Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 6.4 Kryptonite the
mineral that steals
Superman's strength, has the
composition
LiNaSiB
3
O
7
(OH), identical
to that of jadarite, a Li
mineral in an ore prospect in
Serbia
and many other types of deposit are known in other areas. Possible sources include
hectorite (a Li-rich clay), geothermal fluids, oilfield brines, and eventually seawa-
ter, which contains about 0.17 ppm of Li. at present, the metal cannot be exploited
economically from this source but it is conceivable that future technological
developments will make this possible. Finally Rio Tinto's prospect in the Jadar
Valley of Serbia must be mentioned, not because it is likely to be a major
contributor to the global Li market but because the host mineral jadarite has the
composition LiNaSiB
3
O
7
(OH) - identical
to that of Superman's kryptonite
(Fig.
6.4
).
6.4 Mining and Mineral Exploration in the Future
The graphs reproduced in Chap. 1 starkly illustrate the challenge faced by the
global minerals industry. As world population increases and as people in the third
world aspire to a lifestyle like that in developed countries, the demand for metals
will increase. We have argued that more efficient development of existing deposits,
the opening of new mines and the discovery of new resources will meet this
demand. If the trends that have persisted over the past century continue,
improvements in mining methods and in extraction technology will allow metals
to be extracted from deposits with lower grades than those currently mined, or from
deposits in more hostile or remote locations. The tapping of underwater deposits
such as metal-rich nodules on the seafloor will, sooner or later, provide a vast
additional source of metals such as Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo and Mn, and the mining of
Search WWH ::
Custom Search