "Critical Minerals,Rare Earth,Other Minerals" —
11 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

1. [2026] Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct?
   1. Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space
   exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
   2. China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India.
   3. The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
   4. Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements.
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   • (a) 1 and 3 only
   • (b) 3 only
   • (c) 1, 3 and 4
   • (d) 1, 2 and 4
   Correct Answer: (A) 1 and 3 only
2. [2025] Consider the following statements:
   Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction of minor minerals even though such minerals are located in their territories.
   Statement II: In India, the Central Government has the power to notify minor minerals under the relevant law.
   Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
   • (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
   • (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
   • (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
   • (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
   Correct Answer: (D) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
3. [2025] Consider the following statements:
   Statement I: Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors.
   Statement II: Some rare earth elements have phosphorescent properties.
   Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
   • (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
   • (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
   • (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
   • (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
   Correct Answer: (A) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
4. [2022] With reference to India, consider the following statements :
   1. Monazite is a source of rare earths.
   2. Monazite contains thorium.
   3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India.
   4. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite.
   Which of the statements given above are correct ?
   • (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
   • (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
   • (c) 3 and 4 only
   • (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
   Correct Answer: (B) 1, 2 and 4 only
5. [2020] Consider the following minerals:
   1. Bentonite
   2. Chromite
   3. Kyanite
   4. Sillimanite
   In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?
   • (a) 1 and 2 only
   • (b) 4 only
   • (c) 1 and 3 only
   • (d) 2, 3 and 4 only
   Correct Answer: (D) 2, 3 and 4 only
6. [2019] With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:
   1. Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
   2. State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
   3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
   Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
   • (a) 1 and 3 only
   • (b) 2 and 3 only
   • (c) (C) 3 only
   • (d) 1, 2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (A) 1 and 3 only
7. [2016] What is/are the purpose/purposes of ‘District Mineral Foundations’ in India?
   1. Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts
   2. Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations
   3. Authorizing State Governments to issue licenses for mineral exploration
   Select the correct answer using the code given below.
   • (a) 1 and 2 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) 1 and 3 only
   • (d) 1, 2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (B) 2 only
8. [2010] With reference to the mineral resources of India, consider the following pairs:
   Mineral 90% Natural sources in
   1. Copper Jharkhand
   2. Nickel Orissa
   3. Tungsten Kerala
   Which of the pairs give above is/are correctly matched?
   • (a) 1 and 2 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) 1 and 3 only
   • (d) 1,2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (B) 2 only
9. [2008] Which of the following minerals are found in a natural way in the State of Chhattisgarh?
   1. Bauxite
   2. Dolomite
   3. Iron ore
   4. Tin
   • (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
   • (b) 3 only
   • (c) 2 only
   • (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
   Correct Answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3 only
10. [2004] Match List I (Minerals) with List II (Location) and select the correct answer.
    List I
    (A) Coal
    (B) Copper
    (C) Manganese
    (D) Lignite
    List II
    1. Giridih
    2. Jayamkondam
    3. Alwar
    4. Dharwar
    • (a) 1 4 3 2
    • (b) 2 3 4 1
    • (c) 1 3 4 2
    • (d) 2 4 3 1
    Correct Answer: (C) 1 3 4 2
11. [2002] With reference to the public Sector Undertaking in India, consider the following statements :
    1. Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation of India Limited is the largest non-oil importer of the country.
    2. Project and Equipment Corporation of India Limited is under the Ministry of Industry.
    3. One of the objectives of Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Limited is to enforce quality control and compulsory pre-shipment inspection of various exportable commodities
    Which of these statements is/are correct?
    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 1 and 2
    • (c) 2 and 3
    • (d) 3 only
    Correct Answer: