Reasons for Conservation:
(i) The strong dependence of industry and agriculture upon minerals.
(ii) The process of mineral formation is slow.
(iii) They are non-renewable.
Methods to conserve:
(i) Minerals should be used in a planned and sustainable manner.
(ii) Improved technology needs to be constantly evolved to allow use of low grade ore at low cost.
(iii) Recycling of metals using scrap metals.
(iv) Wastage in the mining and processing should be minimised.
