Extraction is the process of removing something (like minerals), especially by force.

Mining is the process of digging under the ground to remove natural resources.

Quarrying is digging into the surface of the ground to remove things like rock or sand for use.

Economic minerals and their uses

Geography

This unit supports 'South America: Why does the Amazon matter?' and learning about why the Amazon matters, with its vast natural resources of water, forests and biodiversity, and to 'Energy: How do we power the world?', which explores energy in more detail.

This builds on 'Local area: Why are trees and forests important?', learning about the value of trees as a natural resource in the local area to learn about different types of natural resources globally, their unequal distribution, and some of the threats they face or pose.

Natural resources: what are they, where are they found, why are they important?

process of digging under the ground to remove natural resources

digging into the surface of the ground to remove things to use

Can you match the key word to the correct definition?

Which metal has been used since ancient times? Unscramble the letters to help you find the answer.

What natural resources is steel made from?

Are these metallic or non metallic minerals?

What negative impacts can the extraction of minerals cause?

Approximately what percentage of the Earth's energy comes from renewable resources?

Which are these examples of renewable energy?

Which of these products are grown, not reared?

What animal are they trying to protect in the Bwindi Forest in Uganda?

farming to make as much money as possible

farming without worrying about the environment

farming to meet our needs now without ruining the environment for future farming

Are these products from an arable or pastoral farm?

Starter Quiz