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 ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• Under the MMDR Act, 1957 minerals are 'major' unless notified as 'minor' by the Central Government (Section 3(e)); minor minerals are regulated by States.

• Chromite (2), kyanite (3) and sillimanite (4) are major minerals — chromite for ferrochrome/stainless steel, kyanite and sillimanite as refractories.

• Bentonite (1) was declared a minor mineral in 2015 along with 30 others (e.g. gypsum, quartz, felspar, limestone for lime), so it is not a major mineral.

• Hence 2, 3 and 4 only, option (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 2 only: Bentonite is a minor mineral since 2015.
(b) 4 only: Chromite and kyanite are also major minerals.
(c) 1 and 3 only: Bentonite is minor; chromite and sillimanite are major.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.