The Finnish bedrock and soil are full of natural resources. These include rocky substances such as sand and gravel, different types of rock, metal ores, minerals and energy sources such as oil and coal. All of these natural resources are non-renewable. They have formed slowly over the course of millions of years, and they do not regenerate. 

Rocks and metals are used to construct buildings, machinery, vehicles, roads and energy or information systems. For example, gravel, sand and crushed rock are used to build roads and foundations for buildings. Sand and gravel are used to make cement. Sand is also used to produce glass. Ores are refined into metals. 

Coal and oil continue to be one of the most important sources of energy. Oil is also used to produce various plastics. Nowadays, different kinds of metals are used to construct technical and electronic equipment. These hi-tech metals, such as lithium, are quite rare on planet Earth.

Mining rock and ore, refining ore into metal, crushing and using rock materials, burning oil and coal to produce energy and using oil to produce plastics are all processes that take up a lot of energy and release a lot of carbon dioxide into the planet's atmosphere. In addition, mining and industry change the landscape of the surrounding area permanently. Because of these drastic and permanent environmental effects, the planet's natural resources should be used very sparingly and sustainably. 


Should there be more or fewer mines in Finland?