Mineral grades: an important indicator for environmental impact of mineral exploitation

Michael Priester (), Magnus Ericsson (), Peter Dolega () and Olof Löf ()
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Michael Priester: Projekt-Consult GmbH
Magnus Ericsson: Luleå University of Technology, ETS/Economics
Peter Dolega: Öko-Institut e.V.
Olof Löf: RMG Consulting

Mineral Economics, 2019, vol. 32, issue 1, No 4, 49-73

Abstract: Abstract We have collected and analysed grade information for nine metals: copper, gold, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, PGM, tin, and zinc. Based on this analysis, we have developed a proposal of “grade classes”, i.e., what could be considered low-grade, average-grade, and high-grade deposits for all these metals. We discuss the implications of possible developments into the future of the grades of ores, from which these metals are extracted. A focus on high-grade deposits will naturally reduce the environmental impact of mining. For six metals (copper, gold, iron, nickel, PGM, and zinc), we have further analysed the volumes available for the 10% cohort of projects and operating mines with the highest grades. Three metals (iron, PGM, and zinc) show considerable volumes, between 15 and 20% of total metal content in resources in this high-grade percentile. Copper and gold have between 5 and 10% while nickel has only 1.7% in the highest 10% grade percentile.

Keywords: Ore grades; Environmental impact; Mineral availability; Mineral deposits (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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DOI: 10.1007/s13563-018-00168-x

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