NATURAL RESOURCES

The word resource means a source of supply. The natural resources include water, air, soil, minerals, coal, forests, crops
and wildlife are examples. All the resources are classified based on quantity, quality, re-usability, mens activity and
availability.
Resources are materials that can be used to satisfy human needs.

1. Exhaustible Resources: These resources have limited supply on the earth and liable to be exhausted if used
indiscriminately.
These resources are of two types.
A. Renewable resources: These resources have the capacity to reappear themselves by quick recycling with a
reasonable span of time. Eg: forests, wildlife.
B. Non-renewable resources: Resources that exist in a fixed quantity in earths crust are called nonrenewable
resources. These resources lack the ability of recycling and replacement. Eg: minerals, fossil fuels etc..
A few mineral resources which occur in the earths crust namely copper, aluminum, mercury, gold etc..,
minerals of asbestos, clay and mica are considered as non-renewable resources.
Fossil fuels are derived from organic matter that accumulated during hundreds of millions of years of
early bio-geological history. (Carboniferous Cycle)
2. Inexhaustible Resources: These resources are present in unlimited quantity in the nature and they are not likely
to be exhausted by human activities
Natural resources occur naturally within environments that exist relatively undisturbed by humanity, in a natural form.
is often characterized by amounts of biodiversity and geodiversity existent in various ecosystems.
are materials and components (something that can be used) that can be found within the environment
Some natural resources such as sunlight and air can be found everywhere, and are known as ubiquitous resources.
Most resources only occur in small sporadic areas, and are referred to as localized resources.
few resources that are considered inexhaustible (will not run out in foreseeable future) these are solar radiation,
geothermal energy, and air (though access to clean air may not be)
Classification of Natural Resources
1. Based on Origin:
2. Biotic Resources
3. Resources obtained from the biosphere
Classification of Natural Resources Based on Basis of Origin
a. Biotic Biotic resources are obtained from the biosphere (living and organic material), such
as forests and animals, and the materials that can be obtained from them. Fossil fuels such
as coal and petroleum are also included in this category because they are formed from decayed organic matter.
b. Abiotic Abiotic resources are those that come from non-living, non-organic material. Examples of abiotic
resources include land, fresh water, air and heavy metals including ores such as gold, iron, copper, silver

Classification of Natural Resources Based on Stage of Development

1. Potential resources Potential resources are those that exist in a region and may be used in the future. For
example petroleum occurs with sedimentary rocks in various regions, but until the time it is actually drilled out
and put into use, it remains a potential resource.
2. Actual resources Actual resources are those that have been surveyed, their quantity and quality determined and
are being used in present times. The development of an actual resource, such as wood processing depends upon
the technology available and the cost involved.
3. Reserve resources The part of an actual resource which can be developed profitably in the future is called a
reserve resource.
4. Stock resources Stock resources are those that have been surveyed but cannot be used by organisms due to lack
of technology. For example: hydrogen
Classification of Natural Resources Based on Renewability:
1. Renewable Resources. Resources which can be replenished or reproduced easily
Examples of Renewable Resources
a. Solar power is the technology of obtaining usable energy from the light of the sun. Solar energy has been
used in many traditional technologies for centuries and has come into widespread use where other power
supplies are absent, such as in remote locations and in space.
b. Wind Power is the conversion of wind energy into more useful forms, usually electricity using wind
turbines. Wind power is used in large scale wind farms for national electrical grids as well as in small
individual turbines for providing electricity to rural residences or grid-isolated locations.
c. Hydroelectric power/Hydropower or hydraulic power is the force or energy of moving water. It may be
captured for some useful purpose.
d. Geothermal Energy is energy obtained by tapping the heat of the earth itself, usually from kilometres
deep into the Earth's crust.
Note: this energy derives from radioactive decay of elements like uranium and thorium in the Earth's
core. This means that geothermal energy it is not a really a renewable source of energy at all; it just
happens to be a very long-lived source.
2. Non-renewable Resources. Resources formed over very long geological periods.
a. Nuclear Energy Nuclear fission uses uranium to create energy. Nuclear energy is a nonrenewable resource
because once the uranium is used, it is gone!
b. COAL, PETROLEUM, AND GAS they can not be replenished in a short period of time. These are called
fossil fuels.
How is coal Made?
Swamp-300 milion years before dinosaurs, giant plants died in swamps.
Water -100 millions over millions of years plants buried under water and dirt.
through heat pressure turns the dead plants into coal
Ocean 300- 400 millions of years tiny sea plants and animals died and were buried on ocean floor.
Over time they were covered in by layer of silts and sands.
Deeper and Deeper the remains is buried. And the heat and pressure turned them into gas.
These cannot be replenished once they get depleted.
Only metallic minerals can be re-used by recycling.
Others cannot be recycled.
Examples: Minerals, fossils, coals and petroleum.
EXAMPLES of Non Renewable Energy
1. Fossil fuels mineral fuels are hydrocarbons found within the top layer of the earths crust. They range
from very volatile materials with low carbon: hydrogen ratios like methane, to liquid petroleum to nonvolatile materials composed of almost pure carbon, like anthracite coal.
Note: Often fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas are considered non-renewable resources,
as they do not naturally re-form at a rate that makes the way we use them sustainable.
2. Coal Black or blackish mineral substances formed from the compaction of ancient plant matter in tropical
swamp conditions.
Used as fuel and in chemical industry
Classification of Coal accdg. to carbon content:

