Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following?

Correct Option (D)

Ilmenite (FeTiO₃) and rutile (TiO₂) are the principal ores for the extraction of titanium. These minerals are found in significant quantities as heavy mineral sand deposits along the coastal tracts of India. Notable occurrences are in states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha, with specific deposits in regions like Chavara (Kerala) and Manavalakurichi (Tamil Nadu). Titanium is a strategic metal valued for its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance, making it crucial for defence, aerospace, and industrial applications. Government initiatives, including those by the Department of Atomic Energy and Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), focus on expanding titanium extraction from these coastal sands due to its growing demand.

Incorrect Options:

• Aluminium: The primary ore for aluminium is bauxite (Al₂O₃·nH₂O), not ilmenite or rutile.
• Copper: Major ores of copper include chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂), chalcocite (Cu₂S), and malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂). Ilmenite and rutile are not sources of copper.
• Iron: While ilmenite (FeTiO₃) contains iron, the primary ores for iron extraction are hematite (Fe₂O₃) and magnetite (Fe₃O₄). Rutile (TiO₂) does not contain iron. Ilmenite and rutile are primarily exploited for their titanium content.