Question
Why is it necessary to conserve mineral resources? Suggest any four ways to conserve mineral resources.
Solution
The following are the reasons why mineral resources need to be conserved:
i. The formation of minerals takes a long geological period of millions of years.
ii. Minerals are finite and limited in supply.
iii. Many of them such as coal and petroleum are non-renewable and exhaustible.
The following are the four ways in which mineral resources can be conserved:
i. Minerals should be used in a planned, judicious and sustainable manner.
ii. Technology should be upgraded to allow the use of low grade ore at low costs.
