Classification of Natural Raw Materials and Industrial Development
Classification of Natural Raw Materials
Animal Origin
Materials like wool, hides, and livestock are sourced from animals and utilized in the textile industry to create products such as clothing.
Vegetable Origin
These can be agricultural products, for example, cotton used to make various products, or rubber for tires.
Mineral Origin
Extracted from the subsoil and classified into three groups:
- Metallic Minerals: Metals are extracted (e.g., hematite, bauxite).
- Non-metallic Minerals: Other raw materials are obtained (e.g., salt, sulfur).
- Energy Minerals: Coal, natural gas, uranium, and oil produce energy.
Mining is conducted in two ways: open pit or underground.
Traditional Energy Sources
These are categorized into renewable and non-renewable resources.
Renewable Energy Sources
These are inexhaustible resources like the sun, water, and wind.
Non-Renewable Energy Sources
These resources are finite and include coal, oil, natural gas, and uranium.
Coal
A fossil fuel originating from the decomposition of plants accumulated and buried for millions of years.
Oil
A thick, dark, oily liquid formed from the decomposition of plant and animal remains buried for millions of years.
Natural Gas
Similar in origin and formation to oil, often found together in deposits.
Hydraulic Energy
Energy from water stored in reservoirs, used to generate electricity.
Nuclear Energy
Uranium is a source of energy used in nuclear power plants.
Localization of Traditional Energy Sources
- Coal: China, USA, European Union.
- Oil: Middle East (Kuwait, Iraq, etc.), USA, Russia, Mexico, Venezuela, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
- Natural Gas: Persian Gulf, USA, Russia, Canada.
- Nuclear Energy: Canada, USA.
- Hydroelectricity: Canada, China, USA, Norway, and Japan.
Alternative Energy
There is growing interest in developing alternative energy sources that are renewable and less polluting.
Solar Energy
Photovoltaic solar panels convert solar energy into electricity.
Wind Energy
Wind turbines harness the power of wind to produce electricity.
Geothermal Energy
Utilizes the heat of the earth.
Bioenergy
Generated from the combustion of vegetable or animal matter.
Industry
Encompasses all activities necessary to transform raw materials.
Craftwork
Manual work using proprietary tools, resulting in expensive and unique products.
Industrialization
Starting in the 18th century, hand tools were gradually replaced by machines. Charcoal and hydraulic energy were used, increasing productivity and leading to the establishment of factories. This era was based on mechanical work.
Current Industry
Characterized by automation and sophistication, reducing labor and enabling the manufacturing of diverse products. New technologies have led to reduced labor and increased productivity.
Company Concentration
- Horizontal: Union of several companies in the same sector.
- Vertical: Union of several companies of different products within the same sector.
Companies strive to be competitive, increase sales, and reduce costs. In the 18th and 19th centuries, transportation was the most significant cost.
Industrial Location
Industrial areas specialize in industrial activities, including factories, roads, and towns. The tertiary sector includes monetary asset activities.
Tertiary Economic Sectors
A wide range of activities characterize the information society and the tertiary revolution.
Superior Tertiary Activities
Relate to science and art, requiring individuals with strong academic backgrounds.
Banal Tertiary Activities
Involve poor preparation and low pay.
Changes in the Workforce
- Increased life expectancy.
- Incorporation of women.
- Reduction of working hours and paid holidays.
The tertiary sector is heterogeneous due to the variety of services and staff qualifications. Activities are often intangible and difficult to store near consumers. The level of mechanization is relatively low, but the sector is expanding, albeit unequally distributed.
Life Expectancy Improvements
- Better food.
- Improvements in hygiene.
- Discovery of effective remedies.
Spain’s statistics: fertility (1.3%), infant mortality (3.2%), life expectancy (79.5%), medical number (3.2).