What is the significance of minerals …

Mineral resources are limited. It takes million of years for their formation and therefore, these resources are non-renewable and non-replenishable. Increasing consumption and continued extraction of ores lead to increasing costs of extraction and a sharp decrease in their quality and quantity.

So, it is most important for us to conserve mineral resources as it is feared that with this rate of consumption the day is not far away when most of the metallic and non-metallic mineral reserves and fossil fuel deposits will be fully exhausted.

Conservation of mineral resources is essential because they are a country’s valuable possession. Some methods by which we can conserve minerals are:

• Minerals should be used in a planned and sustainable manner.
• Technology should be upgraded to allow the use of low-grade ore at low costs.
• Recycling of metals also results in the conservation of mineral resources.
• Non-conventional sources of energy should be harnessed for the generation of electricity.
• Small steps should be taken by every individual such as using public transport, car pooling and switching off lights and fans when not in use. (It is because 70% of electricity in India is generated by burning coal). Using power-saving devices also go a long way in conserving minerals and energy resources.