Mineral Resources, Economics and the Environment

Written for students and professionals, this revised textbook surveys the mineral industry from geological, environmental and economic perspectives.

Stephen E. Kesler (Author), Adam C. Simon (Author)

9781107074910, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 26 October 2015

446 pages, 255 b/w illus. 51 colour illus. 51 tables
28.3 x 22.4 x 2.7 cm, 1.5 kg

'Mineral resource use has burgeoned in the decades since this classic text first appeared. The authors retain most topics and illustrations in the second edition but thoroughly update reserve numbers, case studies, etc. The new edition is longer but organized in the same manner. Half of the 14 chapters are devoted to general subjects (e.g., exploration and mining law); others are specific to categories of commodities (e.g., precious metals/gems and agricultural/chemical minerals). … The longest chapter concerns (nonrenewable) energy resources, so the authors define the term mineral broadly. New angles include the impacts of recent economic volatility and China's rapid expansion. The authors mention environmental aspects of various mining activities but argue that trade-offs are inevitable at this high level of consumption. Readers may need prior knowledge in [specific] areas but will be rewarded with a succinct overview of the entire mineral resource landscape.' B. M. Simonson, Choice

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Engineering: general [TBC], Economic geology [RBGL], Geochemistry [RBGK], Petrology [RBGG], Geological surface processes [geomorphology RBGD], Geology & the lithosphere [RBG], Environmental economics [KCN]