Major factors affecting exploitation of mineral resources in the world are as follows:
- Richness or Grade of the Ore: The abundance or otherwise the absence of minerals determines in a large measure their commercial exploitation. Ores vary in their metal content. Generally, the higher-grade ores are more economic to work, not only because they yield large amount of metal but also because their higher metal content makes them easier and cheaper to smelt.
- Size of Deposit: The size of deposit is important because mining requires a large amount of expensive equipment. It will not be worthwhile to provide such equipment to work a deposit which will run out in some months. Small- scale working is only profitable for precious minerals.
- Method of Mining: The method of mining depends on the mode of occurrence of the ores. The open-cast mining is the cheapest, while shaft mines are very expensive. The cost of mining also depends on the scale of operations. If the mining has been done at a large scale, the capital and running costs can be offset.
- Accessibility: The accessibility of a region where the mineral deposit occurs is of great significance. The terrain and climate determine accessibility which helps or hinders the mining operations.
- Transportation Facilities: For a successful mining, transportation facilities are very essential because they are bulky. Not only for the mining but it is also necessary for mined ores to be transported at the sites of their use. They are thus costly to transport.
- Stage of Industrial Development: The stage of industrialisation of a country is the general index of the exploitation of her mineral wealth. In fact, mineral exploitation is cumulative in the industrial cycle. The vast mineral resources of China, India and Brazil almost remained neglected till they marched on the path of industrial development.
- Technology: Technological changes pertaining to mining methods, manufacturing processes and the like may change once worthless deposits are converted into esteemed commercial ores. With the help of remote sensing techniques, one can estimate the reserves of mineral resources of a region(“Factors Affecting Exploitation of Mineral Resources around the World,” 2014).
Mineral wealth lies beneath, but its exploitation is a complex interplay of economics, technology, environment, society, and politics. What single factor do you believe poses the biggest hurdle to responsible and sustainable mineral development today? Share your perspective in the comments!
