Metals are used as essential raw
materials for producing goods and other industrial and scientific purposes. The
primary advantages of using metals as raw materials emanate from their
durability, malleability, and conducive character. Metals are extracted from
the layers of the earth, and they are limited in supply. Excessive extraction
of metals from the mines can lead to loss of balance in the tiers of the planet.
That is why recycling metals is crucial. There are several other benefits of
recycling metals of which five most significant are enumerated below.
Conservation of Scare Resources
The foremost benefit is the preservation
of resources. As the stock of metal ores is limited and it takes perhaps
millions of years to replenish the eroded stock, it is important to keep enough
stock of metal ore available for future generation. Recycling of scrap metal
will lower the extraction rate from the mines and increase the inventory
available for future use.
Reducing Carbon Emission
Carbon emission is the most threatening
problem on earth now. Production of raw metal from the ores involves numerous
processes that use fossil fuel, which, in turn, is responsible for increasing
carbon emission to the environment. Besides, there are other environmental
hazards of mining processes. Recycling metal is less energy-intensive and hence
generates less emission. It does not cause groundwater pollution or leave a
permanent scar on the environment.
Economic Benefits
Metal recycling has economic benefits,
as well. It takes lower cost to recycle metal than process metal ores to
extract metal. Governments can save taxpayers’ money by allowing recycling of
metal and invest that on training of workers in the recycling industry as the
job is not only labour-intensive but also requires high level of skills.
Positive Impact on Prices
Owing to their scarcity and high cost of
production, metals are often expensive. Recycling will ease the pressure on the
price of metal and make it more available for a larger sphere of use at a lower
cost.
Lowering Demand on Natural Resources
Recycling of metals will lower energy
consumption and lessen the demand for natural resources. Thus, it is both good
for the environment and the economy and its future sustainability.
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