Minerals, Metals and Materials in Industry

Industrial resources (minerals) are geological materials extracted for their commercial worth, which are not fuel (fuel minerals or mineral fuels) or metal sources (metallic minerals), but are utilised in industries due to their physical and/or chemical qualities. They are utilised as raw materials or as additives in a wide range of applications, either in their native state or after beneficiation.

Metals, as well as their alloys with other metals, are widely used in our daily lives. Iron, copper, aluminium, silver, gold, and other metals are often used. Iron and steel production, as well as aluminium manufacturing, make up the primary metal industry. Over the last 30 years, this industry has reduced its energy use by 46%.

Industrial materials, as opposed to disposable “soft” goods such as chemicals, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, are utilised in the creation of “hard” goods, such as more or less durable machines and equipment created for industry and consumers.

• Industrial metals and their applications
• Energy reduction in metal industries
• Minerals as raw materials