If you want to know which natural resource extraction industries are the best, then this guide is for you. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 industries that are extracting natural resources in the most efficient and effective way.
Table of Contents
Natural gas
Natural gas is one of the world’s most important energy resources. It is used in a wide variety of applications, from power generation to home heating. Natural gas is also an important feedstock for the production of chemicals, plastics, and other products.
The United States is one of the world’s leading producers of natural gas. In 2019, U.S. natural gas production totaled about 27 trillion cubic feet (Tcf), accounting for about 73% of total U.S. dry natural gas production. The vast majority of U.S. natural gas production takes place in just a few states—namely, Texas, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and Colorado—with Texas alone accounting for about 35% of total U.S. production.
U.S. natural gas reserves totaled about 444 Tcf at the end of 2019, enough to last more than 100 years at current production levels. The United States has been a net exporter of natural gas since 2017, and exports have been growing steadily in recent years. In 2019, U.S. exports of natural gas totaled about 10 Tcf, or about 28% of total U.S. production.
The vast majority of U.S. natural gas consumption takes place in the industrial and electric power sectors. In 2019, these two sectors accounted for about 61% and 30%, respectively, of total U.S. natural gas consumption. The residential and commercial sectors account for the remaining 9%.
U.S. natural gas prices have been volatile in recent years, but they have generally trended downward since the early 2000s. In 2020, the average price of natural gas delivered to customers was $2.29 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf), down from $3.02/Mcf in 2019 and $4.39/Mcf in 2018.
Crude oil
Crude oil is a natural resource that has been used for centuries to produce a variety of products. It is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, consisting of both saturated and unsaturated compounds. The major constituents of crude oil are: methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane, heptane and octane. Crude oil is a nonrenewable resource, which means that it cannot be replaced once it has been used.
The world’s demand for energy continues to grow, and crude oil is the largest source of energy in the world. In 2015, the world consumed 96.3 million barrels of oil per day. The United States was the largest consumer of oil, consuming 18.6 million barrels per day.
Crude oil is used to produce a variety of products, including: gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, heating oil, kerosene, asphalt and many chemicals used in a variety of industries. It is also used as a feedstock for the production of plastics.
The price of crude oil is determined by a number of factors, including: supply and demand, geopolitical events, weather and the type of crude oil being traded. Crude oil prices are volatile and can fluctuate greatly from day to day.
The Amazon Crude Oil Review is a comprehensive and detailed look at crude oil and its importance in the world today. This book provides an overview of the history of crude oil and its uses, as well as a discussion of the different types of crude oil and their properties. The book also discusses the global crude oil market and the factors that influence its price.
Coal
When it comes to coal, there are a lot of options out there. But which one is the best? That’s where Amazon.com comes in. We’ve gathered together a wide variety of coal products from different brands and manufacturers so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
If you’re looking for Anthracite Coal, we’ve got plenty of options for you to choose from. If you want Bituminous Coal, we’ve got that too. And if you’re looking for something else entirely, we’ve got a wide selection of other coal products to choose from as well.
No matter what your needs are, we’re sure to have the perfect coal product for you. So take a look around and see for yourself. We think you’ll be impressed with what we have to offer.
Minerals
Minerals are inorganic substances that occur naturally in the earth. They are essential to life and play a vital role in our daily diet. Minerals are classified as either major minerals or trace minerals. Major minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur, are needed in large amounts by the body and are present in most foods. Trace minerals, such as iron, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium, chromium, and molybdenum, are needed in small amounts by the body and may not be present in all foods.
The human body needs minerals to function properly. Minerals are involved in many biochemical processes, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, blood clotting, and bone formation. They also play a role in energy production and metabolism. Minerals are needed for the absorption and utilization of vitamins and other nutrients.
Minerals can be found in both plant and animal foods. The type and amount of minerals in food depend on the soil where the plants were grown and the type of feed given to animals. Processed foods generally have lower mineral content than whole foods because minerals are lost during processing. For example, refining grains removes the mineral-rich outer layer (bran) of the grain, and this bran is often not added back into processed grain products.
