What is the primary source of metal as a resource?

The primary source of metal as a resource is minerals and ores mined from the ground. Metals are extracted from these natural deposits through mining processes. Ores contain sufficient quantities of metal compounds that can be economically processed to obtain the pure metal. This extraction typically involves various methods such as smelting, refining, and electrolysis, depending on the type of metal and its ore.

Recycled materials, while significant for metal production and sustainability, do not serve as the primary source. They rely on the initial extraction from minerals and ores; therefore, they complement but do not replace the need for mined metals in the overall supply chain. Timber from trees and biopolymers from plants do not relate to metal resources as they pertain to organic materials used primarily for construction, paper, biofuels, and other applications, but not metals. Therefore, mining remains the fundamental means of obtaining metal resources.