Global Resource Assessments of Primary Metals: An Optimistic Reality Check

• Published in: Natural resources research (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 229 - 240
• Main Authors: Mudd, Gavin M., Jowitt, Simon M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01-04-2018; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Chemistry and Earth Sciences; Computer Science; Depletion; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Fossil Fuels (incl. Carbon Capture); Geography; Mathematical Modeling and Industrial Mathematics; Metals; Mineral Resources; Physics; Resource depletion; Review Paper; Statistics for Engineering; Sustainable Development; base metals; sustainable mining; critical metals; Mineral resources
• ISSN: 1520-7439; 1573-8981
• DOI: 10.1007/s11053-017-9349-0

The mining of primary metals is critical for a range of modern infrastructure and goods and the continuing growth in global population and consumption means that these primary metals are expected to remain in high demand. However, metallic deposits are, in essence, finite and non-renewable—leading to some concern that we may run out of a given metal in the future. Here, we address this concern by presenting a brief review of the reporting of mineral resource estimates, compiling detailed datasets for national and global trends in mineral resources for numerous metals, and present detailed case studies of major mining projects or fields. The evidence clearly shows strong growth in known mineral resources and cumulative production over time rather than any evidence of gradual resource depletion. In addition, the key factors that already govern existing mining projects and mineral resources are certainly social, environmental and economic in nature rather than geological or related to physical resource depletion. Overall, there is great room for optimism in terms of humankind’s ability to supply future generations with the metals they will require.