Abstract

World Mineral Supplies: Assessment and Perspective examines some of the issues in the debate about whether there is an impending global shortage of mineral resources and whether technology and exploration can meet the needs of a rapidly growing rate of mineral consumption in the world. The geologic and economic factors that determine the demand for and the availability and distribution of mineral resources and reserves are discussed, and the future of mineral resource supplies is considered.
Comprised of 14 chapters, this volume places emphasis on the technical problems of assuring adequate mineral supplies for the future. The discussion begins by analyzing the complexities and confusion that color much of the discussion about the size and adequacy of world mineral supplies, focusing on the importance of distinguishing between "resources" and "reserves". The next chapter deals with the creation of reserves from resources as a function of price, cost, ore grade, and technology. Subsequent chapters explore the physical and chemical factors that determine the absolute abundance and the actual availability and distribution of resources; the actual geographic distribution among countries of mineral supply and demand; and trends in energy consumption and supply. Conservation of minerals and of the environment and mineral exploration and technical cooperation in developing countries are also treated in considerable detail, along with deep mining techniques and UNDP-assisted projects in geology and mineral resources.
This book will be of interest to economists, social scientists, geologists, mining engineers, and mineral technologists.