What is the primary function of a refinery?

The primary function of a refinery is to convert crude oil into valuable products. Refineries process crude oil, which is an unrefined fossil fuel, through various methods such as distillation, cracking, and reforming. This conversion process allows refineries to produce a range of valuable derivatives including gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, jet fuel, heating oil, and petrochemicals used in the production of plastics and other materials.

Given this context, while the other options refer to distinct processes related to different types of resources or energy generation, they do not align with the core function of a refinery. Converting natural gas into liquefied products focuses on gaseous hydrocarbons rather than crude oil, extracting minerals pertains to mining activities, and producing biomass originates from organic materials rather than petroleum-based products. Thus, the conversion of crude oil stands out as the definitive and primary function of a refinery, underscoring its role in the energy sector and the production of transportation fuels and other essential chemical products.