Linoleum contains calcium carbonate. Lime is used in making carpets. Windows contain silica. And as the world's fifth-leading producer of copper, Canada helps to put roofs over a lot of heads. Horticulture also makes use of mining products, and sometimes even mines themselves.
Diaper rash is treated with ointment containing zinc.
Iodine helps to disinfect cuts and scrapes. Dentists in North America use roughly 30.7 kilograms of gold daily. And millions of people take vitamins with mineral supplements such as zinc, iron and calcium to maintain health. Coal and uranium provide one-third of our electrical requirements every day. We are the world's largest producer of uranium, exporting about 85 percent of what we extract to nuclear electric utility customers in Japan, Europe and the United States.