B.3] Economic and Mineral Resources

1. Types of Resources

1.1 Renewable Resources

• Definition: Resources that can be replenished naturally within a short period.
• Examples:
  • Solar Energy
  • Wind Energy
  • Hydro Energy
  • Biomass
  • Geothermal Energy
• Key Points:
  • Renewable resources are sustainable and eco-friendly.
  • They are often used in modern energy systems.
  • Important for Exams: Renewable energy sources are increasingly important in global energy strategies.

1.2 Non-Renewable Resources

• Definition: Resources that cannot be replenished once used up.
• Examples:
  • Fossil Fuels (Coal, Oil, Natural Gas)
  • Minerals (Iron Ore, Bauxite, Copper)
  • Nuclear Fuels (Uranium)
• Key Points:
  • Non-renewable resources are finite.
  • Their extraction and use have environmental impacts.
  • Important for Exams: Coal, oil, and natural gas are major sources of energy globally.

1.3 Difference Between Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

2. Major World Mineral Resource Distribution

2.1 Coal

• Definition: A fossil fuel formed from ancient plant matter.
• Key Points:
  • Major Producers: USA, China, India, Russia, Australia.
  • Major Consumers: China, USA, India, Japan.
  • Important for Exams: Coal is a primary energy source in developing countries.
  • Key Fact: India is the world’s second-largest coal producer after China.

2.2 Oil (Crude Petroleum)

• Definition: A liquid fossil fuel formed from organic matter.
• Key Points:
  • Major Producers: Saudi Arabia, Russia, USA, Iraq, Iran.
  • Major Consumers: USA, China, India, Japan, Germany.
  • Important for Exams: Oil is the most traded commodity globally.
  • Key Fact: OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) controls a significant portion of global oil supply.

2.3 Iron Ore

• Definition: A mineral composed mainly of iron oxides.
• Key Points:
  • Major Producers: Australia, Brazil, India, Russia, China.
  • Major Consumers: China, Japan, South Korea, India.
  • Important for Exams: Iron ore is essential for steel production.
  • Key Fact: Australia is the world’s largest producer of iron ore.

2.4 Bauxite

• Definition: A clay-like mineral from which aluminum is extracted.
• Key Points:
  • Major Producers: Australia, Guinea, India, Brazil, Vietnam.
  • Major Consumers: China, India, USA.
  • Important for Exams: Bauxite is a key raw material for aluminum production.
  • Key Fact: India is the third-largest producer of bauxite after Australia and Guinea.

2.5 Copper

• Definition: A metallic element used in electrical wiring and electronics.
• Key Points:
  • Major Producers: Chile, Peru, China, USA, Australia.
  • Major Consumers: China, USA, Germany, India.
  • Important for Exams: Copper is a strategic mineral due to its use in technology.
  • Key Fact: Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper.

2.6 Limestone

• Definition: A sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate.
• Key Points:
  • Major Producers: China, USA, India, Germany, Russia.
  • Major Consumers: China, India, USA, Germany.
  • Important for Exams: Limestone is used in cement production and as a building material.
  • Key Fact: China is the largest consumer of limestone for cement.

2.7 Rare Earth Elements (REEs)

• Definition: A group of 17 chemical elements critical for high-tech industries.
• Key Points:
  • Major Producers: China, USA, Brazil, India, Australia.
  • Major Consumers: China, USA, Japan, South Korea.
  • Important for Exams: REEs are essential for electronics, renewable energy, and defense.
  • Key Fact: China dominates global REE production and processing.

3. Summary of Major Mineral Resources and Their Distribution