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.

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.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction 2. Materials and the Materials Cycle 3. An Introduction to Earth 4. An Introduction to Sustainability 5. Mineral Resources 6. The Minerals Industry 7. Producing Ores and Concentrates 8. Producing Metals and Manufactured Mineral Products 9. Energy Consumption in Primary Production 10. The Role of Water in Primary Production 11. Wastes from Primary Production 12. Management of Wastes from Primary Production 13. Secondary Materials and Recycling 14. The Future Availability of Minerals and Metals 15. The Future Demand for Minerals and Metals 16. Towards Zero Waste 17. Towards Sustainability