Mineral Resources, Economics and the Environment

About this book

Written for students and professionals, this revised textbook surveys the mineral industry from geological, environmental and economic perspectives. Thoroughly updated, the text includes a new chapter on technology industry metals as well as separate chapters on mineral economics and environmental geochemistry. Carefully designed figures simplify difficult concepts and show the location of important deposits and trade patterns, emphasising the true global nature of mineral resources. Featuring boxes highlighting special interest topics, the text equips students with the skills they need to contribute to the energy and mineral questions currently facing society, including issues regarding oil pipelines, nuclear power plants, water availability and new mining locations. Technical terms are highlighted when first used, and references are included to allow students to delve more deeply into areas of interest. Multiple choice and short answer questions are provided for instructors online at www.cambridge.org/kesler to complete the teaching package.

Contents

Preface

1. Introduction
2. Origin of mineral deposits
3. Environmental geochemistry and mineral resources
4. Mineral exploration and production
5. Mineral law and land access
6. Mineral economics
7. Energy mineral resources
8. Iron, steel and the ferroalloy metals
9. Light and base metals
10. Technology elements
11. Precious metals and gems
12. Agricultural and chemical minerals
13. Construction and industrial minerals
14. Global mineral reserves and resources

Appendix 1. Minerals, rocks and geologic time
Appendix 2. Ore minerals and materials
Appendix 3. Units and conversion factors

Glossary
References
Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Stephen Kesler is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan and a leading expert in the field of mineral resources. He has taught economic geology for almost 50 years, and has worked with numerous exploration, mining, and energy companies worldwide. His research interests include geology and geochemistry of ore deposits, and mineral exploration and economics.

Adam Simon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan, specialising in economic geology, igneous petrology and geochemistry. He combines field, laboratory and experimental work to investigate the physical and chemical evolution of magmatic systems and the formation of ore deposits.