Anthracite shiny with 90% carbon

Bituminous shiny and dull patches with 75% carbon
Lignite woody, grading into peat about 50% carbon
1700 Britain was the worlds largest coal producer
1800 coal was carbonized commercially to produce coal gas for gas lighting and coke for
melting iron ore.
Half of 19 th century study of by products such as coal tar, pitch and ammonia formed the basis
of organic chemistry
20 th century study of coal in organic chemistry led to the development of the plastic industry
3. Petroleum Natural mineral oil, a thick greenish-brown flammable liquid found underground in
permeable rocks.
Consists of hydrocarbon mixed with oxygen, sulphur, nitrogen and other elements in varying
proportions.
Formed from the remains of marine plant and animal life which existed many millions of years
ago.
Other Facts:
Products from crude petroleum:
Fuel oil
Petrol
Kerosene
Diesel
Lubricating oil
How long will fossil fuels last?
Estimates from international organizations suggest that if the world's demand for energy from fossil fuels continues at the
present rate that oil and gas reserves may run out within some of our lifetimes. Coal is expected to last longer.
Estimated length of time left for fossil fuels
Fossil fuel
Time left
Oil
50 years
Natural gas
70 years
Coal
250 years
Among the natural resources, Water resources; Mineral resources; Energy resources; Land resources are the major ones to
discuss
MINERAL RESOURCES
Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic, crystalline, solid having a definite chemical composition with a certain
physical properties or a substance that is naturally present in the earth and is not formed from animal or vegetable matter.
In any country, the growth and development of industry depends on the availability and quality of deposits of minerals of
economic importance.
Mineral resources can be classified under three main types. They are
1. metallic, gold and silver ; haematite and magnetite (iron) ; Cuprite ( copper) ; Laterite (aluminum)
2. nonmetallic sand ( quartz ), garnet ; steatite (talc); muscovite ( mica )
3. and atomic minerals. Pitchblende (Uranium, Thorium ).

The geological processes are caused for the formation of the minerals over millions of years ago in the earths
crust.
Minerals are generally localized in occurrence and the deposits are very sporadic in distribution.
Mineral resources are non-renewable and the mineral /ore is extracted by the process of mining.

Much risk is involved in mining process because of high temperature, pressure variations, fire hazards and lack of
ventilation in mines.

Environmental effects: Mineral extraction and processing in mines involves a negative impact on environment. Mining
process involves removal of over burden of soil, ore extraction & transportation, crushing & grinding of ore, water
treatment of ore, and storage of waste material
As a result of these activities cause
Environments
1.
2.
3.
4.

