Statement 3 is correct.
Rajasthan possesses significant iron ore deposits. These reserves are found in various districts, including Jaipur, Udaipur, Bhilwara, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, and Banswara. These deposits contribute to India's overall iron ore production, particularly hematite and magnetite.
Statement 1 is incorrect.
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015, empowered state governments to auction leases for non-coal minerals. This legislative change introduced a transparent system for the allocation of mineral blocks, including those for iron ore, bauxite, limestone, and gold, by state authorities. Coal mines, however, operate under a separate allocation framework primarily managed by the Central Government.
Statement 2 is incorrect.
Both Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand possess gold deposits. In Andhra Pradesh, gold resources are identified in areas such as the Ramagiri belt in Anantapur district and parts of Chittoor. Jharkhand has both alluvial gold deposits, found in rivers like the Subarnarekha and Sona Nadi, and native gold occurrences, for instance, near Lowa in Singhbhum district.