Silica Mining, Types and Applications

National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to prepare detailed pan-India guidelines for silica sand mining and silica washing plants.

Table of Contents

About Silica

Silica or silicon dioxide (SiO₂), is a naturally occurring mineral found in quartz, sand, and other rocks.
Silicon( 27.7%) and Oxygen(46.6%) are the earth’s two most abundant elements of earth’s crust and together they make

Types

Crystalline Silica: Found in quartz; most commonly used in industries.
Amorphous Silica: Found in volcanic rocks and some synthetic forms.

Applications

Construction (cement, glass, ceramics).
Electronics (semiconductors, optical fibers).
Renewable energy (solar panels).
Chemicals (silicones, silica gels).

Facts

Highest Reserves in India: (1) Haryana (2) Rajasthan (3) Tamil Nadu
Major Producers Worldwide: (1) China (2) Russia (3) Brazil

About Silicosis

It is a lung disease caused by inhalation of fine crystalline silica dust.
Silicosis is a progressive disease with no cure, but there are treatments and strategies to manage it.
People working in industries like construction, mining, oil and gas extraction, kitchen engineering, dentistry, pottery etc. are exposed to silica everyday.
Major Symptoms: Persistent cough, regular shortness of breath weakness and tiredness.

UPSC PYQ

Q. With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: (2018)

India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D