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?
Explanation
Major minerals are those specified in the first schedule appended in the MMDR Act. There is no official definition for major minerals in the MMDR Act.
1. Bentonite is a minor mineral. It is used in drilling mud, foundry sand, and civil engineering applications.
2. Chromite is a major mineral. It is the only ore of chromium, essential for stainless steel and alloy manufacturing.
3. Kyanite is a major mineral. It is a refractory mineral used in ceramics and high-temperature industries.
4. Sillimanite is a major mineral. It is also a refractory mineral with applications in metallurgy and industrial furnaces.
Therefore, Chromite, Kyanite and Sillimanite are major minerals, whereas Bentonite is a minor mineral.
Therefore, the correct answer is D.