Nonrenewable Resources

The Mineral Industry of Israel

Israel is a producer of metals like lead, magnesium, steel, and zinc. Israel produces industrial minerals such as bromine, flint clay, gypsum, magnesia, phosphate, potash, silica sand, and sulfur. The building materials that are produced in Israel include cement, crushed stone, marble, and sand. The country also cuts imported diamond and produces fertilizers, natural gas, petroleum and petroleum products, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid.

In 2001, Israel’s gross domestic product (GDP), the total amount of all goods and services produced within one year in a country, totaled to $118.4 billion. The GDP decreased by 0.6% in 2001, after a 6.4% increase in 2000, and a 2.6% increase in 1999. In 2000, the value of nonmetallic mineral products fell, while chemicals, petroleum, and metals rose.

Israel’s total exports amounted to nearly $28.3 billion. The main exports are fertilizer, (bringing in $418 million), metal ($279 million), and petroleum products ($227 million). Israel’s other major exports are fertilizers and minerals ($175.2 million), and metallic-ferrous (metal iron) ores and scrap provide $52.8 million.

Israel’s imports cost $35.2 billion. Mineral fuels are nearly $3.25 billion, while iron and steel are $629 million, and non-ferrous metals (no iron) account for $424.8 million. Israel also imports crude fertilizers and minerals costing $168.9 million.