Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Mineral vs Ore:
A mineral is a homogenous, naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure. An ore is an accumulation of a mineral mixed with other elements, where the mineral content is in sufficient concentration to make extraction commercially viable.

Which deposit will be mined?
The thick, surface-accessible sedimentary bed is more likely to be mined commercially. The thin, deep vein would be costly and difficult to extract. As the textbook states, the type of formation determines ease of mining and cost of extraction. A surface sedimentary bed (like iron ore concentrated in horizontal strata) allows cheaper, easier extraction, making it economically viable, whereas a scattered deep vein increases extraction costs significantly.

Source: Chapter 5, Mode of Occurrence of Minerals

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• Examiners expect a clear one-line distinction between mineral and ore — don't write lengthy definitions.
• The key phrase for "ore" is "commercially viable" — examiners look for this.
• For the applied part, link your answer to the textbook concepts: formation type → ease of extraction → cost → commercial viability. This is explicitly stated in the passage.
• Avoid vague answers like "easier to mine" without explaining why (cost, accessibility, concentration, sedimentary layering).