1. In India, State Governments do not have the power to auction non-coal mines.
2. Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand do not have gold mines.
3. Rajasthan has iron ore mines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: According to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 (MMDR Amendment Act), state governments have the power to auction non-coal mines. The central government sets the guidelines for the auction process, but the actual auction of non-coal mines is conducted by the state governments.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand do have gold mines. Andhra Pradesh: Gold is found in Ramagiri in the Anantapur district. Jharkhand: Both alluvial and native gold are present, with alluvial gold found in the sands of the Subarnarekha River and Sona Nadi, and native gold found near Lowa in the Singhbhum district. Largest gold ore deposits in India are found in Bihar (based on recent discovery but not certified yet by GSI), Rajasthan, and Karnataka with Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand having smaller reserves.
Statement 3 is correct: Rajasthan has significant iron ore deposits. Iron ore deposits, primarily hematite and magnetite, are found in Rajasthan, specifically in districts like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Bhilwara, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, and Banswara. These deposits contribute to the production of iron in India.
For S1, Mining is a State subject, so logically, States should have control over mineral auctions except where central laws specify otherwise. And Non-coal minerals is a big basket including minor minerals, it would be absurd to keep state governments out it, hence likely false.