Scientists are searching for sustitutes to natural resources in the earth.
The Earth is filled with natural elements and even ancient civilizations took notice of the benefits of using these elements. Natural elements become resources when human beings collect, harness or use them for their own purposes, other than what they were originally intended for. For example, gold is considered a natural resource because humans mine it and use it for trade and for other products. Some natural resources are limited, meaning that there is not a continuous supply available for use.
Hydrocarbons, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Chromium
Hydrocarbon is a limited resource used to make the billions of barrels of oil that are used every year. Though, as a global society, humans largely depend on oil and coal to fuel technologies and civilizations, hydrocarbon reserves may only last for another 35 to 100 years. According to the United States Geological Survey, phosphorus, another natural element, may only last on Earth for 40 more years. Sulfur, used to produce the leading industrial chemical and chromium, used to produce stainless steel, are also being depleted and may only last for 50 to 80 years.
Cadmium, Antimony, Manganese and Other Elements
Cadmium is used to make batteries and because of extensive mining, it will only be available for 35 to 70 years. Antimony, another limited resource, will only be useable for a short 16 to 35 years. Antimony is used to make PVC pipes, credit cards and car parts. It is also used in matches because of its flame-resistant qualities. Manganese, selenium, palladium, barium and strontium are also on the limited natural resources list.
Iron, Silver, Tin, Lead and Zinc
Iron is commonly used in many products for many purposes, but iron reserves are running low. Five hundred million tons of iron are mined every year and statistics by the U.S. Geological Survey show that iron reserves may run out anywhere between 128 and 300 years. Silver, used not only for jewelry but for film, X-ray imaging and batteries, is limited to 14 to 29 years of reserves. Lead and zinc, used industrially all around the world, may only exist for 20 to 46 years.
Copper, Tungsten, Zirconium and Bismuth
Copper is used in many products, including brass, electrical wires and plumbing. With around 14.5 million tons used every year, there may only be 30 to 60 years of copper mining left. Tungsten, used for jewelry, light bulbs and steel, will be depleted in 40 to 103 years and zirconium, used in ceramics, nuclear production, steel and cosmetic supplies may only last for 44 to 84 more years. Bismuth, a lead byproduct used in television screens and fireworks, will be depleted in 13 to 24 years.
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