Mineral Resources (Bihar)

Total Questions: 15

1. The estimated coal reserves in Bihar is: [48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008]

(a) 1260 crore tonnes
(b) 303 crore tonnes
(c) 25310 crore tonnes
(d) 16 crore tonnes

Correct Answer: (d) 16 crore tonnes

Solution:Due to the formation of a separate state of Jharkhand, there has been reduction in natural resources in Bihar. Certified reserve of coal in Bihar is nill however, the state has an estimated coal reserve of 16 crore tonnes (160 million tonnes). As per Indian Minerals Year Book 2021, the estimated coal reserves in Bihar is 3464 million tonnes (1 April, 2021).

2. Coal Reserves in Bihar on January 1, 2003 is (in million tonnes): [47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005]

(a) 260
(b) 360
(c) 160
(d) 210

Correct Answer: (c) 160

3. With reference to the mineral production in Bihar, consider the following statements: [68th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2022]

Rohtas has the highest deposit of pyrites.
Limestone is found in Kaimur (Bhabhua), Munger (Monghyr) and Rohtas districts.
Gold deposits are found in Jamui district.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) More than one of the above
(e) None of the above

Correct Answer: (d) More than one of the above

Solution:Bihar is the principal holder of country's pyrite resources and possesses 95% of resources. The important mineral occurrences in Bihar are limestone in Kaimur (Bhabhua), Munger (Monghyr) and Rohtas districts, Mica in Nawada district, quartz/silica sand in Bhagalpur, Jamui, Munger and Nalanda districts. Gold deposit are found in Jamui district. Rohtas has the highest deposit of pyrites.

4. Palamau (Ranchi) is famous for which mineral? [44th B.P.S.C. (Pre), 2000]

(a) Iron ore
(b) Copper ore
(c) Manganese ore
(d) Bauxite ore

Correct Answer: (a) Iron ore

Solution:According to Indian Minerals Year Book 2021, Palamu district of Jharkhand has the reserves of the following minerals (i) Barite (ii) Bauxite (iii) Dolomite (iv) Feldspar (v) Graphite (vi) Magnetite iron ore (vii) Quartz (viii) Sterite (ix) Phosphate (x) Andalusite. Thus, among the options, option (a) and (b) can be correct. However, Palamu is particularly famous for magnetite iron ore.

5. What percentage of the total mineral production in the country is found in Bihar? [41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996]

(a) approx 36%
(b) approx 60%
(c) approx 16%
(d) none of the above

Correct Answer: (d) none of the above

Solution:According to 'Indian Minerals year Book 2014', the contribution of Jharkhand in the total mineral production is 9% and Bihar contributes less than 1 percent.

6. In the production of crude copper in the country, Bihar ranks: [40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995]

(a) third
(b) fourth
(c) second
(d) first

Correct Answer: (a) third

Solution:Jharkhand (then a part of Bihar) is the third largest producer of copper. Presently, (after the creation of the state of Jharkhand) there is no production of copper in Bihar.

7. Which of the following is/are largely mined in Bihar? [44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000]

I. Coal
II. Iron
III. Manganese
IV. Petroleum

Choose the correct answer from the following:

(a) I only
(b) I and II only
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II and IV only

Correct Answer: (c) I and III only

Solution:Coal, Manganese and Iron ore is found in Jharkhand. Petroleum is not found in this state. Therefore, in context to the undivided Bihar (when this question was asked) option (c) is the correct answer. Presently, the minerals found in Bihar are limestone, mica, pyrite, quartzite and steatite.

8. Among the following pairs of mineral and district, which one is correctly matched? [66th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020]

(a) Limestone–Kaimur
(b) Mica–Bhagalpur
(c) Quartzite–Madhubani
(d) Lead-zinc–Gaya
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Correct Answer: (a) Limestone–Kaimur

Solution:Bihar is the principal holder of country's pyrite resources and possesses approx 94% of resources. The important mineral occurrences in Bihar are coal in Rajmahal coalfield, Limestone in Kaimur, Mica in Nawada district, quartzite/ silica sand in Bhagalpur, Jamui, Munger and Nalanda districts. Lead-Zinc in Banka and Rohtas districts. Thus option (a) correctly matched.

9. Iron ore is found in Bihar in the district: [41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996]

(a) Lohardagga
(b) Dumka
(c) Dhanbad
(d) Singhbhum

Correct Answer: (d) Singhbhum

Solution:Iron ore is found in Singhbhum district of Bihar (Now Jharkhand). In context to the undivided Bihar (when this question was asked) the correct option is (d). Iron ore is not produced in present-day Bihar.

10. Which district of Bihar has the largest gold reserve? [67th B.P.S.C. (Pre)(Re. Exam) 2022]

(a) Munger
(b) Jamui
(c) Banka
(d) Katihar
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Correct Answer: (b) Jamui

Solution:Jamui district of Bihar has maximum gold reserves.

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