Read the given passage carefully and answer the following question:
Depending on the mode of occurrence and the nature of the ore, mining is of two types: surface and underground mining. The surface mining also known as open-cast mining is the easiest and the cheapest way of mining minerals that occur close to the surface. Overhead costs such as safety precautions and equipment is relatively low in this method. The output is both large and rapid.
When the ore lies deep below the surface, underground mining method (shaft method) has to be used. In this method, vertical shafts have to be sunk, from where underground galleries radiate to reach the minerals. Minerals are extracted and transported to the surface through these passages. It requires specially designed lifts, drills, haulage vehicles, ventilation system for safety and efficient movement of people and material. This method is risky. Poisonous gases, fires, floods and caving in lead to fatal accidents.
The developed economies are retreating from mining, processing and refining stages of production due to high labour costs, while the developing countries with large labour force and striving for higher standard of living are becoming more important. Several countries of Africa and few of south America and Asia have over fifty per cent of the earnings from minerals alone.
Mining activity comes under ______.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Primary activity
Economic activities are grouped into primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary activities. Primary activities depend directly on the environment, because they use the earth’s resources such as land, water, vegetation and minerals.
Option (1) Primary activity — Correct. Mining takes minerals straight out of the earth, so it is a primary activity, like agriculture, fishing and forestry.
Option (2) Secondary activity — Incorrect. Secondary activities add value to natural resources by processing raw materials into products, as in manufacturing.
Option (3) Tertiary activity — Incorrect. Tertiary activities are services, such as trade, transport and communication.
Option (4) Quaternary activity — Incorrect. Quaternary activities are knowledge-based services that deal with information.
Note: This passage is taken from the section ‘Methods of Mining’ in the chapter ‘Primary Activities’ (Fundamentals of Human Geography), almost word for word.
NCERT (2026-27): “Human activities which generate income are known as economic activities. Economic activities are broadly grouped into primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary activities. Primary activities are directly dependent on environment as these refer to utilisation of earth’s resources such as land, water, vegetation, building materials and minerals. It, thus includes, hunting and gathering, pastoral activities, fishing, forestry, agriculture, and mining and quarrying.” |