Challenges to global mineral resource security and options for future supply

Lusty, P. A. J. & Gunn, A. G. (2014) Challenges to global mineral resource security and options for future supply. Geological Society London Special Publications. 265-276.

As global population and standards of living rise, so does the demand for new technologies and innovation that require a range of minerals and the metals that they offer. While this paper recognises the challenge of meeting this demand, the authors make it clear that these needs should be met provided sufficient innovation and investment in science, research, and technology.

Advances in understanding of the geography and formation of mineral deposits has opened new possibilities for sourcing and extraction in previously inaccessible environments such as the deep seabed. Creating efficient, low GHG emitting mining and refining processes must be prioritised to make the most of existing resources and to seek out the new supplies that the global community needs.

The full paper can be found here.