Most people get the minerals they need from eating a variety of foods. However, some people may not get enough of certain minerals from their diet and may need to take supplements. People with chronic illnesses or who are taking certain medications may also need to take supplements to ensure they get enough minerals.
The best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need is to eat a variety of healthy foods. Eating a variety of foods helps you get the different types of vitamins and minerals your body needs. You can also get vitamins and minerals from supplements if you cannot get them from your diet or if you have certain medical conditions that require higher levels of certain vitamins or minerals.
Precious metals
Precious metals are rare, naturally occurring metallic chemical elements of high economic value. Chemically, the precious metals tend to be less reactive than most elements (see noble metal). They are usually ductile and have a high lustre. Historically, precious metals were used as currency but are now regarded mainly as investment and industrial commodities. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium each have an ISO 4217 currency code.
The best-known precious metals are gold and silver. Although both have industrial uses, they are better known for their uses in art, jewelry, and coinage. Other precious metals include the platinum group metals: ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum, of which palladium and platinum are far more important in industry than the others. Some precious metals are used in photographs (silver halides), color television tubes (cathode ray tubes), and computer displays (liquid crystal displays). Until recently, precious metals were also used in a variety of coins. Commemorative coins typically contain a large percentage of precious metal, while bullion coins are purer. Precious metals continue to be minted into coins for collectors and investors worldwide. Platinum is produced as a by-product of copper or nickel mining, therefore its availability is restricted to countries with these types of resources.
Precious metal prices can be volatile; over 2010–2011, the price of gold increased from below $1,000 per troy ounce ($31/g) to peak at over $1,900 per troy ounce ($60/g) before falling back below $1,500 per troy ounce ($48/g) by early 2013. Prices for other precious metals also increased during this time frame but followed a similar pattern as gold. Nevertheless, gold remains one of the most expensive materials on Earth – on par with diamonds – due largely to its historic value and rarity.
Industrial metals
Industrial metals are those that are used in the construction and manufacturing industries. They include steel, aluminum, copper, and nickel. These metals are essential for the production of a wide range of products, including automobiles, airplanes, appliances, and buildings.
The global industrial metals market is worth trillions of dollars and is growing rapidly. The demand for these metals is driven by population growth, urbanization, and economic development. China is the largest consumer of industrial metals, followed by the United States.
Industrial metals are typically traded on commodity exchanges. The most important exchanges are the London Metal Exchange and the Shanghai Futures Exchange. Prices for these metals are determined by supply and demand fundamentals.
The London Metal Exchange is the world’s largest metal exchange. It lists more than 60 different metals, including aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin, zinc, and steel. The exchange trades both futures and options contracts.
The Shanghai Futures Exchange is the largest commodities exchange in China. It offers futures contracts for a variety of metals, including aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin, zinc, and steel.
Non-renewable energy sources
Non-renewable energy sources are those that cannot be replenished in a human lifetime. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are non-renewable, as are nuclear power and uranium.
Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of dead plants and animals that have been buried over millions of years. As they decay, they release energy in the form of heat and light. This energy is used to generate electricity and power our homes and businesses.
Nuclear power is produced by splitting atoms in a process called fission. This releases energy that can be used to generate electricity. However, it also produces radioactive waste that can be harmful to people and the environment.
Uranium is a naturally occurring element that can be used to generate electricity through nuclear fission. However, it is also a radioactive material that can be harmful to people and the environment if not properly managed.
renewable energy sources are those that can be replenished in a human lifetime. Solar, wind, water, and geothermal are all renewable sources of energy.
Solar power is generated by capturing the sun’s energy with photovoltaic cells or solar thermal collectors. This energy can then be used to generate electricity or heat water and air.
Wind power is created by harnessing the wind with turbines. The wind turns the blades of the turbine, which rotates a shaft that drives an electric generator. This produces electricity that can be used to power homes and businesses.
