Minerals, Metals and Sustainability

Minerals, metals and sustainability inspects the utilisation of minerals and mineral products and the consequences for sustainability of the consumption of finite mineral resources and the wastes related with their manufacture and usage. It delivers a multi-disciplinary approach that incorporates the physical and earth sciences with the social sciences, ecology and economics. Nowadays, the use of minerals is common in everyday items such as toothpaste, eyeglasses and some life saving hospital equipments. With the growth of the mining industry and development of advanced extraction techniques, more areas are being identified and selected for extraction of minerals. Abandoned land mines, mining in open areas, drilling for all- all these activities, if unplanned and not environmently-friendly also affects human health. This has led to concerns regarding the impact that mining has on the ecological health of the region and the people living in the area. Different methods of mining have different impacts on the environment. Sustainable development is the need of the hour if we are to provide a secure future for future generations. The book should be of great valuable for practising engineers, geologists and scientists; 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.