ISSN:
0016-7835
Keywords:
Key words Mineral commodity trends
;
Mineral commodity supply
;
Mineral commodity demand
;
Mineral commodity market
;
Reserves
;
Resources
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract The analysis of various factors influencing mineral availability documents future short-and long-term mineral-commodity supply trends. The lifetime of reserves, the development of the relative importance of production centres and the forecasting of the depletion of a resource base are mainly geological factors, although the category “reserves”, in contrast to “resources”, is determined by technical and economical aspects. These three factors govern the short-and long-term supply of mineral commodities. The intensity-of-use factors and the growth rate of consumption are variables related to the demand of mineral commodities. They influence the decision of companies for certain commodities as targets for exploration and investment in production centres. Both factors control the short-to medium-term mineral supply. Finally, the lead time to production is a technical variable, although influenced by ore deposit type, and controls short-term mineral availability.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s005310050142
Permalink