Which measure would most directly reduce the depletion of mineral resources?

1. Depletion happens because minerals are extracted faster than any natural process replaces them. 2. Recycling returns already-extracted metal to use, so less new ore has to be mined. 3. Other measures work the same way: using substitutes, improving extraction efficiency, and reducing waste. 4. Opening more mines and exporting raw ore both increase the rate of extraction rather than slowing it. 5. Burning more coal adds a second problem, since fossil fuels are themselves a depleting resource. _Source: NECTA ACSEE 2024 Chemistry 132/1, Question 8: Soil Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry_