Understanding the Secondary Sector: Construction and Industry
Understanding the Secondary Sector
The secondary sector is composed of two specific areas: construction and industry. Construction is dedicated to the economic activity of creating buildings and infrastructure. Industry is the main component of the secondary sector, covering activities related to the processing of raw materials into manufactured products, which can be consumed or used in other industries.
Features of the Industrial Process
- Driven machines are used by a source of energy.
- Workers perform their tasks in a prepared place (business).
- There is an imposed division of labor (each worker specializes in one phase).
Industry is one of the key indicators for measuring the development of a country.
Raw Materials
Raw materials are resources provided by nature that are transformed by an industrial process into semi-processed products. There are three types of raw materials:
- Animal raw materials: leather, wool, milk, etc.
- Vegetable raw materials: rubber, cotton, linen, wood, etc.
- Mineral raw materials: iron, copper, oil, etc.
- Artificial materials: semi-products created by the chemical industry, such as rayon, nylon, and plastic.
Energy and Human Resources
Energy sources are natural resources obtained to provide the necessary strength to transform raw materials. Human resources are a key element in the manufacturing process.
Capital in Industry
Capital is made up of raw materials and energy sources. It can be contributed by private individuals (private companies), the state (state-owned companies), or both (joint ventures). To increase corporate profits, companies may undergo concentrations, which can be:
- Vertical: the union of industries involved in different stages of developing a product.
- Horizontal: the union of companies engaged in the same industrial activity.
Heavy Industries
Heavy industries transform raw materials into intermediate products. Their characteristics include:
- Require high capital investment and a large volume of raw materials and energy.
- Are highly polluting and require large spaces for their facilities.
Metallurgical Industry
The metallurgical industry is dedicated to manufacturing metal products. When it produces iron and steel, it is referred to as steel production. The metallurgy of aluminum is significant as this metal is used in other industries, including high-voltage lines. The metallurgy of copper is also of great interest, particularly in the electrical, aeronautical, and automotive sectors.
Heavy Chemical Industry
This industry develops products needed for today’s manufacturing processes and is typically located in developed countries.
Consumer Goods Industries
Consumer goods industries develop products for direct consumption. Their features include:
- Consume fewer raw materials.
- Are less polluting.
- Usually located near cities.
- Vary in size.
Different types of consumer goods industries include:
- Food industry: transforms and manipulates products for consumption.
- Automotive industry: dedicated to truck and light vehicle production.
- Chemical industry: responsible for preparing various articles.
- Electronics industry: characterized by continuous evolution due to scientific advances.
- Textiles: encompasses activities from spinning and weaving to making clothing and other items.
Localization of Industries
The localization of industries in a particular area depends on several factors:
- The proximity to raw materials.
- Availability of transportation.
- Economic development.
- Implementation of a policy favoring heavy industry situated near deposits of materials and energy sources.
Types of Industrial Areas
Industries are installed in different areas resulting in industrial spaces that can be:
- Dispersed industrial areas.
- Grouped industrial areas: which include industrial parks and technology parks.
Technological Progress and Environmental Impact
Industry experts emphasize the importance of R&D (Research and Development) and innovation, which includes:
- Emergence of new materials.
- Using recycled materials.
- Changes in production processes.
However, it is crucial to address the negative effects of industrialization, such as:
- Environmental changes due to industrial discharges and waste dumped into rivers, causing pollution.
- Acid rain affecting the atmosphere surrounding some industrial areas.
- Acoustic contamination.
- Depletion of natural resources.
Corrective Measures for Sustainable Development
To promote sustainable development, various measures have been implemented, including:
- Implementation of environmental policies.
- More rational use of raw materials.
- Energy saving and enhancement of renewable energies.