Mining, Energy Resources, and Industrial Evolution
Mining Activity
A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic substance found in the rocks in the Earth’s crust. A high concentration of a mineral in a particular place is called a mineral deposit. Mining is the activity of extracting rocks and minerals from deposits. The place where these resources are extracted is called a mine or quarry.
The Industrial Revolution began in the last third of the 18th century. Industries needed coal and metals, so mining experienced great growth. Since the middle of the 20th century, mining activity has declined compared to the huge growth of tertiary activities. The largest producer of minerals is China, followed, at some distance, by the USA, Russia, and Australia.
This century has seen a revival of the mineral trade, because mining has a huge importance for global economic development. Factors affecting mining include:
- Technological advances and new extraction techniques that have increased the profitability of mines.
- Increased demand for resources.
- Increased environmental awareness, leading to bans or restrictions on certain mining activities in many countries.
Mining changes the natural landscape and pollutes soil and water. Excessive mineral consumption can use up resources. In the poorest countries, mining causes armed and social conflicts, such as struggles for control of mineral deposits.
Exploitation of Energy Sources
Energy sources are the natural resources people use to obtain the energy they need to do their normal activities: heating the home, running industrial machines, and transport.
- Non-renewable energy: Cannot be replenished in the short term; this is the case of oil, natural gas, coal, and uranium.
- Renewable energy: Cannot be used up or can be replenished naturally if consumed at the correct rate, as is the case of hydroelectric, solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal energy.
The Growth of Renewable Energy
Many countries do not have oil and gas deposits and are dependent on producer countries. Oil and gas reserves are limited and are running out, and these energy sources are highly polluting. Renewable energy offers availability and lower environmental impact, although the supply is unreliable or irregular and the electrical energy produced is difficult to store.
Industrial Activity
Industry includes all operations whose purpose is to transform raw materials into finished products. It is classified by the position it has in the general production process:
- Basic industries: Transform natural raw materials into commodities.
- Capital goods industries: Manufacture the production equipment for other industries.
- Consumer goods industries: Create products intended for direct consumption by the public.
The Industrial Revolutions
The First Industrial Revolution
Taking place from the mid-18th to mid-19th century in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Belgium, it utilized coal and wood, the steam engine, and focused on textiles and iron metallurgy.
The Second Industrial Revolution
Occurring from the late 19th century to the Second World War in the USA, Western Europe, and Japan, it used electricity, oil, gas, combustion and electric engines, and the automotive and chemical industries with the assembly line (Fordism).
The Third Industrial Revolution
From the mid-20th century to the present day, this era in most countries uses nuclear and renewables, ICT, new materials, nanotechnology, electronics, biotechnology, and robotics, focusing on the automation of production processes and requiring skilled staff.