Air pollution, noise pollution,

Water pollution,
Loss of habitat of wildlife,
Concentration of toxic substances in tailing ponds and spreading of dust.

People working in mines

Often suffer from serious respiratory system and skin diseases.

Mining often causes ground subsidence which results in tilting of buildings, cracks in houses, buckling of roads, bending
of rail tracks etc.
Exploration process before a mining involves, geochemical, geophysical surveys drilling activities which causes for air
pollution, noise pollution etc.. In addition, disturbance of all vegetation ( flora ) and fauna ( animals ) from that a region.
Remedial measures: Atmospheric pollution due to mining and associated activities can be minimized by planning and
using dust extractors, by optimizing the blast design, maintenance of roads and sprinkling of water for easy movement of
dumpers, by using eco generators ( sound proof ), proper maintenance of equipment and the machines not only minimize
the air pollution but also the noise generation.

case studies of mineral resources

1)Aravalli hills in Rajasthan: The Aravallis hills spread across Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat and control the climate
and drainage system of the region. Mining activity is being taken in this region due to immense mineral wealth ( Talc,
marble, granite ). Rajasthan state alone has 9700 industrial units connected with mining and 90% of forest has been
depleted over the past 20 years. When the mining activity reached below the underground water level, a cone of
depression was formed in the surrounding areas and ultimately bore wells, dug wells, dried up and affected agriculture in
a massive level. Several studies have pointed out that the natural drainage system and the ground water table of the entire
region have been badly affected. Pollution levels have also increased. Lung diseases, silicosis were attacked by the
laborers.
In November 2002, the Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on mining activities in the Aravalli hills. The court ruling
closed all 9700 units. The environmentalists have alleged that mining has affected the water, forest and the land.
2)Uranium mining in Nalgonda: The Uranium Corporation of India proposed to mine Uranium from the deposits of
Lambapur and Peddagattu villages of Nalgonda dist. Processing unit was proposed at Mallapur village in Nalgonda dist
by offering employment opportunities. But experts didnt propose mining activity because of possible contamination of
water. The proposed mines are just 1 km away from human habitation and 10 km from Nagarjuna sagar dam and 4 km
away from Akkampalli reservoir, which is a source for drinking water.
3) Gold mining in Europe: Potassium Cyanide is used during the process of gold treatment. In 2000, the Baia Mare
Gold mine in Romania ( Europe ), released 80 million litres of less concentrated cyanide into the Tisza river. The cyanide
flowed 500 km via Hungary and Serbia cities caused for diseases.
4) A Gold and Copper project of Tedi Island in New Guinea released 1000 cubic meters of less concentrated cyanide into
a river and affected the culture and lifestyle of Guinea people .

II. MINERAL RESOURCES

Minerals are naturally occuring inorganic, crystalline, solid having a definite chemical composition with a certain
physical properties or a substance that is naturally present in the earth and is not formed from animal or vegetable matter.
Natural Processes
Crystallization of magma
Rocks and minerals are formed in sedimentary layers of sand and mud and in the folding of those layers deep in
the Earth where they are exposed to high pressures and temperatures.
Inorganic Substances
Not made by living organism
Organic substances are all the carbon-based compounds made by living creatures were originally made by living
organisms millions of years ago
Crystalline Solids
Minerals are crystalline solids. Therefore, natural inorganic substances that are liquids are not minerals. A crystal is a
solid in which the atoms are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern.
Major Groups of Minerals
1. Silicate Minerals
Silicate minerals make up over 90 percent of Earths crust. are minerals that contain silicon atoms bonded to
oxygen atoms. The basic building block for all silicate minerals is called a tetrahedron, where one silicon atom is
bonded to 4 oxygen atoms 1,000 silicate minerals have been identified, making the silicate minerals the largest
mineral group.
2. Oxides
Oxide minerals are made up of oxygen and one or more metals.
Common oxide minerals include: hematite and limonite
For example, hematite and magnetite are both oxides that contain iron and ruby
3. Sulfates
Sulfate minerals contain sulfur and oxygen (SO 4) combined with other elements.
Common sulfate minerals include: gypsum and barite
4. Sulfides
Sulfide minerals contain sulfur and a metal.
Common sulfide minerals include: galena and pyrite
5. Carbonates
Carbonate minerals contain carbonate (CO3), a combination of carbon and oxygen, combined with other elements.
Common carbonate minerals include: calcite and dolomite. Calcite is identified by its glassy to earthy luster; color
variety; and its perfect cleavage in three directions (not at 90 degrees). Calcite fizzes in hydrochloric acid. Calcite
forms the rocks limestone and marble.
6. Native Elements
Native elements are minerals that form as individual elements. Gold and copper are examples of metallic native
elements.
Diamonds are a type of non-metallic native element. Gold is a valuable native element.
7. Halides
Halides include such elements as chlorine and fluorine. Common halide minerals include halite and fluorite.
Common salt.

