Mineral and Coal Resources PDF

**Mineral and Metal Resources** All rocks are made of minerals. Some of the minerals in rocks are useful to us, and some are very valuable. You can sometimes see minerals as shiny coloured pieces of the rock. **Minerals and metals as non-renewable resources** Resources are things that help us to...

**Mineral and Metal Resources** All rocks are made of minerals. Some of the minerals in rocks are useful to us, and some are very valuable. You can sometimes see minerals as shiny coloured pieces of the rock. **Minerals and metals as non-renewable resources** Resources are things that help us to meet our needs and wants. The sun, water, air, the soil, fish in the sea and trees are all examples of resources. These resources can be replenished (more of them can be made) and they are therefore called **renewable resources.** They are also natural resources -- no one has made them. Minerals are also natural resources, they are found in rocks. There is only a certain amount of each mineral in the Earth's rocks. When we have used that amount, there will not be any more. Resources like this, that can be used up and cannot be replaced, are called **non-renewable resources.** **Main minerals and metals mined in South Africa and their uses** South Africa has a large number of important minerals. The table below shows some of these, and their most important uses. **Mineral** **Uses** --------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Gold** Coins and medals; gold bars as money in the bank; in electronic equipment, like cell phones and computers; in dentistry and medicine; or jewellery and decoration. **Platinum** In car exhausts to make fumes less harmful; in spark plugs; in jewellery; in medicine, such as for treating cancer; screens for computer monitors and flat screen TVs. **Diamonds** Diamonds are very hard. They are used in jewellery; for mechanisms inside watches; for cutting, drilling and grinding tools -- for engraving, dentist drills, and polishing lenses. **Iron ore** Iron ore is used to make iron. Iron is mainly used to make steel. Steel is used to make a large number of things -- motor cars; railway lines; beams used in building; tools; rods for reinforcing concrete; bicycles; pots and pans; cutlery and paper clips. **Chrome** To harden steel and make stainless steel; to give metal objects a smooth, shiny surface, to colour paint, dyes and glass. **Copper** For electric wiring; for pipes in plumbing; pots and pans. **Silver** In car switches that start the engine, activate power steering and brakes; bearings in jet aircraft; jewellery; in solar panels; in computer keyboards; in small batteries for hearing aids and watches; to purify water and to kill bacteria and fungi. **Manganese** To make steel stronger; to colour glass.