4.1   Minerals

. Minerals Mineral is a natural substance of organic or inorganic origin with definite chemical and physical properties. The process of extracting mineral from the earth is known as mining. The mines near the earth crust are known as open pit mines while the deep mines are known as shaft mines. The organisations associated with minerals in India are, . The Geological Survey of India, headquarter is at Calcutta. . Indian Bureau of Mines, headquarter is at Nagpur. . Non-Ferrous Material Technology Development Centre NFTDC, Hyderabad. . The Ministry of Mines is responsible for the administration of all mines and minerals (Development and Regulation Act, ). Types of Minerals On the basis of chemical and physical properties, minerals are broadly grouped under two categories. They are metallic and non-metallic minerals.