In any country, the growth and development of industry depends on the availability and quality of deposits of minerals of
economic importance.
Mineral resources can be classified under three main types.
4. metallic, gold and silver ; haematite and magnetite (iron) ; Cuprite ( copper) ; Laterite ( aluminum)
5. nonmetallic sand ( quartz ), garnet ; steatite (talc); muscovite ( mica )
6. atomic minerals. Pitchblende (Uranium, Thorium ).

The geological processes are caused for the formation of the minerals over million of years ago in the earths
crust.
Minerals are generally localized in occurrence and the deposits are very sporadic in distribution.
Mineral resources are non renewable and the mineral /ore is extracted by the process of mining.
Much risk is involved in mining process because of high temperature, pressure variations, fire hazards and
lack of ventilation in mines.
Minerals are used in a large number of ways for domestic, industrial, commercial sectors etc Generation of
energy by using coal ( lignite / anthracite ) ; uranium,
gold, silver, platinum, diamond are used in jewellery.
Copper, aluminum etc are used as cables for transmission of power.
Some of the minerals are used in ayurvedam as medicine.
1. Gold is reputed to strengthen the heart muscle and increase energy and stamina. By placing a piece of gold
(devoid of stones) into 1000 ml of water and boiling it until reduced to 500 ml. Historical dose used gold ash
of 10 mcg/day or gold water of 1 tsp 3x/day.
2. Silver is a very important healing substance due to its cooling and antiseptic properties. It is most useful for
treating Vata and Pitta especially conditions involving weakness, and some of chronic fevers. It is also used
for gastritis, inflammatory of the intestines. Historical dose used silver ash of 10-30 mcg/day or silver water
of 1 tsp 3x/day.
3. Copper was used to treat conditions of excess kapha (primarily) and vata (secondarily). Historical dose used:
copper ash: 10-30 mcg/day or copper water: 1 tsp 3x/day

Properties of Minerals
Different minerals are often defined by the set of properties described below:
1. Luster - Luster describes how well a mineral reflects light. Examples of luster include glassy, metallic,
brilliant, and dull.
2. Hardness - The hardness describes how easy it is to scratch the surface of a mineral. Scientists often use the
Moh's scale to describe hardness. Using the Moh's scale, a "1" is the softest mineral and a "10" is the
hardest. One example of hardness is diamond. Diamond has a hardness of 10 because it is the hardest of all
the minerals.
3. Streak - Streak is the color of the mineral in powdered form. One way to determine the streak is to rub the
mineral across a rough hard surface like a tile.
4. Cleavage - Cleavage describes how a mineral breaks up into pieces. Some minerals break up into small
cubes while others may break up into thin sheets.
5. Specific Gravity (SG) - The specific gravity measures the density of the mineral. It is measured in
comparison to water where water has a specific gravity of 1. For example, pyrite has a specific gravity of 5
and quartz has a specific gravity of 2.7.
6. Color - Although color is often used to describe a mineral, it sometimes isn't the best way to tell one mineral
from another as one type of mineral can come in several different colors. Environmental effects : Mineral
extraction and processing in mines involves a negative impact on environment. Mining process involves removal
of over burden of soil, ore extraction & transportation, crushing & grinding of ore, water treatment of ore, storage
of waste material

As a result of these activities cause

Environments
5.
6.
7.
8.

air pollution, noise pollution,

water pollution,
loss of habitat of wildlife,
Concentration of toxic substances in tailing ponds and spreading of dust.

