Ore is a deposit in the Earths crust of one or more valuable minerals, typically containing metals, that can be mined, treated, and sold at a profit. The most valuable ore deposits contain metals crucial to industry and trade, like copper. Ore minerals are used for a variety of purposes, including:
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Extracting metals: Ores are usually used to extract metals economically. The most important ore deposits, such as copper, silver, and iron, contain metals that are essential to industry and trade. Copper ore is mined for a wide range of industrial applications. Copper, an exceptional electricity conductor, is used as an electrical wire. Silver is used in jewelry, tableware, and coins. Iron is used to make steel, which is used in construction, transportation, and many other industries.
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Making lightweight aggregates: Perlite is an ore mineral used in lightweight aggregates.
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Making soda ash: Soda ash (sodium carbonate) is an ore mineral used in the production of glass, detergents, and other chemicals.
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Making fertilizer: Fertilizer components are mined from Earth in large quantities. Some ores, such as phosphate rock, are used to make fertilizer.
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Making high-tech applications: Rare Earth Elements (REE) are increasingly exploited for various high-tech applications. This has led to an ever-growing search for REE ore and novel ways of extracting said elements.
In summary, mineral ore is used for extracting metals, making lightweight aggregates, making soda ash, making fertilizer, and making high-tech applications.
