Geology 2022 Paper II 50 marks 150 words Compulsory Discuss

Q5

Answer the following in about 150 words each: (a) What are the major changes in the process of formation of uranium deposits through geological time ? (10 marks) (b) Describe the geological setting of copper deposits in Singhbhum shear zone and Khetri copper belt. (10 marks) (c) A beneficiation plant processes 12000 ton of copper ore containing 0·8 wt.% Cu in a day and produces ore concentrate containing 25 wt.% Cu. Assuming 80% ore recovery in the beneficiation process, how many ton of ore concentrate will be produced by the plant in a day ? (10 marks) (d) Define equilibrium in a system. What are entropy, enthalpy and Gibb's free energy of a system ? (10 marks) (e) Discuss about environmental hazards caused due to mining. (10 marks)

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए : (a) भूवैज्ञानिक समय अवधि में यूरेनियम निक्षेपों के निर्माण में कौन कौन से प्रमुख परिवर्तन हुए हैं । (10 अंक) (b) सिंहभूम अपरूपण क्षेत्र तथा खेत्री ताम्र पट्टिका में ताम्र निक्षेपों के भूवैज्ञानिक विन्यास का वर्णन कीजिये । (10 अंक) (c) एक सज्जीकरण संयंत्र 12000 टन तांबे के अयस्क जिसमें 0·8 भार% तांबा है, को एक दिन में संशोधित करता है और 25 भार% तांबे का अयस्क सांद्र बनाता है । यह मानते हुए कि सज्जीकरण विधि में 80% अयस्क की प्राप्ति होती है, संयंत्र में एक दिन में कितने टन अयस्क सांद्र का उत्पादन होगा ? (10 अंक) (d) एक निकाय में संतुलन को परिभाषित कीजिए । एक निकाय की एन्ट्रापी, एन्थैल्पी और गिब्स मुक्त ऊर्जा क्या है ? (10 अंक) (e) खनन से होने वाले पर्यावरणीय जोखिम की विवेचना कीजिए । (10 अंक)

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Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

This multi-part question requires approximately 150 words per sub-part (750 words total). For (a), trace the evolution from Archean placer deposits to Proterozoic unconformity-related and Phanerozoic sandstone-hosted deposits. For (b), compare the Singhbhum shear zone (Dharwar craton, IOCG-type) with Khetri belt (Aravalli fold belt, sediment-hosted). For (c), apply the mass balance formula: concentrate = (feed × grade × recovery) / concentrate grade. For (d), define thermodynamic equilibrium and explain state functions with their geological significance. For (e), discuss air, water, land and socio-economic hazards with Indian examples. Allocate roughly equal time (~3 minutes) per sub-part.

Key points expected

  • (a) Evolution of uranium deposit types: Archean quartz-pebble conglomerates (Canada, Witwatersrand) → Proterozoic unconformity-related (Athabasca, Cuddapah basin potential) → Phanerozoic sandstone-hosted roll-front deposits; changing atmospheric oxygen levels and uranium solubility
  • (b) Singhbhum: Archaean greenstone belt, IOCG association with apatite-magnetite, shear zone control, Singhbhum granite as heat source; Khetri: Proterozoic metasediments of Delhi Supergroup, copper-molybdenum mineralization in amphibolite facies, NE-SW trending belt
  • (c) Calculation: Cu in feed = 12000 × 0.008 = 96 tons; Cu recovered = 96 × 0.80 = 76.8 tons; Concentrate = 76.8 / 0.25 = 307.2 tons (~307 tons)
  • (d) Equilibrium: state of minimum Gibbs free energy at constant T,P; Entropy (S): measure of disorder, drives spontaneous processes; Enthalpy (H): heat content at constant pressure; Gibbs free energy (G): G = H - TS, determines reaction spontaneity and equilibrium in metamorphic systems
  • (e) Hazards: AMD from pyrite oxidation (Zawar, Khetri), heavy metal contamination (As, Cd, Pb), subsidence (Jharia coalfield), dust pollution (silicosis in Rajasthan mines), tailings dam failures (Okhla, Makum), deforestation and biodiversity loss

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness25%12.5Demonstrates precise understanding across all sub-parts: correctly identifies uranium deposit evolution with redox controls, distinguishes IOCG vs. sediment-hosted copper systems, applies correct beneficiation formula, defines thermodynamic state functions with proper equations, and classifies mining hazards by mediumShows basic familiarity with concepts but makes minor errors: oversimplifies uranium evolution, conflates copper belt characteristics, arithmetic errors in calculation, incomplete thermodynamic definitions, or generic hazard listing without classificationFundamental misconceptions: confuses uranium with thorium deposits, misidentifies geological settings, incorrect formula application or unit errors, conflates entropy/enthalpy, or irrelevant hazard discussion
Diagram / cross-section15%7.5Includes at least two relevant diagrams: schematic cross-section of unconformity-related uranium deposit showing basement-cover interface, or comparative cross-sections of Singhbhum IOCG vs. Khetri stratiform copper; thermodynamic cycle diagram for (d); clear hazard flow chart for (e)Includes one diagram or sketch with minor inaccuracies, or describes diagrams textually without actual drawing; may lack scale or key featuresNo diagrams despite geological setting questions, or completely incorrect sketches that misrepresent structural controls or ore body geometry
Field evidence15%7.5Cites specific Indian occurrences: Cuddapah basin uranium potential (Tummalapalle), Jaduguda mines; Singhbhm's Rakha, Mosabani mines; Khetri's Kolihan, Chandmari; Zawar, Jharia for hazards; mentions GSI or AMD exploration dataMentions Indian locations generically without specific mine names or uses only international examples (Athabasca, Olympic Dam) for Indian contextsNo Indian examples, or factually wrong locations (e.g., placing Khetri in Dharwar craton, uranium in Gondwana sediments without justification)
Quantitative reasoning20%10Part (c) solved correctly with all steps shown: 307.2 tons (or ~307 tons); recognizes that recovery applies to metal content not mass; may extend to grade-recovery trade-off discussion or mass balance verificationCorrect final answer but missing steps, or minor arithmetic error with correct method; understands concept but applies recovery incorrectly to mass rather than metalCompletely wrong approach: ignores recovery factor, divides instead of multiplies, or gives answer without any working; no attempt at quantitative treatment
Indian / economic relevance25%12.5Integrates economic significance throughout: India's uranium deficit and import dependence; copper self-sufficiency vs. import reliance; employment in mining sector; environmental legislation (Mines Act 1952, EIA 2006); sustainable mining practices; critical mineral statusMentions economic importance superficially or for only 2-3 sub-parts; generic statements about mineral importance without India-specific contextPurely academic treatment with no economic or policy context; ignores India's energy security needs, mining's GDP contribution, or contemporary environmental conflicts

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