Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Uranium deposits
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Jaduguda is one of the most important names in India's strategic mineral map. Located in the state of Jharkhand, it is closely linked with the country's nuclear energy programme. Questions about famous mines and the minerals they produce are common in competitive exams, because they combine geography, economy, and national security related facts. Remembering Jaduguda and its key mineral helps you tackle several static GK questions on Indian mining.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The key to such questions is to create and recall a mental list of “mine name – mineral” pairs. For example, Kolar is associated with gold, Bailadila with iron ore, Jaduguda with uranium, and so on. Jaduguda is operated by the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) and is one of the earliest and most significant uranium mining sites in India. By associating Jaduguda directly with uranium, we can easily select the correct option and rule out the others.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Jaduguda is located in the Singhbhum district region of Jharkhand, an area rich in various minerals.
Step 2: Remember that the Uranium Corporation of India Limited runs the Jaduguda mine and processes uranium ore for India's nuclear power programme.
Step 3: Uranium from Jaduguda is used as fuel in nuclear reactors to generate electricity and also has strategic importance.
Step 4: Compare with the options: mica deposits are associated with districts like Koderma; gold deposits with Kolar and Hutti; iron ore deposits with regions like Bailadila, Dalli Rajhara, and others.
Step 5: Since Jaduguda is specifically and prominently known for uranium, the correct answer is uranium deposits.
Verification / Alternative check:
Government publications, NCERT geography textbooks, and competitive exam guides clearly list Jaduguda as India's premier uranium mining centre. News articles related to nuclear energy, safety, or environmental issues also mention Jaduguda in connection with uranium extraction and processing. Cross checking multiple sources therefore reinforces the fact that Jaduguda is synonymous with uranium mining in India, leaving no doubt about the answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mica deposits: Although Jharkhand has mica producing areas, the most famous mica belts are associated with regions like Koderma and Giridih, not specifically Jaduguda.
Gold deposits: Major gold mines in India include Kolar Gold Fields and Hutti, while Jaduguda is not a major gold mining centre.
Iron ore deposits: Important iron ore mines are found in places like Bailadila (Chhattisgarh), Durg, and Odisha, rather than at Jaduguda.
Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to confuse different mining regions in eastern India because many of them are located close together and share similar sounding names. Students may also guess based on which mineral seems more common, such as iron ore, instead of recalling the exact association. To avoid this, it is helpful to memorise a focused list of “famous mine and mineral” pairs: Jaduguda–uranium, Kolar–gold, Raniganj–coal, Bailadila–iron ore, and so on. Repeated revision of this list will make such map based MCQs straightforward.
Final Answer:
Jaduguda mines in Jharkhand are especially famous for their uranium deposits that support India's nuclear energy programme.
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