Which one of the following is NOT a physical factor on which profitability of mining operations depends ?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
the correct answer is Option 2: Demand for the mineral
The profitability of mining operations depends on both physical factors and economic factors.
Physical factors include:
- Mode of occurrence of the deposits – whether the mineral is deep underground, near the surface, scattered, etc.
- Size of the mineral deposit – larger deposits are generally more economical to mine.
- Grade of the mineral – higher-grade ores contain a greater concentration of the desired mineral and are more profitable to extract.
Demand for the mineral is not a physical factor. It is an economic factor because it relates to market conditions and the ability to sell the mineral profitably.
NCERT: Following are the physical factors on which profitability of mining operations depends- the size, grade and the mode of occurrence of the deposits. Demand for the mineral is an economic factor.