- Energy minerals
The term energy minerals refer to natural gas, petroleum, coal and minerals for neuclear energy production such as uranium.
- Metallic minerals (also called ore minerals)
Metallic minerals (for example, iron ore) are rocks that contain metal-bearing minerals in such quantities that the metals can be extracted economically.
- Industrial minerals
The term industrial minerals refers to minerals and rocks which form a basis for industrial applications because of their non-metallic, chemical and physical properties.
- Construction minerals
Construction minerals are minerals that are used for construction and buildings as for example gravel and hard rock aggregates, and limestone for production of cement.