Which mineral resource, found extensively along the coastal beach sands of Kollam and Alappuzha districts in Kerala, is of vital strategic importance for atomic energy programs in India?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The coastal beach sands of Kerala, particularly around Kollam and Alappuzha districts, contain rich reserves of heavy minerals like ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and monazite, which are critical for the nation's nuclear power initiatives. Combinations involving bauxite or chromite pertain to aluminum and steel manufacturing rather than coastal beach placers. Monazite serves as an essential primary source of thorium, which underpins India's three-stage nuclear power programme.