The rapid growth of population in recent decades and the increase in per capita consumption has put a great pressure on the limited (exhaustible) mineral re­sources available on the earth due to high economic development. Prices are hiked and the developing countries find it difficult to purchase essential com­modities.

Industrial development has led to deforestation, thus, disturbing the ecologi­cal balance. This has led to increased floods, depletion of soil, etc.

The demand for land for construction, etc. has increased. The need for con­servation of mineral resources is important as (i) minerals are exhaust able, non- replenishable, (ii) if the minerals will get exhausted, civilization will crumble, (iii) industrial growth will come to a stand still.

Conservation of mineral and other resources can be done by adopting the following steps –

  • Wise and judicious use of resources.
  • Avoid wasteful methods.
  • Find substitutes for the scarce minerals, e.g., copper is limited and aluminum is a good substitute.
  • Recycling of scrap.
  • New techniques must be developed to use low grade ores.
  • Deforestation must be stopped.
  • Encourage Afforestation.
  • Proper methods of cultivation to prevent soil erosion (ter­race farming, step farming) should be adopted.
  • Dams should be constructed to reduce the intensity of floods and regulate the flow of the rivers, provide water for irrigation, and for generating of hydroelectricity.
  • Swampy marshy land must be reclaimed.