The correct option is C Both statements are true.
Mineral-based industries use minerals and metals as the raw materials. Mineral-based industries are crucial for the economic growth of the country. Among various activities in this industry, the iron and steel industry plays an important role and is among the most basic industries. That is because all other industries depend on it for their machinery.
Steel is needed to manufacture a variety of engineering goods including construction material, defence, medical and telephonic goods, scientific equipment and a variety of other goods consumed by people. Therefore, the production and consumption of steel is often regarded as the index of a country’s development.