The word ore is derived from the Latin, which means mine, it is a natural resource extracted from the subsoil that may originate organic and inorganic, the same is of great value to humanity, since they are transformed into useful tools and objects to man.
Minerals are essential for all countries, as they favor industrial-economic development, as raw materials extracted from nature are transformed into goods (cars, appliances, machines and many others).
In the last two centuries, the extraction of mineral resources has become more intense, removing ever greater volumes from nature. The concern is that most of these resources are non-renewable, that is, they are not replaced by nature) which implies a depletion of certain minerals. If the pace of extraction continues as it is, humanity will surely see some ores go extinct. Based on existing reserves today, certain mineral resources already have a possible exhaustion date, including gold, tin and nickel.
Gold is a type of metallic ore of great economic value that, after its extraction, is processed and becomes a raw material used in the manufacture of items for personal use, such as jewelry and watches. This valuable resource serves as a source of wealth reserve for many countries. However, estimates reveal that the gold reserves should run out by the year 2020.
Tin is extracted from an ore called cassiterite, which is widely used in the construction of statues, medals, in addition to being used to coat canning and oil cans, it is also used in the manufacture of copper. Despite its great relevance, especially for industries, estimates are that this material will run out around 2020.
Nickel is highly valued in the industrial sector, as it is very resistant to corrosive processes. It is used in the making of coins, for coating other metals (it is common in bathroom and kitchen faucets). The estimated date for the end of nickel reserves on the planet is around 2050. These are some examples, but there are others not mentioned, such as oil, which many scientists say will end around 2070.
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By Eduardo de Freitas
Graduated in Geography
Brazil School Team
General geography - geography - Brazil School
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
FREITAS, Eduardo de. "The depletion of some ores"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/geografia/o-esgotamento-alguns-minerios.htm. Accessed on June 29, 2021.
