Which one of the following is NOT a physical factor on which profitability of mining operations depends ?

Demand for the mineral

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.