It'd be logical if refining ores reduced the space and weight they took up, which would mean a remote mining operation would make more sense. Hauling ingots rather than ore back to base would be sensible.

Likewise, it'd make sense if preparing food made it lighter and easier to store. I'd like to make up big batches of food, but the raw materials take up less space rather than more, so prepared food actually bloats your storage space. Be nice if a stack of deer stew or whatever was MORE space efficient, not LESS.

Of course, Real life mining and smelting is a dirty, messy business. And food spoilage would be a realistic mechanic too, and I can't say I miss it...