Introduction and General Concepts

Abstract

This chapter explains the concepts and terminology important to mineral resources studies, from exploration to environment and sustainability. Important concepts include mineral resources/reserves classification systems, mining cycle and its main stages, international reporting standards, distribution of mineral resources in the Earth, mineral resources consumption, sustainable development, critical raw materials, mineral resource recycling, trade and markets, and mining as a business, introducing the London Metal Exchange market. A brief history of mining is also described as a starting point for this book.