Geography

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option c

Explanation
Pair(1) matches correctly: Bauxite is the primary ore of aluminum, widely used in construction, transportation, and packaging industries. The world’s largest reserves of bauxite are found in Guinea (West Africa).
● Guinea holds around 24% of the world’s known bauxite reserves, as per World Mining Data.
● The Boke region in Guinea has exceptionally high-grade bauxite, with 45-50% aluminum content.
● Though Australia and China lead in bauxite production, Guinea has the largest untapped reserves and is a major supplier to China.
● Major companies like Rio Tinto and SMB-Winning Consortium operate in Guinea, boosting its global significance in the aluminum industry.

Pair(2) matches correctly: Copper is a crucial mineral used in electrical wiring, construction, and industrial machinery. The world’s largest reserves of copper are located in Chile, particularly in the Atacama Desert region.
● Chile holds around 23% of the global copper reserves, as per USGS 2023 data.
● The Escondida Mine in Chile is the largest copper mine in the world, producing over 1 million metric tons annually.
● The country’s dominance in copper production is due to its vast deposits in the Andes Mountains, with other major mines like Chuquicamata and El Teniente.
● The state-owned Codelco (Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile) is the world’s largest copper-producing company.

Pair(3) matches correctly: Manganese is an essential metal used in steelmaking, battery technology, and chemical industries. The largest reserves of manganese are found in South Africa, particularly in the Kalahari Basin (Northern Cape Province).
● South Africa holds about 40% of the world’s manganese reserves, according to USGS and International Manganese Institute.
● The Kalahari Manganese Field contains some of the richest manganese deposits, with major mines operated by Assmang and South32.
● While other countries like Australia, China, and Gabon also produce manganese, South Africa dominates due to its high-grade deposits.