These are natural chemical compounds, uniforms in composition and structure, and constituents of rocks and ores. They are formed through various geological processes, taking place in the earth. All minerals are non-living. Coal, petroleum and natural gas, though mined from underground, are not classified as minerals because, they are the remains of plants and animals. Minerals are one of the most important resources of a country. The economic value of a country’s mineral wealth is as important as the need for its conservation. We produce thermal and nuclear power from minerals. Power in turn helps to make use of variety of metallic minerals found in our country. India is bestowed with a fairly rich mineral resource base and has the potential to become an industrial power on its own. We are particularly rich in iron and bauxite. We are poor in non-ferrous minerals like zinc, lead, copper and gold.