CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 3: Mineral and Power Resources NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 3 introduces students to Mineral and Power Resources. This chapter explores the significance and diverse applications of various minerals, including manganese, mica, aluminum, silicon, and gold, emphasizing their roles in daily life and industrial processes. It clarifies the definition of an ore and discusses the typical locations of metallic mineral ores, differentiating them from non-metallic mineral deposits. Additionally, the chapter examines various energy sources, considering their suitability for different geographical settings like rural, coastal, and arid areas, and specifically mentions natural gas resources found in India. The NCERT Solutions offer comprehensive explanations and precise answers, serving as a crucial resource for students to grasp the chapter's key concepts and prepare thoroughly for their exams.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 8
Subject	Geography
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 3

Chapter summary

Chapter 3 of the CBSE Class 8 Geography syllabus focuses on Mineral and Power Resources. The NCERT Solutions provided here clarify the uses of common minerals, define ores and their locations, and identify regions rich in natural gas. It also offers suggestions for appropriate energy sources for different geographical settings like rural, coastal, and arid areas. This chapter is crucial for understanding the Earth's natural resources and their significance in human development and energy production.

Learning outcomes

Identify and list the uses of at least five different minerals.
Define the term 'ore' and explain where metallic mineral ores are typically found.
Name regions in India that are rich in natural gas resources.
Suggest suitable energy sources for rural, coastal, and arid regions.
Understand the importance of minerals and power resources in daily life and industry.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Minerals
Uses of Minerals
Manganese
Mica
Aluminum
Silicon
Gold
Ores
Metallic Minerals
Non-metallic Minerals
Power Resources
Natural Gas

Important topics

Uses of common minerals
Definition and location of ores
Energy resources for different regions
Natural gas resources in India

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Questions and Solutions

Let's do Pg-29 - Question 1

List the uses of any five minerals.

Solution: Minerals are fundamental to human civilization and are utilized in countless ways in our daily lives and industries. Here are the uses of five important minerals:

Manganese: This mineral is crucial for the manufacture of strong ferrous alloys, which are essential components in machinery and equipment.
Mica: Mica serves as a primary component in the electrical industry due to its insulating properties.
Aluminum: Widely used in the manufacturing of automobiles and airplanes, it is also found in the bottling industry and is a common material for kitchen cookware.
Silicon: This mineral is a vital element in the production of computer hardware and other electronic components.
Gold: Primarily used for its aesthetic value, gold is extensively employed in making jewellery and ornaments.

Exercise - Question 1 A

Name any three common minerals used by you every day.

Solution: Three common minerals that are frequently used in our daily lives are:

Iron
Copper
Gold

These minerals are integral to many products and technologies we use regularly. For instance, iron is used in construction and vehicles, copper in electrical wiring, and gold in electronics and jewellery.

Exercise - Question 1 B

What is an ore? Where are the ores of metallic minerals generally located?

Solution: An ore is defined as a naturally occurring solid material, typically a rock, from which a valuable mineral or metal can be extracted profitably. The ores of metallic minerals are generally found concentrated in igneous and metamorphic rocks. These types of rocks often form under conditions that facilitate the concentration of metallic elements. In contrast, non-metallic minerals, such as limestone, are often found in sedimentary rock formations, which are common in plains and young fold mountains.

Exercise - Question 1 C

Name two regions rich in natural gas resources.

Solution: Natural gas is a crucial energy resource found within underground rock formations, often referred to as hydrocarbon reservoirs. Two regions in India that are particularly rich in natural gas resources are:

Jaisalmer
Krishna-Godavari basin

These areas are significant for their substantial reserves of natural gas.

Exercise - Question 1 D

Which sources of energy would you suggest for:

Rural areas.
Coastal areas.
Arid regions.

Solution: The choice of energy sources depends heavily on the geographical and environmental characteristics of a region. Here are suggested energy sources for the specified areas:

Rural areas: For rural areas, sources like solar energy (for lighting and cooking), biogas (from agricultural waste), and possibly small-scale wind energy can be sustainable and beneficial. These options are often accessible and can be managed locally.
Coastal areas: Coastal regions have significant potential for harnessing tidal energy and wind energy due to consistent winds and tidal movements. Solar energy is also a viable option.
Arid regions: Arid regions are characterized by abundant sunshine, making solar energy an excellent choice for electricity generation and water heating. Wind energy can also be a supplementary source if wind patterns are favorable.

Common mistakes

Confusing ores with raw minerals.
Not differentiating between locations of metallic and non-metallic mineral ores.
Suggesting inappropriate energy sources for specific geographical conditions.

Revision tips

Create flashcards for minerals and their primary uses.
Draw a mind map connecting different types of energy resources to their suitable geographical locations.
Practice identifying the difference between ores and non-metallic mineral deposits.
Review the specific examples of natural gas-rich regions in India.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which mineral is a key component in the electrical industry?

Q2. What is the term for rocks from which minerals are mined?

Q3. Where are the ores of metallic minerals generally located?

Q4. Which of these is NOT a common mineral used daily by individuals, according to the exercise?

Q5. Jaisalmer and Krishna-Godavari basin are rich in which resource?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main topics covered in CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 3?

Chapter 3 covers Mineral and Power Resources, including the uses of various minerals, the definition of ores and their locations, and suitable energy sources for different geographical areas like rural, coastal, and arid regions.

What is an ore, and where are metallic mineral ores found?

An ore is a rock from which minerals are mined and a valuable mineral can be extracted profitably. Ores of metallic minerals are generally found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Can you list some common minerals and their uses?

Yes, common minerals include manganese (for alloys), mica (electrical industry), aluminum (automobiles, cookware), silicon (computer hardware), and gold (jewellery).

Which regions in India are known for natural gas resources?

According to the NCERT Solutions, Jaisalmer and the Krishna-Godavari basin are regions in India rich in natural gas resources.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students prepare for exams?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations and rewritten answers to all questions, helping students understand concepts thoroughly and revise effectively for their geography exams.

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