According to the Indian Mineral Industry at a Glance, Annual Report 2022–23, which Indian state recorded the highest total value of mineral production during the financial year 2022–2023 (excluding atomic and fuel minerals)?

1. A

   Karnataka

2. B

   Chhattisgarh

3. C

   Rajasthan

4. D

   Odisha

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -3rd)

Explanation

• According to the official 'Indian Mineral Industry at a Glance, Annual Report 2022–23' by the Ministry of Mines, Odisha is the leading state in terms of the total value of mineral production (excluding atomic and fuel minerals).
• Odisha's top position is driven by its massive production of high-value metallic minerals.
• The state holds a significant share of India's reserves and production of iron ore, bauxite, chromite, and manganese ore, which are crucial for the steel and aluminum industries.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: While Karnataka is a major mineral-producing state, particularly for iron ore and gold, its total production value is significantly lower than Odisha's.
• Option B: Chhattisgarh is a top mineral producer, often ranking second or third nationally. It is a leader in coal and a major producer of iron ore, but its total value of non-fuel, non-atomic minerals is less than Odisha's.
• Option C: Rajasthan has a diverse mineral portfolio and leads in the production of many minerals, but these are primarily non-metallic (like gypsum, various stones) and certain non-ferrous metals (like lead and zinc). The total value of these minerals does not surpass the value of metallic minerals produced by Odisha.

Related Visual

• Visual 1: Bar Chart - A bar chart comparing the value of mineral production for the top 5 Indian states (Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Jharkhand) for FY 2022-23. This would visually demonstrate Odisha's significant lead.
• Visual 2: Map - A map of India highlighting the major mineral belts and the locations of key minerals (Iron Ore, Bauxite, Chromite, etc.), with a focus on the state of Odisha.

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Economic Geography of India: Mineral Production as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• This question tests general awareness, a common component in the non-nursing section of recruitment exams for government positions, including those for nurses.
• Understanding the economic geography of India provides context for national development, infrastructure, and policy, which can be part of a holistic educational curriculum.
• What if the question included fuel minerals? The answer would likely change. States like Chhattisgarh (due to coal) or offshore areas (due to petroleum and natural gas) would become the leaders in production value, completely altering the ranking.

How to Approach the Question

• Identify the core of the question: It asks for the state with the 'highest total value of mineral production' based on a specific government report ('Indian Mineral Industry at a Glance, 2022-23').
• Recognize this as a fact-based recall question. The answer is a specific piece of data from an official source.
• Recall or deduce the leading mineral-producing states. The options provided (Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Karnataka) are all major players.
• Differentiate based on the type of minerals. Odisha is known for high-volume, high-value metallic minerals like iron ore and bauxite, which contribute heavily to the total production value.
• If unsure, try to associate states with their primary minerals. Odisha's association with iron ore and bauxite makes it a strong candidate for the top position in value.
• Select the option that aligns with the known data from economic surveys and government reports.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Economic Geography of India: Mineral Production
• Stem keywords: Indian Mineral Industry at a Glance, Annual Report 2022–23, highest total value, mineral production, Indian state
• Lead-in keywords: which

Question ID

QFTa0ooPxf7Xsn3yWEnfSW

Copy ID