Natural resources are of great importance to society. They act as a key source of material production. Some industries, primarily agriculture, are directly dependent on natural resources. Their specific property is the ability to be spent. There are renewable and non-renewable resources in the environment. Let's consider them in more detail.
general characteristics
A person uses both renewable and non-renewable natural resources in his activities . The former have the ability to recover. For example, solar energy constantly comes from space, fresh water is formed due to the circulation of substances. Some objects have the ability to self-repair. Non-renewable resources include, for example, mineral elements. Some of them, of course, can be restored. However, the duration of geological cycles is determined by millions of years. Such a duration is incommensurable with the rate of expenditure and the stages of social development. This is a key property that distinguishes renewable and non-renewable natural resources.
Bowels of the earth
A variety of non-renewable resources are currently being mined . Mineral reserves of the subsoil are formed and changed over millions of years. Extractive sector enterprises conduct special studies and analyzes, during which mineral deposits are identified. After extraction, the raw material goes for processing. After that, the product goes to manufacturing enterprises. Extraction of minerals located at a shallow depth is carried out by the surface method. To do this, open quarries are created, excavation machines are involved. If minerals are located deep underground, drill wells, create mines.
Negative effects of mining
By extracting non-renewable resources in a superficial way, a person causes significant damage to the soil cover. Because of its actions, erosion of the earth begins, there is pollution of water and air, the natural cycle in the ecosystem is disrupted. Underground mining is more expensive. However, it does less harm to the environment. During underground mining , water pollution can occur due to acid drainage in mines. In most cases, the area where deposits are developed in this way can be restored.
Stocks
Determining the amount of actually available minerals in the earth is quite difficult. This process requires serious financial investments. In addition, it is almost impossible to establish the amount of minerals with great accuracy. All reserves are divided into undetected and identified. Each of these categories, in turn, is divided into:
- Reserves. This group includes those non-renewable resources that can be obtained with income at current prices and applicable extraction technologies.
- Other resources. This group includes discovered and undetected minerals, as well as those that cannot be extracted with profit at current cost and with the use of traditional technology.
Exhaustibility
When 80% of the estimated or reserve minerals are recovered and used, the resource is considered selected. This is due to the fact that, as a rule, the remaining 20% does not bring profit. The amount of recovered minerals and the exhaustion period can be increased. For this, various activities are being undertaken. For example, estimated reserves increase if high prices force the search for new deposits, the development of innovative technologies, and an increase in the share of recycling. In some cases, consumption can be reduced, the secondary use of non-renewable natural resources introduced. The latter, in particular, is actively promoted by environmentalists.
Representatives of the "green" call on industrial powers to move from a single use of minerals, which creates large volumes of waste, to a more rational one. Such an approach will require, in addition to recycling and re-introducing raw materials into production, attracting economic instruments, certain actions of society and governments, changes in the way of life and behavior of people on the planet as a whole.
Energetics
The main factors that determine the level of use of any energy source are:
- Estimated reserves.
- Clean useful exit.
- Potentially negative impact on the environment.
- Cost.
- Social consequences and impact on state security.
Currently, the following energy non-renewable resources are most actively mined:
- Oil.
- Coal.
- Gas.
Oil
It can be used raw. It is easy to transport. Crude oil is considered a relatively cheap and fairly common type of fuel. It has a high rate of useful energy. According to experts, the existing oil reserves can be exhausted after 40-80 years. In the process of burning raw materials, a huge amount of CO 2 is released into the atmosphere. This is fraught with global climate change on the planet. “Heavy” oil (conventional residue), as well as raw materials extracted from oil sand and shale, can increase existing reserves. However, these materials are considered quite expensive. In addition, “heavy” oil has a low net energy yield and has a more negative impact on nature. Its processing requires a large amount of water.
Gas
It provides more thermal energy than other fuels. Natural gas is considered a relatively inexpensive resource. It has a high net energy output. However, gas reserves may be exhausted after 40-100 years. In the process of combustion, as well as from oil, CO 2 is formed .
Coal
This type of resource is considered the most common. Coal is notable for its high energy efficiency during the generation of high temperature heat and electricity. This stuff is cheap enough. However, it causes serious harm to nature. Firstly, its extraction itself is already dangerous. Secondly, when it is burned, CO 2 is also emitted if special devices to control the level of pollution are not used.
Geothermal energy
It is converted into non-renewable underground dry and water vapor, hot water in different parts of the Earth. Such deposits are located at a shallow depth; they can be developed. The resulting heat is used in energy production and for space heating. Such deposits can ensure the life of nearby areas for 100-200 years. Geothermal energy does not emit carbon dioxide when used, but its extraction is extremely difficult and negatively affects the environment.
Promising source
They consider the reaction of nuclear fission. The main advantage of this source is the absence of carbon dioxide and other harmful compounds in use. In addition, during the operation of reactors, water and soil pollution is within acceptable parameters if the work cycle goes smoothly. Among the shortcomings of nuclear energy, experts note the high cost of maintenance, a high risk of accidents, and a low rate of useful energy output. In addition, safe storage facilities for radioactive waste have not been developed . These shortcomings cause a small prevalence of nuclear energy sources today.
Use of non-renewable resources: problems
Currently, the question of the exhaustibility of existing sources is acute. The needs of mankind are increasing rapidly. This increases the intensity of field development. However, as mentioned above, many active mineral basins today are on the verge of depletion. In this regard, an active search for new deposits, the development of innovative technologies. One of the key areas in the management of any developed country is the rational use of natural sources of energy and raw materials.
The situation in the world today is not yet catastrophic, but this does not mean that humanity should not take any measures. Each advanced country has its own department of natural resources. This body is working to control the production and distribution of raw materials and energy among consumers. Within a particular state, certain standards, rules, procedures, prices for extracted materials are established. The Department of Natural Resources resolves issues related to the safety of mining and processing enterprises. To improve the situation in the future, special programs are being developed. Their framework provides for the rational use of natural sources of raw materials and energy. They also involve reducing production capacities, improving technologies, and recycling materials.