Water power is generated by harnessing the energy of moving water with dams or hydroelectric turbines. The water turns the blades of the turbine, which rotates a shaft that drives an electric generator. This produces electricity that can be used to power homes and businesses.
Geothermal power is generated by tapping into the Earth’s internal heat with geothermal heat pumps or geothermal power plants. This heat is used to generate electricity or provide heating and cooling for buildings.
Renewable energy sources
Renewable energy is one of the most popular topics on Amazon.com, with more than 4,000 customer reviews of products related to solar, wind, and other forms of renewable energy. There are also a number of books available on the topic, including “The Renewable Energy Handbook: A Guide to Rural Living off the Grid” by William Kibbie and “The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling” by Daniel D. Chiras.
In general, reviewers are very happy with the products they purchase from Amazon related to renewable energy. However, there are a few complaints about customer service and delivery times. Overall, reviewers say that Amazon is a great place to buy renewable energy products and that the prices are competitive.
Sustainable development
The United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The SDGs are a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. The 17 SDGs are interrelated and build upon one another.
The SDGs build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), while also addressing their limitations. They are more comprehensive in scope, with an emphasis on peace, justice and strong institutions. They are also global in nature and inclusive of all countries, taking into account different levels of development.
The SDGs are integrated and indivisible – they recognize that economic growth must go hand-in-hand with social inclusion and environmental protection. They are also aspirational in nature, setting out goals to be achieved over the next 15 years.
The SDGs are relevant to all countries, whether developed or developing. They provide a common framework for action for all actors, including governments, businesses, civil society and individuals.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It seeks to realize the human rights of all and to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. It also aims to end all forms of poverty; fight inequalities and exclusion; combat climate change; and protect our oceans and terrestrial ecosystems. The 2030 Agenda builds on the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and reaffirms the commitments made in the Declaration on the Establishment of the United Nations (1945).
The 2030 Agenda is organized around 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its 169 targets seek to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. The 2030 Agenda was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 at an historic summit held in New York.
The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – developed and developing – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. The Goals are interconnected – often the key to success on one will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another.
The SDGs build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), while also addressing their limitations. They are more comprehensive in scope, with an emphasis on peace, justice and strong institutions. They are also global in nature and inclusive of all countries, taking into account different levels of development.
The SDGs are integrated and indivisible – they recognize that economic growth must go hand-in-hand with social inclusion and environmental protection. They are also aspirational in nature, setting out goals to be achieved over the next 15 years
There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals:
Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Environmental protection
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an agency of the federal government of the United States tasked with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. The EPA was created on December 2, 1970, by President Richard Nixon and began operation on July 1, 1971. The agency has its headquarters in Washington, D.C., and regional offices for each of the agency’s ten regions. The agency conducts environmental assessment, research, and education. It also works with industries and all levels of government in a wide variety of voluntary pollution prevention programs and energy conservation efforts.
According to the 2018-2019 EPA budget proposal, the total proposed budget for the EPA is $8.1 billion, which is a 31% decrease from the previous year’s budget of $11.7 billion. The largest portion of the EPA’s budget, nearly 35%, is dedicated to state and tribal assistance grants which provide financial assistance to state and local governments as well as Tribes for implementing environmental programs. The second largest portion of the EPA’s budget is dedicated to science and technology, which includes research and development activities aimed at improving the understanding of environmental issues as well as developing new technologies to address those issues.
The EPA is led by an administrator who is appointed by the President of the United States and must be confirmed by the Senate. The current administrator is Scott Pruitt, who was confirmed on February 17, 2017. Pruitt served as the attorney general of Oklahoma from 2011 until his resignation in 2017.
The EPA has been criticized for overreach and regulatory burden, as well as alleged corruption and collusion with industry. Pruitt’s leadership of the agency has been particularly controversial, with many accusing him of rollbacks of key environmental protections and close ties to the fossil fuel industry.