Mineral Resources — Part 2: Copper and bauxite: visual lesson, ICSE Class 10 Geography (H.C.G. Paper 2)

Lesson

Wires and wings

Part 2 — the wiring in your home is probably copper; the overhead power line outside and the body of an aeroplane are largely aluminium, made from bauxite. Both are non-ferrous metals.

In this lesson you will

State the uses of copper and name two leading states with their mining areas
State the uses of bauxite and name two leading states with their mining areas
Follow the journey from ore to metal and work with ore grades

Table of copper and bauxite with their metals, properties and uses
Mineral	Metal	Key property	Typical use
Copper ore	Copper	Excellent conductor, ductile	Electrical wiring
Bauxite	Aluminium	Light, strong, rust-resistant	Aircraft, power lines, utensils

Concept

Copper: uses

Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat, is ductile (can be drawn into thin wires) and malleable, and resists corrosion. Uses: electrical cables and wires, motors, transformers and generators, electronics and telephone cables, utensils and heat exchangers, coins, and alloys: brass (copper + zinc) for fittings and decorative ware; bronze (copper + tin) for statues, bells and bearings.

Concept

Copper: distribution

India has limited reserves of copper, mostly of low grade, and imports much of what it uses. Leading states (as of the early 2020s): Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, with Jharkhand. Madhya Pradesh: Malanjkhand in Balaghat district, a large open-cast mine. Rajasthan: Khetri–Singhana in Jhunjhunu district (Khetri copper complex), also Alwar. Jharkhand: the Singhbhum copper belt (Ghatsila, Mosabani, Rakha).

Table of copper-producing states and their mining areas
State	Copper areas
Madhya Pradesh	Malanjkhand (Balaghat)
Rajasthan	Khetri–Singhana (Jhunjhunu); Alwar
Jharkhand	Singhbhum: Ghatsila, Mosabani, Rakha

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