TMany candidates attempted this question and were able to define conservation of natural resources and its benefits. Many candidates were naming natural resources like ‘forest’ ’water’ ’air’ instead of mineral resources that could be conserved. Candidates could not also give the problems associated with the conservation of natural resources
Expected answers include:
b(i) Conservable minerals
Petroleum
Bitumen
Iron
Tin
Gold
Diamond
Salt
Coal
Graphite
Limestone; any other correctly named mineral
(ii) Problems associated with mineral conservation
- No alternative source of energy in the case of petroleum;
- wastage of energy in industries;
- lack of improved technology in metal extraction;
- illegal mining by unscrupulous individual;
- illegal bunkering/uncontrolled mining;
- non utilization of gases in petroleum refining/gas flaring;
- inadequate legislation and monitoring;
- poor funding for the development and preservation of mineral resources;
- lack of public awareness.
