Raw Materials and Energy: Classification and Impact

1. Classification of Raw Materials by Origin

Raw materials are categorized based on their origin:

  • Animals: Meat, wool, silk, etc.
  • Plants: Cotton, wood, flax, fruit, etc.
  • Minerals: Iron, phosphate, coal, etc.

2. Classification of Mineral Resources by Use

Mineral resources are classified by their use:

  • Non-energy minerals: Iron, silver, phosphates, etc.
  • Energy minerals: Coal, oil, natural gas, uranium.

3. Renewable Energy Sources

Renewable energy sources are limitless and clean, though they require significant investment. Also known as alternative energy, they include:

  • Hydropower: Uses water energy.
  • Wind power: Utilizes wind energy, prominent in countries like Spain.
  • Solar power: Employs heat or sunlight.
  • Geothermal energy: Uses heat from Earth’s interior.
  • Biomass energy: Taps gases from organic matter decomposition.
  • Tidal power: Uses the power of tides or waves.

4. Non-Renewable Energy Sources

Non-renewable energies are finite and consumed faster than produced:

  • Coal: Formed from fossil decomposition. Varieties include anthracite, coal, and lignite.
  • Hydrocarbons: Oil and natural gas from marine plankton accumulation.
  • Nuclear power: Produced by uranium fission in power plants.

5. Alternative Energy in Spain

Alternative energy in Spain is developing, with wind power being the most widespread.

6. Spain’s Energy Consumption Sources

Spain’s energy comes mainly from:

  • Nuclear power
  • Power plants
  • Hydropower plants
  • Alternative energy (especially wind)

7. Basic Industries

Basic industries process raw materials into intermediate products. Main industries include steel, metallurgy, basic chemistry, petrochemicals, and cement.

8. Capital Goods Industries

Capital goods industries transform semi-finished products from basic industries into usable goods for other industries, such as mechanical and construction.

9. Location Factors for Basic Industries

Basic industries are often located near mining centers to reduce transport costs. If transport is cheap (e.g., oil), they are placed in port terminals in developed countries.

10. Location Factors for Computer Industry

Computer industries are located near raw material suppliers, creating large industrial complexes in developed countries.

11. Light Industries

Light industries provide goods for direct consumption, using raw materials or semi-finished products. They are located near consumption centers.

12. Tourist Flows Related to Natural Areas

  • Coastal Tourism: Exploits sun and sea resources.
  • Mountain Tourism: Includes traditional mountain tourism (hiking, sports) and resort tourism (snow).
  • Rural Tourism: Focuses on quiet areas for relaxation.

13. Environmental Impacts of Industrial Activities

Industrial activities cause air and water pollution, uncontrolled solid waste, hazards from hazardous products, and abandoned facilities.

14. Industry and North-South Disparities

80% of finished goods are controlled by companies in twelve rich countries. Underdeveloped countries struggle to exploit their resources due to lack of capital.

15. Spain’s Secondary Sector

The secondary sector contributes a quarter of Spain’s economic output and employs 30% of the population, though its weight has decreased since the 1980s.

16. Main Industrial Areas in Spain

Main industrial areas are in coastal regions (Catalonia, Basque Country, Valencia, Andalusia) and some interior regions (Madrid, Zaragoza, Valladolid). Key industries are automobiles, food, and chemistry.

17. Trade

Trade involves the exchange of goods and services between producers and consumers.

18. Telecommunications

Telecommunications is the transmission and reception of signals, images, or sounds. It drives technological and social transformation.

19. Commercial Blocks

  • Free Trade Areas: Eliminate tariffs among members (e.g., NAFTA).
  • Common Market: Pool economic resources and reduce barriers (e.g., European Union, Mercosur).
  • Trade Groups: Focus on specific products or commercial interests (e.g., OPEC).

20. Outsourcing and Spain’s Tertiary Sector

Outsourcing emphasizes service activities. Spain is a tertiarized society, with the service sector employing over 60% of the workforce.