Factors Affecting the Sustainable Secure Supply of Minerals

Abstract

Sustainability is one of the most challenging concepts in the global mining industry. The purpose of this is to limit the harmful effects of mineral extraction on the environment and at the same time to meet the present and future needs of civilization. Therefore, we should blaze the path leading to sustainability and supply security, as well as identify the factors affecting these concepts. Thus, in this paper, the main factors are listed and defined. They are divided into two main categories: the positives and the negatives. The positives are the longevity of the minerals' mining, the index of the annual met need, the environmental-social condition of the resources, and the condition of the resources in friend countries. Also, the negative ones are the harmful chemicals released, the energy required per ton of minerals, annual CO2 emitted per ton, and recyclability. Accordingly, the factors can be used to make a strategic plan for the future of the minerals supply of a country. So, the framework developed leads the authorities to find the solutions to the sustainability of minerals' supply and increase the security of mining productions.