People working in mines

Often suffer from serious respiratory system and skin diseases.

Mining often causes ground subsidence which results in tilting of buildings, cracks in houses, buckling of roads, bending
of rail tracks etc.
Exploration process before a mining involves, geochemical, geophysical surveys drilling activities which causes for air
pollution, noise pollution etc.. In addition, disturbance of all vegetation ( flora ) and fauna ( animals ) from that a region.
Remedial measures: Atmospheric pollution due to mining and associated activities can be minimized by planning and
using dust extractors, by optimizing the blast design, maintenance of roads and sprinkling of water for easy movement of
dumpers, by using eco generators ( sound proof ), proper maintenance of equipment and the machines not only minimize
the air pollution but also the noise generation.

ROCKS is a naturally occurring solid aggregate of one or more minerals or mineraloids.

The word "igneous" comes from the Latin word "ignis" which means "of fire."

Ores are rocks that include minerals that have important elements such as metals like gold and silver.

Sedimentary rocks form layers at the bottoms of oceans and lakes.

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone is exposed to high heat and pressure within the Earth.

Layers of sedimentary rocks are called strata.

Space Rocks
There are actually some rocks that come from space called meteorites. They may have different elements or mineral make
up than a typical earth rock. Typically they are made up mostly of iron.
Major Types of ROCKS.
1. Igneous Rocks - form when magma (molten rock inside the Earth) or lava (molten rock that has erupted onto the
surface of Earth) cools either at or below Earth's surface. Refered to as extrusive or volcanic rock
2. Sedimentary Rocks - form by the compaction of sediments, like gravel, sand, silt or clay (Figure 4.5). Sediments may
include fragments of other rocks that have been worn down into small pieces, materials made by a living organism
or organic materials, or chemical precipitates, which are the solid materials left behind after a liquid evaporates. For
example, if a glass of salt water is left in the sun, the water will eventually evaporate, but salt crystals will remain behind
as precipitates in the bottom of the glass.
2 types of sedimentary rocks
a. detrital sedimentary rocks are accumulations of detritus

weathered rock from another form.

For example, particles of sand from other rocks can form sandstone, and mud can form shale,
which is the most common form of sedimentary rock.
b. Chemical sedimentary rocks are derived from material carried in solution to lakes and oceans.
Under certain conditions, the dissolved material precipitates out of solution and, thus, settles to
the bottom.
Ex. Limestone,
3. Metamorphic Rocks - form when an existing rock (of any type) is changed by heat or pressure within the Earth known
as (metamorphism), so that the minerals undergo some kind of change.
Ex. Marble

The Rock Cycle

Rocks are constantly changing in what is called the rock cycle. It takes millions of years for rocks to change.
Here is an example of the rock cycle describing how a rock can change from igneous to sedimentary to metamorphic over
time.

1. Melted rock or magma is sent to the earth's surface by a volcano. It cools and forms an igneous rock.
2. Next the weather, or a river, and other events will slowly break up this rock into small pieces of sediment.
3.
As
sediment
builds
up
and
hardens
over
years,
a
sedimentary
rock
is
formed.
4. Slowly this sediment rock will get covered with other rocks and end up deep in the Earth's crust.
5. When the pressure and heat get high enough, the sedimentary rock will metamorphose into a metamorphic rock and the
cycle
will
start
over
again.
One thing to note is that rocks don't need to follow this specific cycle. They may change from one type to another and
back again in practically any order.