Earth's Natural Resources: Minerals, Forests, and Water

Mineral Resources

Mineral resources are natural concentrations of any element or compound in the Earth's crust that can potentially be extracted and processed.

Metal Ores

• Iron Ore: The fourth most abundant in Earth's crust. The minerals are oxides, therefore subject to a process of oxidation.
• Copper Ore: Less abundant than iron, obtained mostly from oxides.
• Aluminum Ore: The third most abundant element in the Earth. The refining process begins with the leaching of the metal by grinding it in caustic soda to achieve the decanting of compounds without aluminum.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is an electrochemical process involving passing an electric current through a solution containing a compound differentiated into ions.

Non-metallic Minerals

• Nitrates: These are compounds derived from nitric acid. They are used in the manufacture of gunpowder, explosives, and photosensitive plates.
• Sulfates: Salts and sulfuric acid derivatives used as material for making glass and detergents.
• Phosphates: These salts and derivatives of phosphoric acid are used as fertilizer and are also involved in PVC production.
• Marble: It is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone recrystallization. Very used in sculpture.
• Granite: An igneous rock composed of quartz, very resistant to environmental action.
• Sand: Rocks dispersed in the form of small grains.
• Silts and Gravels: Distinguished from sand by having larger grains.

Forest Resources

Obtained from large biological communities where trees grow. Decaying organic materials enrich the soil with humus, which serves as a natural fertilizer for plants.

• Wood: Composed of cellulose and lignin. Low-quality wood is used for combustion.
• Non-timber resources: Includes cork, resin, and forage for livestock.

Agricultural Resources

The set of techniques and activities aimed at cultivating land, including planting, fertilizing, and other elements needed for plant growth.

• Food Crops: Cereals stand out as a commodity due to their nutritional characteristics and the possibility of extensive farming, such as wheat, rice, and corn.

The Impact of Agriculture

Humanity consumes about 40% of primary production on the planet. It is calculated that if current growth continues, the quantity of food resources will become insufficient.

Livestock Resources

From bred animals, protein materials are obtained, as well as leather and furs. Livestock generates two types of impact: exploitation of pastures and waste generation.

Water Resources

Water, as a resource, is notable for its life support systems. Water sources are distinguished as conventional sources, which are part of the hydrologic cycle.