Non-renewable resource

Non- renewable raw materials are materials whose formation is taking place not in human but in geological or astronomical time periods. Any use of such raw materials that can not be reversed by recycling, contrary to the principle of environmental sustainability.

This includes all mineral raw materials, ie inorganic raw materials that appear as part of the earth's crust or mantle in nature. There are three groups of minerals.

Rocks / sediments

As rocks or sediments, for example, clay, sand, gravel, graphite, asbestos and diamond are called. You are quantitatively significant, especially in the construction and civil engineering.

Salts

Salts such as potassium, phosphate, or rock salt are frequently used in the food industry and the chemical industry.

Metal commodities

Ores are the most important mineral resources. Iron, aluminum and steel ( as a product of iron and Stahlveredelern ) form the basic raw materials of the machine, ship and automobile. Precious metals like gold, silver or platinum are not only crucial for the jewelery industry, but together with copper, tin, and semiconductors, the basis of the electrical engineering and electronics. From uranium energy is produced in nuclear power plants.

Fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are all grown from organic material commodities. These include coal, oil and natural gas. They serve as fuel and fuel in power plants, vehicles and aircraft, and as a starting material for the chemical industry.