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Mineral grades: an important indicator for environmental impact of mineral exploitation

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Priester

    (Projekt-Consult GmbH)

  • Magnus Ericsson

    (Luleå University of Technology, ETS/Economics)

  • Peter Dolega

    (Öko-Institut e.V.)

  • Olof Löf

    (RMG Consulting)

Abstract

We have collected and analysed grade information for nine metals: copper, gold, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, PGM, tin, and zinc. Based on this analysis, we have developed a proposal of “grade classes”, i.e., what could be considered low-grade, average-grade, and high-grade deposits for all these metals. We discuss the implications of possible developments into the future of the grades of ores, from which these metals are extracted. A focus on high-grade deposits will naturally reduce the environmental impact of mining. For six metals (copper, gold, iron, nickel, PGM, and zinc), we have further analysed the volumes available for the 10% cohort of projects and operating mines with the highest grades. Three metals (iron, PGM, and zinc) show considerable volumes, between 15 and 20% of total metal content in resources in this high-grade percentile. Copper and gold have between 5 and 10% while nickel has only 1.7% in the highest 10% grade percentile.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Priester & Magnus Ericsson & Peter Dolega & Olof Löf, 2019. "Mineral grades: an important indicator for environmental impact of mineral exploitation," Mineral Economics, Springer;Raw Materials Group (RMG);Luleå University of Technology, vol. 32(1), pages 49-73, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:minecn:v:32:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1007_s13563-018-00168-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s13563-018-00168-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. James West, 2011. "Decreasing Metal Ore Grades," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 15(2), pages 165-168, April.
    2. Friedrich -W. Wellmer & Roland W. Scholz, 2017. "Peak minerals: What can we learn from the history of mineral economics and the cases of gold and phosphorus?," Mineral Economics, Springer;Raw Materials Group (RMG);Luleå University of Technology, vol. 30(2), pages 73-93, July.
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    6. Renaud Coulomb & Simon Dietz & Maria Godunova & Thomas Bligaard Nielsen, 2015. "Critical Minerals Today and in 2030: An Analysis for OECD Countries," OECD Environment Working Papers 91, OECD Publishing.
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