Sustainable Use of Rocks and Minerals
Meaning of Sustainability
Sustainable use means using resources to meet present needs without reducing the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
Biological resources (forests, fisheries) can regrow.
Rocks and minerals are non-renewable, so they will eventually run out.
Need for Sustainable Use
Rocks and minerals are finite resources.
Human societies must use them carefully and efficiently.
Sustainable development considers:
Environmental factors
Economic factors
Social factors
Aim: maximum benefit with minimum environmental damage.
National laws and international agreements promote sustainability.
Limits of Sustainability
Growing world population makes complete sustainability difficult.
Best possible goal:
Prolonged use of resources
Limited environmental damage
Maximum benefit to society
Use of Substitutes
Scarce materials can sometimes be replaced.
Example:
Copper (used for electricity) can be replaced by fibre-optic cables made from silica, which is more abundant.
Strategies for Sustainable Use
1. Efficiency of Extraction
Underground coal mining extracts only 55–70% of coal.
Open-pit mining is more efficient than underground mining.
Improvements include:
Re-processing mine waste
Chemical extraction of leftover minerals
Biological extraction using microorganisms
Better mining machines and computer data analysis
Surface mining has greater potential for improved efficiency.
2. Efficiency of Use and Recycling
Recycling reduces the need for new extraction.
Metals can be recovered and reused with less energy.
Examples:
Recycling cars, steel cans, cookers
Designing products using less metal but same strength
Governments encourage recycling through laws.
Example:
WEEE Directive (EU, 2002) makes manufacturers responsible for recycling electronic goods.