Mineral Resources

* Cobalt has emerged as a vital ingredient for the shift to a lower-carbon energy system, but reserves of the metal are concentrated heavily in just a single country. * The **Democratic Republic of Congo** (DRC) is home to half of the world's known resources and currently accounts for around 70% of global production. * The metals used in electronic goods, particularly the rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and other forms of energy storage means interest in it is growing as the electrification of the global energy system continues to gather pace. * Cobalt is used in batteries, superalloys, catalysts, magnets, and pigments for various industries like electronics, aviation, and manufacturing. * Democratic Republic of Congo (I), Indonesia (II), Russia (III), Australia (IV), and Madagascar (V) are the top 5 Cobalt-producing countries in the world. * Small deposits of Cobalt are known to exist in **Odisha & Jharkhand** in India. * Cobalt has also been classified as a **critical mineral** by the Government of India.

This question checks knowledge of countries known for major natural resources that play key roles in global markets. ✅ **I. Botswana : Diamond – Correct** * Botswana is a **top global producer of diamonds**, vital to its economy. ✅ **II. Chile : Lithium – Correct** * Chile has **vast lithium reserves** in the Atacama Desert and is a **leading global supplier**. ✅ **III. Indonesia : Nickel – Correct** * Indonesia is the **world’s largest producer of nickel**, crucial for batteries and steel.