Perusmetalleja

Perusmetalleja is a Finnish term that translates to "base metals" in English. This category generally refers to metals that are more reactive, less valuable, and more abundant than precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. Common examples of perusmetalleja include iron, copper, lead, zinc, and aluminum. These metals are widely used in industry and everyday life due to their availability and properties.

Iron, often in the form of steel, is a cornerstone of construction and manufacturing. Copper is essential for electrical wiring and plumbing due to its excellent conductivity. Lead, despite its toxicity, has historically been used in batteries, paints, and solders, although its use is now more restricted. Zinc is primarily used for galvanizing steel to prevent corrosion and in alloys like brass. Aluminum, known for its lightness and corrosion resistance, is found in everything from aircraft to beverage cans.

The classification of metals as "base" or "precious" is primarily economic and historical, reflecting their relative rarity, intrinsic value, and resistance to corrosion. While precious metals were historically used for currency and ornamentation due to their stability, base metals have always been the workhorses of industrial development. The demand and price of base metals are closely tied to global economic activity and industrial production levels. Their extraction and processing are significant parts of the global mining industry.