Minerals, Metals and Sustainability

Book excerpt: Minerals, Metals and Sustainability examines the exploitation of minerals and mineral products and the implications for sustainability of the consumption of finite mineral resources and the wastes associated with their production and use. It provides a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates the physical and earth sciences with the social sciences, ecology and economics. Increasingly, graduates in the minerals industry and related sectors will not only require a deep technical and scientific understanding of their fields (such as geology, mining, metallurgy), but will also need a knowledge of how their industry relates to and can contribute to the transition to sustainability. Chapters 1 to 3 introduce the concept of materials, how they are used in society and the environmental basis of our existence. Chapter 4 introduces the concept of sustainability and the issues it raises for the use of non-renewable resources. Chapter 5 discusses the geological basis of the minerals industry and Chapter 6 describes the structure and nature of the industry. Chapters 7 and 8 review the technologies by which mineral resources are extracted from the Earth’s crust and processed. Chapters 9 and 10 examine the usage of energy and water. Chapters 11 and 12 survey the wastes resulting from the production of mineral and metal commodities, the human and environmental impacts of these, and how they are managed. Chapter 13 examines the recycling of mineral-derived materials and the role of secondary materials in meeting material needs. Chapter 14 surveys the potential future sources of minerals and the factors that determine long-term supply. Chapter 15 surveys the socio-economic and technological factors that determine the long-term demand for mineral-derived materials and future trends. Chapter 16 discusses how waste can be reduced, or eliminated, through technological developments and socio-political changes. Finally, Chapter 17 addresses the concept of stewardship and the role the minerals industry should play in the ongoing transition to sustainability. Minerals, Metals and Sustainability is an important reference for students of engineering and applied science and geology; practising engineers, geologists and scientists; students of economics, social sciences and related disciplines; professionals in government service in areas such as resources, environment and sustainability; and non-technical professionals working in the minerals industry or in sectors servicing the minerals industry.