Atomic Minerals
Let’s begin with a simple idea.
See, just like iron is a metallic mineral and limestone is a non-metallic mineral, atomic minerals form a third category. These are minerals that contain radioactive elements like uranium, thorium, radium, and some rare earth elements (REEs). The term atomic is used because these minerals are the source of radioactive energy at the atomic level.
But there’s more to it.
These minerals have the unique property of radioactivity, which means they emit radiation due to the disintegration of unstable atomic nuclei. The level of radioactivity depends on how much of these radioactive elements the mineral contains.
Geological Timeframe and Occurrence in India
Now, where do we find these atomic minerals in India?
They are usually found in very old rocks—specifically, rocks from the Pre-Cambrian era, including formations like Archean Schists and Dharwar rocks. These are some of the oldest rock formations on Earth, dating back billions of years. Naturally, such ancient rocks have had enough geological activity to concentrate radioactive materials.
Legal Status
Atomic minerals are not like ordinary minerals that anyone can mine.
They are strategic minerals, and hence, they are listed in Part B of the First Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. This means the central government directly regulates their mining and use.
Main Radioactive Elements
Among the elements, three are important:
- Uranium (U)
- Thorium (Th)
- Potassium (K)
These elements are naturally radioactive. In fact, they are the main contributors to natural terrestrial radioactivity—the radiation that naturally comes from the Earth’s crust.
How Are Atomic Minerals Formed?
Their formation is a result of complex geological processes, which include:
- Magmatic differentiation: Separation of minerals during the cooling of magma.
- Hydrothermal activity: Circulation of mineral-rich hot water within Earth’s crust.
- Weathering: Breakdown of rocks, which can release and concentrate radioactive minerals.
Because of these diverse processes, atomic minerals are found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. This means their occurrence is geologically widespread, though not uniformly distributed.
On a global scale, significant deposits are found in Africa, Australia, Canada, and Central Asia—countries known for having stable, ancient geological formations.
Applications of Atomic Minerals
This is where their economic geography becomes very important.
🔹 Energy and Defence
- Uranium and thorium are vital for nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons. Countries with uranium reserves can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
🔹 Medical Use
- Radium and other radioactive elements are used in cancer treatments (radiotherapy) and in producing radionuclides for medical imaging like PET scans.
🔹 Scientific Research
- These minerals help in geological dating (understanding the age of rocks), tracer studies (e.g., in hydrology), and materials research.
🔹 Industrial Applications
- Minerals like monazite are used in making specialised ceramics, catalysts, and other high-tech products, especially because of the rare earth elements (REEs) they contain.
Institutional Framework in India
Now, who handles all this in India? Let’s look at the major institutions.
1. Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
- It is the central authority responsible for nuclear energy and atomic mineral management.
- The goal: self-reliance in atomic energy production and resource management.
2. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD)
- It conducts the survey, exploration, and evaluation of atomic minerals.
- This is the backbone of resource discovery.
3. Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL)
- This PSU is engaged in mining and processing uranium ores.
4. Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL)
- It mines monazite-rich beach sands, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, to extract thorium and REEs.
So, to summarise:
Atomic minerals are not just another category of natural resources—they are strategic, scientific, and economically significant. From nuclear power and medicine to high-tech industries, they play a crucial role. And given their sensitive nature, their exploration, mining, and regulation are carefully monitored by dedicated institutions.
Understanding atomic minerals is essential not only for Geographical studies but also for connecting broader themes in energy security, industrial policy, and technological advancement in India. Now having said that, let’s move on to next section and discuss the important atomic minerals one by one.
