Secondary Sector Fundamentals: Industry, Energy, and Raw Materials

The Secondary Sector and Raw Materials

The Secondary Sector involves the transformation of raw materials found in nature into useful products through industrial processes.

Classification of Raw Materials

Raw materials can be classified by origin and renewability:

• Origin: Animal, vegetable, or mineral.
• Renewability: Can be renewable or non-renewable.

Mining Activities

Mining operations are typically location-specific and require specialized technical expertise.

Types of Mining Operations

• Open-Pit Mining: Involves removing ore close to the surface. After extraction, the landscape is often restored.
• Underground Mining: Accesses mineral deposits through underground wells and shafts. This method requires careful maintenance, ventilation systems, and management of risks related to groundwater.

Mining Waste Management

The separation and disposal of mining waste are daily and often problematic processes, requiring careful management of tailings and other refuse.

Energy Sources and Classification

Energy sources are natural resources that can be transformed into usable energy, supporting industry, transport, and domestic use.

Classification of Energy Sources

• Renewable Energy Sources: Resources that replenish naturally.
• Non-Renewable Energy Sources: Resources that are finite.
• Traditional Sources: Typically older technologies (e.g., fossil fuels) that are often highly polluting and rapidly depleting.
• Alternative Sources: Newer technologies designed to replace traditional sources. These are generally cleaner, aim to maximize potential, and are less contaminating.

Methods of Energy Production

Hydroelectric Energy

Uses the power of moving water to turn turbines connected to alternators, generating electricity. This method is generally non-polluting.

Thermoelectric Energy

Generates power using steam, often produced by burning fossil fuels, making it a significant polluter.

Nuclear Energy

Uses uranium. Steam is generated from the fission (splitting) of atoms, which produces immense heat. This process generates energy but results in substantial radioactive waste.

Solar Energy

Harnesses the sun's power using photovoltaic panels (often silicon-based) to produce hot water and electricity.

Wind Energy

Captures the kinetic energy of the wind using turbines.

Geothermal Energy

Utilizes heat energy from underground water (often at very high temperatures), typically viable only in specific geological areas.

Tidal Energy

Harnesses the movement of seawater caused by tides, waves, or ocean currents.

Bioenergy (Biomass and Biogas)

• Biomass: Energy derived from burning plant and animal matter.
• Biogas: Produced through the fermentation of organic matter, such as animal manure.

Historical Evolution of Industrial Activities

Artisan Work (13th Century to Mid-18th Century)

Characterized by manual labor using simple tools. Products had high value and price. Workshops of the same profession were often located on the same street, associated in guilds.

Industrialization (Mid-18th Century to 19th Century)

Introduction of machines powered by water or steam, leading to significant labor savings, increased production, and greater profitability.

Modern Era (20th Century and Beyond)

Defined by automation, electricity, computers, and robotics, resulting in a substantial reduction in required manpower.

Industry Classification and Business Structure

Classification by Product Type

• Capital Goods Industries (Heavy Industry): Manufacture products (often semi-finished) used to create other goods. These require very large facilities and significant capital investment.
• Consumer Goods Industries (Light Industry): Manufacture finished products sold directly to the consumer market. These require smaller facilities, less labor, and less capital.

Classification by Size

• Small: Up to 50 employees.
• Medium: Up to 250 employees.
• Large: More than 250 employees.

Classification by Organization

• Limited Liability Company (SL): Owned by one or more individuals (owners/partners).
• Public Limited Company (SA - Sociedad Anónima): Capital is divided into shares held by shareholders.

Classification by Origin of Capital

• Public: Capital provided by the state or public funds.
• Private: Capital provided by private owners or investors.

Classification by Business Concentration

• Horizontal Concentration: The merger of several companies operating within the same sector.
• Vertical Concentration: The union of companies operating across different stages or sectors of the production chain.