Minerals require millions of year to form. These are non-renewable resources and their stock is limited. Continuous extraction of minerals raises the cost of extraction as they have to be dug from greater depths. Minerals may also be low in quality.
(i) A concerned effort has to be made in order to use our mineral resources in a planned and sustainable manner.
(ii) Use of substitutes in order to save minerals should be encouraged.
(iii) Improved technologies need to be constantly evolved to allow the use of low grade ores at low costs.
(iv) Recycling of minerals using scrap metals and other substitutes are some steps in conserving our mineral resources for the future.