A scientist mines and processes a nonrenewable resource and obtains copper, which is a metal element. Which resource is the scientist most likely working with?

coal

ores

petroleum

natural gas

The resource that the scientist is most likely working with is ores. Copper is typically extracted from its ore using different methods that highly depend on the nature and composition of the ore. Examples of copper ores are sulphide, silicate, carbonate, and sulphate ores. Copper extracted from these ores still undergo further processing and purification.