Mineral Resources Explained — Ore Deposits, Mining, and Environmental Impact | Chapter 15 from Earth: Portrait of a Planet
Mineral Resources Explained — Ore Deposits, Mining, and Environmental Impact | Chapter 15 from Earth: Portrait of a Planet How do rocks become the metals and minerals that power our civilization? Chapter 15 of Earth: Portrait of a Planet by Stephen Marshak uncovers the story of Earth’s mineral resources—exploring how ores form, how we extract them, and the consequences of mining for society and the environment. For a podcast summary, watch the full chapter video on YouTube , or read below for a detailed written guide. What Are Mineral Resources? Mineral resources are Earth materials—metallic and nonmetallic—that can be extracted and used for economic and industrial purposes. Metallic resources (gold, copper, iron, aluminum) conduct electricity, form alloys, and are essential for technology, while nonmetallic resources (limestone, gypsum, clay, salt) are used in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. Ore Formation: How Valuable Minerals Concentrate Native Metals:...