Natural Distribution of Metals and Some Economic Effects

Ian D. Macgregor
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Ian D. Macgregor: University of California, Davis

The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 1975, vol. 420, issue 1, 31-45

Abstract: The concentration of metals into ore bodies amenable to exploitation results from the integration of geological processes occurring over billions of years. The heritage of wealth represents a nonrenewable resource which is eventually depleted, usually in periods of less than a few hundred years. Examples from the industrialized nations show a typical cycle of production rising to a peak and eventually dropping to zero. On a world scale, a comparable history is predicted, and estimates indicate that few metals have total reserves that can extend beyond 200 years. The limit in metal resources poses a threat to the consumer-oriented societies now dominant and increasing in the world. Technical advice can predict the shortages and adequately pose short term solutions. However, viewed from a longer time base, the only solution to eventual metal shortages is through a major restructuring of the socio-economic base of consumer-oriented societies.

Date: 1975
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:anname:v:420:y:1975:i:1:p:31-45

DOI: 10.1177/000271627542000104

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