Back to: Jss3 Basic Science

Introduction

Things that don’t have life are things that can’t move, breathe, eat, grow, get rid of waste, or reproduce. Solid minerals like limestone, coal, gold, and tin are some examples of things that are not living. You will gain an understanding of the resources that can be obtained from non-living things during weeks 3 and 4.

Mineral Resources

Mineral resources are resources that have been deposited in the crust of the earth and can be used by humans. A mineral can either be a simple element or a compound in its natural state. It was also possible for it to be deposited in a liquid or solid state. Ore is typically composed of solid minerals that have been deposited as such in the earth. Ore is a compound of a valuable element that is found deposited in the earth and can be mined for its useful component.

The following is a list of some of Nigeria’s mineral resources, along with their locations and typical uses:              

Mineral resources	Location	Uses
Bitumen	Ondo, Edo, Lagos.	It is used for tarring roads.
Quartz	Jigawa, katsina, kebbi, Niger, Osun, Oyo	It is necessary for the production of glass and silica bricks, as well as paint scouring, soaps, sandpaper, porcelain, and paint.
Kaolin	Kogi, Abia, Abuja, katsina	Utilized in the production of ceramics and plates
Iron ore	Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Anambra	For the production of iron and steel, as well as other alloys with a wide range of applications
Zinc	Bauchi, Benue, Akwa-Ibom, Abia, Anambra	For making roofing sheets.
Mica	Plateau, Osun, Ogun, Kebbi, Cross river, Borno	Used as an electrical insulator, in telephone condensers, and as a filtering material in the manufacturing of tires and tubes.
Clay	Almost all states of the federation.	Used for making building bricks, flower pots, floor tiles, and fencing bricks among other things.
Lead	Cross river, Benue, Bauchi and Ebonyi State	Used for making a battery.
Tin	Cross rivers, Kaduna, plateau, Kano	Coating lead and steel containers for use in making decorative lanterns prevent the containers from rusting.
Coal	Enugu, Benue, kogi, Ondo	Coal is a fossil fuel and a byproduct of the iron and natural gas industries.
Dolomite	Plateau, Oyo, Osun, Kwara	For refractory furnaces, and building materials.
Glass sand	Rivers, Niger, Ekiti, Cross Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia	It’s the primary ingredient in the production of bottles, synthetic Mable, and other forms of glassware.
Gold	Bida(Niger), Ondo, katsina, kebbi, and Osun state	Used decoratively and in the production of jewellery, currency, and other similar items.
Limestone	Ogun, Gombe, Kaduna and Edo State	Used as a filtering medium in paints and for cement production.

Economic Importance Of Solid Minerals In Nigeria

The following are the economic benefits of solid minerals in Nigeria:

1. It serves as a source of income for the state and country.
2. They are raw materials for industries.
3. It brings about the provision of employment and income for individuals.
4. The fact that mineral resources are available makes life easier and more comfortable.
5. Mineral resources make a country famous. 
6. Gold is used to make jewellery,, and salt is used to sweeten food.
7. Limestone is used in making cement.
8. Coal is used in generating fuel.
9. Iron is used in construction.
10. Iron is used when building things.
11. Bitumen is used in tarring roads.
12. Lead is used in making car batteries.