
Consider the following statements
- In India, State Governments do not have the power to auction non-coal mines.
- Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand do not have gold mines.
- Rajasthan has iron ore mines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 only
- 1 and 3
- 3 only
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
- As per the new mining law — Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 — non-coal mines have to be auctioned by the respective state governments.
Statement 2 is incorrect
- In India, the largest resources of gold ore (primary) are located in Bihar (44%), followed by Rajasthan (25%), Karnataka (21%), West Bengal (3%), Andhra Pradesh (3%), and Jharkhand (2 %). The remaining 2% resources of ore are located in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Statement 3 is correct
- In Rajasthan, iron-ore deposits are found in the districts of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Bhilwara, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, and Banswara. Compared to all districts, Bhilwara is a leading producer of iron ore.

