Minerals, Wealth and Progress - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 10

intervention, for example, by the implementation of deposits on cans or bottles which
enhance recovery and recycling. Recycling is also strongly influenced by geography, being
most economic in large population centres where recyclables are available in large quan-
tities. The variance in recycled minerals occurs primarily because the end uses of some
minerals inhibit their effective recovery, and because recycling systems and technologies
are less efficient for some minerals. Further increases in mineral recycling will require
improved product design that facilitates the dismantling of products after their useful life,
increased government commitment, improved recycling infrastructure, as well as a change
of consumer habits ( Case 1.1 ). Although recycling is important, there is an upper limit to
the amount of mineral that it can provide. Mining will still be necessary to meet society's
demand for minerals.

Although recycling is important,
there is an upper limit to the
amount of mineral that it can
provide.

Mineral Flows Vary

While Figure 1.2 is illustrative, mineral flow through most economies differs from the glo-
bal cycle. Large differences exist between countries, as developed countries make a much
greater claim on raw materials than do developing countries. The 20% of the world's pop-
ulation living in rich countries uses, on average, about 50% of the world's mineral reserves.
Rich countries are increasingly reliant on minerals extracted abroad. In most European
countries, domestic extraction of material resources has decreased while imports have
increased as a result of macro-economic restructuring, rising domestic costs of production,
availability of cheaper products from abroad, removal of trade barriers, and increased use
of recycled materials (EEA 2005, Figure 1.3 ). As global markets open further, this trend is
likely to continue.
The scope for opening new mines in developed countries is also decreasing due to the pub-
lic perception that mining is inherently and unavoidably damaging to the environment. As
a result, increasingly large areas in developed countries are now being closed to new mineral
development. This manifestation of the 'NIMBY' (Not In My Back Yard) syndrome imme-
diately leads to the question: Well, if not in your back yard, then in whose? Such restrictions
raise the question of how environmental and economic responsibilities, including both the
responsibility for environmental damage from mining and for providing the world with the
raw materials it needs, can be shared equitably. Developed countries have focused on the
downstream use of minerals, and most of the ores used in developed countries are imported.
Canada and the US are notable exceptions, both continuing to rank high as leading mining
countries. The US and Western Europe are generally the highest minerals consumers per

FIGURE 1.3
Metal Ores: Domestic Extraction and
Imports, EU-15

Million
tons

300

Imports

250

200

Developed countries have focused on
the downstream use of minerals, and
most of the ores used in developed
countries are imported.
Source:
Eurostat/IFF 2004

150

100

Domestic
Extraction

50

0

1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000