Non-Metallic Mineral Resources

Non-metallic mineral resources refer to materials whose physical and chemical characteristics are fully utilized and put to use in their natural state. They are not used as raw materials for metals. A leading example is limestone that is the raw material for cement. Here are explanations of mineral deposits, as well as exhibits of mineral ores for other examples besides limestone, namely, silica stone, feldspars, and clays. As with ceramics, non-metallic minerals have long been used through the ages. In recent years, however, their importance has been on the increase as raw materials for semiconductor base, optical fibers, a variety of sensors and other sophisticated industrial products. their high self-sufficiency is also a marked characteristic of non-metallic mineral resources, which is an important feature for industrial Japan.