OPPORTUNITIES IN GLOBAL MINERAL RESOURCES WITH A FOCUS ON THE GREEN ECONOMY (Invited Presentation)

Demand is high for nearly all mineral commodities, including those needed for a low-carbon economy. With the world’s largest population, China can be expected to produce more mineral resources than any other country. It also fills much of the global demand for many mineral resources and for products produced from them. Those commodities with high prices relative to their abundances, large markets, and limited production from China are likely to be most attractive for exploration and development. These include lithium, cobalt, nickel, chromium, gold, silver, iron, titanium, potassium, and uranium. Environmental and social issues, at local to global scales, and changing green technologies will also affect the list of elements that are most attractive.