This contribution deals with the topic of sustainably supplying society with mineral raw materials. The concept of sustainability is discussed in general and in particular within the context of non-renewable mineral raw materials. It is shown that mineral deposits are anomalies in the earth crust and the result of specific processes which resulted in the concentration of valuable mineral matter in a confined space. Mineral bodies are volumes of mineral matter of such quantity and quality that these can be extracted profitably. Since the market value of the mineral matter and the cost of extraction change with time, it follows that the profitability of extraction will also change with time and hence the reserve situation will also change with time. This dynamic economic situation has major implications for operating mines and strongly influences mining operations and sustainability.The issue of sustainable mineral raw material extraction is discussed at three levels, namely mine level, national level, and European level. At the mine level, the emphasis is on searching for minerals, developing the area for extraction and finally extraction. The availability of fully developed extraction areas is critical. On a national level, the National Geological Survey is responsible for providing sufficiently detailed geological information to enable mining companies to launch prospecting activities for establishing new mines. For minerals which are not naturally available in the country the national body or government may enter into negotiations with other countries to secure access to such minerals. At the European level, the emphasis has been on creating an awareness for the importance of mineral raw materials for the future development of Europe. The legislative framework has been established, and the relevant European acts have been promulgated.The next section of the contribution deals with education and research concerning mining and minerals. It is shown that, over the past thirty years, mining in Europe and the associated activities at university level have declined substantially. Famous mining universities such as the Royal School of Mines in London or the Mining School at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne have been closed. Most other mining universities in Western Europe operate on a much reduced scale and some can be considered to be subcritical. Against this background a number universities have joined forces and offer multiple MSc courses such as the “The European Mining Course” (RWTH-Aachen-Germany, Aalto University-Helsinki-Finland, Montanuiversität Leoben, Austria) As far as research is concerned, the research laboratory of the National Coal Board at Bretby no longer exists, CERCHAR in France has been reduced and Bergbauforschung in Germany is hardly involved in mining research. At the European level, a number of broad based research programs have been launched under the heading “sustainable”. However, these programs lack focus and do not really address the key issues faced by the European minerals industry. All these dilute the limited research resources at universities. For reasons mentioned already, most of the EU funded projects are joined efforts by a number of universities. The contribution discusses in some detail what kind of research is needed to address the sustainability issues in the minerals industry. The important role of professional organizations such as the “Austrian Mining Association” is highlighted. This association provides a forum for regular exchange of information amongst industry experts.The final section deals with the question as to where to go from here. It concludes that efforts to ensure long term sustainability of the raw minerals supply on the basis of circular economy measures is unrealistic and additional measures will have to be implemented. The most promising route to follow would be a change in the global value system which is not based on material values alone.

Betrachtungen zur Frage der Nachhaltigkeit in der Mineralrohstoffindustrie

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2025年7月2日

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H. Wagner

摘要

This contribution deals with the topic of sustainably supplying society with mineral raw materials. The concept of sustainability is discussed in general and in particular within the context of non-renewable mineral raw materials. It is shown that mineral deposits are anomalies in the earth crust and the result of specific processes which resulted in the concentration of valuable mineral matter in a confined space. Mineral bodies are volumes of mineral matter of such quantity and quality that these can be extracted profitably. Since the market value of the mineral matter and the cost of extraction change with time, it follows that the profitability of extraction will also change with time and hence the reserve situation will also change with time. This dynamic economic situation has major implications for operating mines and strongly influences mining operations and sustainability.

The issue of sustainable mineral raw material extraction is discussed at three levels, namely mine level, national level, and European level. At the mine level, the emphasis is on searching for minerals, developing the area for extraction and finally extraction. The availability of fully developed extraction areas is critical. On a national level, the National Geological Survey is responsible for providing sufficiently detailed geological information to enable mining companies to launch prospecting activities for establishing new mines. For minerals which are not naturally available in the country the national body or government may enter into negotiations with other countries to secure access to such minerals. At the European level, the emphasis has been on creating an awareness for the importance of mineral raw materials for the future development of Europe. The legislative framework has been established, and the relevant European acts have been promulgated.

The next section of the contribution deals with education and research concerning mining and minerals. It is shown that, over the past thirty years, mining in Europe and the associated activities at university level have declined substantially. Famous mining universities such as the Royal School of Mines in London or the Mining School at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne have been closed. Most other mining universities in Western Europe operate on a much reduced scale and some can be considered to be subcritical. Against this background a number universities have joined forces and offer multiple MSc courses such as the “The European Mining Course” (RWTH-Aachen-Germany, Aalto University-Helsinki-Finland, Montanuiversität Leoben, Austria) As far as research is concerned, the research laboratory of the National Coal Board at Bretby no longer exists, CERCHAR in France has been reduced and Bergbauforschung in Germany is hardly involved in mining research. At the European level, a number of broad based research programs have been launched under the heading “sustainable”. However, these programs lack focus and do not really address the key issues faced by the European minerals industry. All these dilute the limited research resources at universities. For reasons mentioned already, most of the EU funded projects are joined efforts by a number of universities. The contribution discusses in some detail what kind of research is needed to address the sustainability issues in the minerals industry. The important role of professional organizations such as the “Austrian Mining Association” is highlighted. This association provides a forum for regular exchange of information amongst industry experts.

The final section deals with the question as to where to go from here. It concludes that efforts to ensure long term sustainability of the raw minerals supply on the basis of circular economy measures is unrealistic and additional measures will have to be implemented. The most promising route to follow would be a change in the global value system which is not based on material values alone.