Question

Many countries in South and East Asia are rich in mineral resources. India, for example, produces most of the world’s mica and manganese. Both of these minerals are used in many products, such as paints. India also has large reserves of coal and iron ore.

Much of the world’s tin comes from Southeast Asia. Tin is a metal used in products such as food containers. The largest deposits of tin are in Malaysia and Thailand. Malaysia is also a source of bauxite, a mineral used to make aluminum. Nickel and copper are important minerals produced in the Philippines.

Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei are rich in crude oil and natural gas. Singapore is a major refiner of the oil that comes from this region. Oil refining is the process of separating the oil so that it can be made into gasoline, kerosene, and other products.

Two particular areas of China have large deposits of minerals. The most important region is the northeast, which has vast deposits of coal. China has the third-largest reserve of coal in the world. Coal is a major energy source in China.

Another region important to China is Xinjiang province in northwest China. It has many salt lakes. It also has petroleum, molybdenum, and tungsten deposits. Molybdenum and tungsten are minerals used to strengthen and harden steel.

China also has large offshore deposits of petroleum in the South China and East China seas. Finally, the country has widespread iron ore deposits, especially in the Xinjiang province.

North Korea is also rich in minerals. Its mountainous regions hold large deposits of coal and iron ore.

South Korea’s mineral resources include coal, graphite, lead, molybdenum, and tungsten.

Mongolia has similar resources: coal, copper, molybdenum, iron ore, petroleum, gold, and tungsten. Taiwan has deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, and marble.

Japan has few mineral resources and must import such things as petroleum, coal, and iron ore. However, its natural resources include the surrounding seas and natural forests. As a seafaring nation, Japan is a leading builder of ships. It also has the world’s largest fishing industry. Japan’s fishing industry takes advantage of the shallow waters around the islands’ shores. About two thirds of Japan is covered with forests, so lumber is another major resource.

Japan is also known as an industrial giant. It manufactures a variety of goods. It is known for the quality of these goods, such as automobiles and electronic equipment.

Practice 9: Natural Resources

Choose the letter of the correct answer to each of the following questions. (Hint: Some questions have more than one correct answer.)

Which Asian countries have large reserves of petroleum?
China
Indonesia
Japan
India
India has large supplies of .
manganese and mica
mica and tin
bauxite and copper
petroleum and natural gas
Malaysia is a world leader in the production of .
manganese and mica
tin and bauxite
iron and tin
copper and manganese
Which East Asian countries mine iron ore?
China
South Korea
North Korea
Mongolia
Which East Asian country has the largest fishing industry?
Mongolia
South Korea
North Korea
Japan

Answer 1

1. A and B (China, Indonesia)

2. A (manganese and mica)

3. B (tin and bauxite)

4. A, C, and D (China, North Korea, Mongolia)

5. D (Japan)