Minerals, Metals and Sustainability examines the exploitation of minerals and mineral products and the implications for sustainability of the consumption of finite mineral resources and the wastes associated with their production and use. It provides a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates the physical and earth sciences with the social sciences, ecology and economics. Increasingly, graduates in the minerals industry and related sectors will not only require a deep technical and scientific understanding of their fields (such as geology, mining, metallurgy), but will also need a knowledge of how their industry relates to and can contribute to the transition to sustainability. Chapters 1 to 3 introduce the concept of materials, how they are used in society and the environmental basis of our existence. Chapter 4 introduces the concept of sustainability and the issues it raises for the use of non-renewable resources. Chapter 5 discusses the geological basis of the minerals industry and Chapter 6 describes the structure and nature of the industry. Chapters 7 and 8 review the technologies by which mineral resources are extracted from the Earth’s crust and processed. Chapters 9 and 10 examine the usage of energy and water. Chapters 11 and 12 survey the wastes resulting from the production of mineral and metal commodities, the human and environmental impacts of these, and how they are managed. Chapter 13 examines the recycling of mineral-derived materials and the role of secondary materials in meeting material needs. Chapter 14 surveys the potential future sources of minerals and the factors that determine long-term supply. Chapter 15 surveys the socio-economic and technological factors that determine the long-term demand for mineral-derived materials and future trends. Chapter 16 discusses how waste can be reduced, or eliminated, through technological developments and socio-political changes. Finally, Chapter 17 addresses the concept of stewardship and the role the minerals industry should play in the ongoing transition to sustainability. Minerals, Metals and Sustainability is an important reference for students of engineering and applied science and geology; practising engineers, geologists and scientists; students of economics, social sciences and related disciplines; 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.

Mining is a transformative activity which has numerous economic, social and environmental impacts. These impacts can be both positive and adverse, enhancing as well as disrupting economies, ecosystems and communities. The extractive industries have been criticised heavily for their adverse impacts and involvement in significant social and environmental scandals. More recently, these industries have sought to respond to negative perceptions and have embraced the core principles of sustainability. This sector could be regarded as a leader in sustainability initiatives, evident from the various developments and frameworks in mining and sustainability that have emerged over time. This book reviews current topical issues in mining and sustainable development. It addresses the changing role of minerals in society, the social acceptance of mining, due diligence in the mining industry, critical and contemporary debates such as mining and indigenous peoples and transit worker accommodation, corporate sustainability matters such as sustainability reporting and taxation, and sustainability solutions through an emphasis on renewable energy and shared-used infrastructure. Written by experts from Australia, Europe and North America, but including examples from both developed and developing countries, the chapters provide a contemporary understanding of sustainability opportunities and challenges in the mining industry. The book will be of interest to practitioners, government and civil society as well as scholars and students with interests in mining and sustainable development.

The pressure is on to enhance corporate reputations, achieve higher operational efficiency, improve planning and control, gain access to mineral resources, build trust with stakeholders, attract financing, recruit and retain a quality workforce, and lower costs. Sustainable Management of Mining Operations provides a holistic, practical approach to achieving these goals. The key, say the authors, is to create a culture within the organization that recognizes the value of sustainability by effectively integrating economic, environmental, and social considerations. Each section of this book focuses on sustainable management from a different perspective, management level, or stage of the mine life cycle. You'll benefit from real-life, practical insights from 27 internationally respected authors whose job titles have encompassed everything from CEO to master mechanic.

Sustainable practices within the mining and energy sectors are assuming greater significance due to uncertainty and change within the global economy and safety, security, and health concerns. This book examines sustainability issues facing the mining and energy sectors by addressing six major themes: Mining and Mineral Processing; Metallurgy and Recycling; Environment; Energy; Socioeconomic and Regulatory; and Sustainable Materials and Fleets. Emphasizing an integrated transdisciplinary approach, it deliberates on optimizing mining productivity and energy efficiency and discusses integrated waste management practices. It discusses risk management, cost cutting, and integration of sustainable practices for long-term business value. It gives a comprehensive outlook for sustainable mineral futures from academic and industry perspectives covering mine to mill optimization, waste, risk and water management, improved efficiencies in mining tools and equipment, and performance indicators for sustainable developments. It covers how innovation and research underpin management of natural resources including sustainable carbon management. •Focuses on mining and mineral processing, metallurgy and recycling, the environment, energy, socioeconomic and regulatory issues, and sustainable materials and fleets. •Describes metallurgy and recycling and uses economic, environmental and social parameter analyses to identify areas for improvement in iron, steel, aluminium, lead, zinc, copper, and gold production. •Discusses current research on mining, performance indicators for sustainable development, sustainability in mining equipment, risk and safety management, and renewable energy resources •Covers alternative and conventional energy sources for the mineral sector as well water treatment and remediation and energy sustainability in mining. •Provides an overview of sustainable carbon management. •Offers an interdisciplinary approach with international focus.