What are materials such as minerals and forests that can be used for economic gain called?

Materials such as minerals and forests that can be used for economic gain are referred to as natural resources. These are elements found in nature that can be utilized to produce goods and services, contributing directly to economic activities. Natural resources can be renewable, such as forests and fish stocks, or non-renewable, such as minerals and fossil fuels. Understanding the distinction and categorization of these resources is fundamental to economics, as they play a crucial role in production processes and economic development.

In contrast, capital resources typically refer to the tools, equipment, and machinery used in the production of goods and services. Human resources denote the labor force, encompassing the skills and efforts of individuals involved in production. Financial resources pertain to money and other monetary instruments available to individuals or businesses for investment and spending. Each of these categories plays a role in the economy, but when specifically discussing the raw materials derived from nature for economic benefit, natural resources is the appropriate term.