Opportunities in global mineral resources

Abstract

The trends of increasing mineral production are likely to continue as global population and standards of living rise. Opportunities for exploration and metallurgical research are particularly interesting for certain mineral commodities. With 19% of the global population and a growing economy, China is a leader in the production of many commodities but needs to import many others. India has 17% of the world’s population and is an emerging major producer and consumer. Those commodities with high prices relative to their abundance, large markets, and limited production from China (<19% of the global total) are likely to be most attractive. These include gold, platinum-group elements, uranium, lithium, cobalt, niobium, nickel, chromium, titanium, potassium, and iron.