Natural Resources of Germany (1850–1914)

During its rapid industrialization, Germany relied on abundant domestic minerals:

• Coal – Ruhr Valley, Silesia, Saxony (primary energy source).
• Iron ore – Siegerland, Harz Mountains (steel production).
• Copper – Mansfeld region.
• Lead – Harz Mountains, Black Forest.
• Zinc – Harz Mountains, Rhineland.
• Silver – Harz Mountains, Black Forest.
• Gold – Minor deposits in Black Forest, Harz.

Extensive forests supplied timber; fertile agricultural land produced wheat, rye, and potatoes.