Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
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ral processes as fast as they are depleted. Accordingly, once
a resource is depleted, suitable substitutes, if available, must
be found. For some essential resources, the United States is
totally dependent on imports; for example, no cobalt was
mined in this country during 2003. Yet the United States, the
world's largest consumer of cobalt, uses this essential metal
in gas-turbine aircraft engines and magnets, and for corro-
sion- and wear-resistant alloys. Obviously, all cobalt is im-
ported, as is all manganese, an element essential for making
steel.
The United States also imports all of the aluminum
ore it uses, as well as all or some of many other resources
(
What Would You Do
Some reputable businesspeople tell you of opportunities to
invest in natural resources. Two ventures look promising: a
gold mine and a sand-and-gravel pit. Given that gold sells for
about $800 per ounce, whereas sand and gravel are worth $4
or $5 per ton, would it be more prudent to invest in the gold
mine? Explain not only how market price would infl uence your
decision, but also what other factors you might need
to consider.
Figure 3.20). Canada, in contrast, is more self-reliant,
meeting most of its domestic mineral and energy needs.
Nevertheless, it must import phosphate, chromium, manga-
nese, and aluminum ore. Canada also produces more crude
oil and natural gas than it uses, and it is among the world
leaders in producing and exporting uranium.
To ensure continued supplies of essential minerals and
energy resources, geologists and other scientists, government
agencies, and leaders in business and industry continually
assess the status of resources in view of changing economic
and political conditions and changes in science and technol-
ogy. The U.S. Geological Survey, for instance, keeps detailed
statistical records of mine production, imports, and exports,
and regularly publishes reports on the status of numerous
commodities. Similar reports appear regularly in the Cana-
dian Minerals Yearbook. In several of the following chapters,
we will discuss the geologic occurrence of resources.
Percentage imported
0
25
50
75
100
Commodity
Major Import Sources
Uses
Bauxite
Australia, Jamaica, Guinea, Suriname
Ore of aluminum
Columbium
Brazil, Canada, Estonia, Germany
Carbon steel, superalloys
Graphite
China, Mexico, Canada, Brazil
Brake linings, lubricants
Manganese
South Africa, Gabon, Australia, Mexico
Steel production, dry cell batteries
South Africa, Czech Republic, Canada,
China
Vanadium
Steel alloys
South Africa, United Kingdom,
Germany, Canada
Platinum
Catalytic converters, jewelry
Tin
Tin cans and containers
Peru, China, Bolivia, Brazil, Indonesia
Cobalt
Superalloys
Finland, Norway, Russia, Canada
Tungsten
China, Russia, Canada
Carbide parts for cutting tools
South Africa, Kazakhstan,
Zimbabwe, Turkey, Russia
Chromium
Stainless and heat-resistant steel
Silver
Silver halide film, jewelry
Mexico, Canada, Peru, United Kingdom
Zinc
Galvanized metal, zinc alloys
Canada, Mexico, Peru
Gold
Jewelry and arts, electrical industry
Canada, Brazil, Peru, Australia
Nickel
Stainless steel, electroplating
Canada, Norway, Russia, Australia
Copper
Copper and copper alloys, wiring
Canada, Peru, Chile, Mexico
Lead
Canada, China, Mexico, Australia
Lead for batteries, protective coatings
Iron ore
Canada, Brazil, Australia, Venezuela
Steel, cast iron
Sources : USGS Minerals Information: http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/
USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2004: http://usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/mcs/2004.pdf
Figure 3.20 Mineral Commodities The dependence of the United States on imports of various
mineral commodities is apparent from this chart. The lengths of the green bars correspond
to the amounts of the resources imported.
 
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