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UPSC Prelims 1993 · Indian Geography · Minerals and Energy
At the present state of our knowledge and resources position, India will remain selfsufficient for the next three decades in
- (a) Tin
- (b) Coking Coal
- (c) Copper
- (d) Petroleum
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (c) Copper
The key says copper — based on the then-known reserves.
The idea
Self-sufficiency means domestic supply can meet domestic demand over the stated period. It depends on usable deposits, production capacity and demand growth, not merely on finding an ore. The forecast asked in 1993 should not be presented as a current guarantee.
Identify domestic ore → Assess workable reserves → Estimate mine and processing output → Compare with projected demand → Allow for imports and recycling → Review the forecast as conditions change
Why the others are wrong
(a) India has little tin.
(b) India imports coking coal.
(d) India imports most of its oil.
The trap
Today India imports copper concentrate — this answer is dated.
Also know
Ore mining, smelting and refining are separate stages. A country can produce refined copper while importing the concentrate fed to its smelters. Recycling supplies secondary copper, while new electrical networks and machinery add demand; both affect the resource outlook.
🔒 India imports: crude oil (~85%), coking coal, copper concentrate, rock phosphate.
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