Question

Consider the statements regarding Nuclear Minerals in India:

1. Thorium and Zirconium are atomic minerals found on the coast of Kerala.
2. Kazakhstan is the world's leading producer of Uranium.
3. The Tummalapalle Uranium mine is located in Jharkhand.

• A. i only
• B. All
• C. ii, iii
• D. i, ii

Answer 1

Answer:

D. i, ii

Nuclear Minerals in India and Global Context

• Thorium and Zirconium: These are indeed atomic minerals found along the coastal sandy tracts of Kerala. The heavy mineral sands of the Chavara coast in Kollam district are particularly rich in monazite, from which thorium can be extracted. Zircon is also found in these deposits and is used in various industrial applications, including ceramics and refractories. Thorium is considered a future nuclear fuel.
• Uranium Production: While India has significant reserves of uranium, particularly in Jharkhand (e.g., Jaduguda mines) and Andhra Pradesh, Kazakhstan is currently the world's leading producer of uranium. This Central Asian nation dominates the global supply, impacting international uranium markets and nuclear power programs.
• Tummalapalle Uranium Mine: This significant uranium deposit is located in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, not Jharkhand. It is one of the largest uranium reserves in India and is crucial for the country's ambitious nuclear power expansion plans. The discovery and exploitation of this mine have been a key development in India's nuclear mineral sector.