Raw Materials and Global Energy Resources

Raw Materials and Their Sources

Raw materials are elements of any kind that humans use for their own needs. They can be derived from three primary sources:

• Animal
• Plant
• Mineral

Mining and Mineral Classification

Mining is a set of activities that allow us to extract minerals. Minerals are classified into several types:

• Metallic: These provide metals such as gold, silver, and iron.
• Non-metallic: These do not provide metals and are often used in construction, such as marble and gypsum.
• Energy: These provide energy, such as oil and uranium.

Mineral deposits are typically extracted via open-pit (open skies) or underground mining.

Global Production of Non-Energy Minerals

• Iron: Used for steel production. Major producers include Australia, Brazil, China, and India.
• Bauxite: Used to produce aluminum. Major producers include Australia, Guinea, India, Indonesia, and Brazil.
• Copper: Used for electric power cables. Major producers include Chile, the USA, Indonesia, Canada, and Peru.

Energy Sources and Consumption

Energy sources are natural resources that provide the force necessary for human needs. Power consumption in developed countries is primarily driven by:

• Industry
• The service sector
• Households
• Urban lighting

Oil and Natural Gas Production

Oil and natural gas are non-renewable resources that are being exhausted. Currently, only about 40% of deposits (pockets) are extracted, while the rest are often abandoned. These resources are transported via oil and gas pipelines, as well as LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) ships and tankers. The process of refining is essential for oil.

Producers and Consumers of Oil and Gas

• Reserves: Saudi Arabia, Russia, USA, Iran, and China.
• Refining: Primarily handled in the West.
• Consumers: USA, Japan, Germany, and China.
• OPEC: Includes 8 Middle Eastern countries plus Nigeria, Indonesia, and Venezuela.

Electricity and Thermal Power

Advantages of Electricity

• It is easily transported.
• It does not generate waste at the point of use.
• It is easily converted into any other kind of energy.

Heat and Thermal Energy

Heat is generated in power stations using fuels such as coal, wood, municipal waste, and natural gas. Leading producers include China and the USA.

Nuclear and Hydropower

• Nuclear Energy: Produced through the fission of the uranium atom in nuclear power stations, generating significant heat. Leading producers are the USA and France.
• Hydropower: Utilizes the force of water, often through the use of dams. Major producers include Canada, China, the USA, and Brazil.

Traditional Energy Challenges and Renewables

Traditional energy sources face several problems: they are non-renewable, many countries lack sufficient domestic supplies (deficiency), and they cause significant environmental problems.

Renewable Energy Technologies

• Biomass: Residues are burnt to create hot water, heat, and steam to drive turbines.
• Wind Energy: Wind strength moves blades connected to an electric generator.
• Solar Energy:
  • Thermal: Solar ovens heat water.
  • Photovoltaics: Solar panels produce electricity directly.
• Geothermal Energy: Heat from the earth is used to produce electricity or heat.
• Tidal Power: The movement of tides and waves produces electric power.

Water Resources and Management

Water is essential for agriculture. While it is a renewable resource, only 2.5% of the Earth's water is fresh, and 75% of that is frozen at the poles.

Increasing Water Supply

• Reservoirs
• Water transfers
• Desalination plants
• Aquifers

Reducing Water Consumption

• Avoiding losses in pipelines.
• Implementing new irrigation systems.