Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank and make a meaningful sentence.

A concerted effort has to be made in order to use our mineral resources in a planned and ________ manner.

sustainable

The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is sustainable.

The sentence is about using mineral resources in a way that does not deplete them. The word "sustainable" means able to be maintained at a certain rate or level. In this context, it means using mineral resources in a way that does not use them up faster than they can be replenished.

The other options are not as appropriate.

• Reserved means set aside for a particular purpose. It does not make sense in the context of the sentence, because the mineral resources are not being set aside for a particular purpose.
• Collected means gathered together. It does not make sense in the context of the sentence, because the mineral resources are not being gathered together.
• Preserved means kept safe from harm. It does not make sense in the context of the sentence, because the mineral resources are not being kept safe from harm.