25. Secondary Economic Activities 25.1 What Are Secondary Economic Activities?
Secondary economic activities involve the processing of raw materials . These raw materials can sometimes be sourced from primary economic activities. Secondary economic activities function as a system. The raw or resource materials are the inputs , or ingredients, needed to make the products. They are processed (changed) to become new products. These new products are called outputs . They can be either finished products or semi-finished products .
Finished products can be heavy or bulky, e.g. concrete structures, or light, e.g. medicines. Semi-finished products have had some processing, but will undergo more changes before they become ready for use. Examples include steel, computer chips and sugar.
Think back to Chapter 24 where we learned about the sustainable exploitation of forests. Managed forests can be used as part of a system.
Inputs Processes Outputs
Inputs/Raw materials are trees. Trees are cut down.
The cut-down trees are moved to a saw mill, where they are processed. The branches and bark are removed. Then the wood is cut into boards. They are stored and allowed to fully dry out.
Systems and the Environment
During each stage of a system, waste or waste products can be created. Companies must ensure that any waste materials or waste products are managed correctly to protect the environment.
Examples of waste products from the system used to make planks of wood are sawdust and wood chippings.
Sawdust Wood chippings
The finished boards or planks are an example of a semi-finished product. The boards can be processed further to make doors or furniture.