the total supply of various commercial minerals suitable for both current and future use in various branches of the economy. The term is applied to various territorial units: region, country, groups of countries, entire economic systems, and the world in general. Mineral resources represent nonrenewable natural wealth, hence the ever-increasing importance of issues relating to their efficient use in the interests of development of the national economy. It is essential in this regard that deposits containing materials of value be completely worked and that losses incurred during the mining, processing, and transportation of raw materials be eliminated or minimized.