Explotación de Minerales

Mineral Exploitation

• Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic substances with specific chemical compositions found in the Earth's crust.
• Mineral deposits are large accumulations of minerals in a given area.
• Mining is the process of extracting minerals from deposits.
• Mines are locations where minerals are extracted.
• Mining falls under the primary sector, extracting resources directly from nature. It also contributes to the secondary sector as a source of raw materials for industry, construction, and energy production.
• Mining experienced significant growth since industrialization in the 18th century, driven by international trade and unequal mineral distribution.
• Mid-20th century saw a decline due to economic shifts, but investment in mineral extraction remains important. China, the USA, Russia, and Australia are leading mineral producers.
• Mineral trade has regained importance, with developed countries being the primary consumers.

Factors Influencing Mining

• Technological advancements: Allow extraction from previously inaccessible deposits and reduce environmental impact.
• Extraction costs: New technologies can improve profitability.
• Market trends: High demand increases prices and profitability, while falling demand or resource replacements reduce it.
• Environmental regulations: Vary by country, with developed nations having stricter regulations on mining practices.

Non-Renewable Energy Sources

• Oil, natural gas, and coal are traditional energy sources derived from fossilized organic matter, requiring millions of years to regenerate.
• These sources are combustible and release energy through combustion.
• Combustion and spills pollute the environment.
• They provide much of the world's energy needs.
• They can be used to generate electricity.
• Uranium produces nuclear energy via atomic fission. Nuclear reactors are expected to increase.
• Nuclear energy is environmentally clean (no air pollution), but it creates radioactive waste and carries the risk of accidents.

Renewable vs. Traditional Energy

• Renewable energy sources are geographically widespread.
• Renewable energy has a lower environmental impact.
• Renewable energies face challenges related to energy storage and intermittent supply.
• Technology and improved performance are addressing these issues.
• Renewable energy production is increasing, and by 2050, they are projected to account for 2/3 of electricity generation.

Industrial Classification

• Production Process:
  • Base industry: Early stage, transforming raw materials for other industries (e.g., steel, copper fibers).
  • Capital goods industry: Mid-stage, producing equipment for other industries (e.g., machines, engines).
  • Consumer goods industry: Final stage, producing goods for direct consumption (e.g., washing machines, food).
• Raw Material Usage:
  • Heavy industry: Primarily base and capital goods industries, utilizing large amounts of raw materials.
  • Light industry: Mainly consumer goods industries, using relatively smaller amounts of raw materials.
• Development Stage:
  • Mature industry: Demand is low or declining (e.g., traditional industries).
  • Cutting-edge industry: High demand, related to innovations like biotechnology, microelectronics, and robotics.

Industrial Revolutions

• First Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries): Initiated in the UK, expanding to Europe. Coal energy and steam engines were prevalent. Textile and metallurgical industries were prominent, with large factories employing many people.
• Second Industrial Revolution (19th century - WWII): Centered in the USA, Western Europe, and Japan. Electricity, oil, and gas became crucial energy sources. Innovations like internal combustion and electric engines drove industries like automobiles and chemicals, employing chain production methods.
• Third Industrial Revolution (20th-present): Global in scope. Nuclear and renewable energy supplement traditional sources. Computers, electronics, telecommunications, biotechnology, and robotics are key technical innovations; leading to automated production processes with skilled personnel.

Challenges for the Industrial Sector & Spain

• Several factors have negatively impacted industries globally, including the 2008 economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, factory automation, the US-China trade war, industrial relocation, and the Ukraine war-induced fuel crisis.
• Spain seeks to improve productivity and competitiveness while lowering its environmental impact, focusing on digitalization, renewable energies, and waste management.