Defining Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources

In this course, Dr Frances Cooper (University College London) explores different aspects of mineral resources and mining. In the first module, we think about what mineral resources are, looking at some important definitions, different types of deposit, and what makes a mineral resource economically viable. The second module considers how the global transition to greener energy systems is altering patterns of demand for minerals, and what the impacts of increased global demand for metals might be. In the third module, we outline the tectonic and other physical processes which form mineral deposits, and how this controls their global distribution. The fourth module hones in on the specific case of porphyry copper deposits to explore in greater detail how mineral resources are formed, discovered, mined and processed. We conclude with a fifth module examining issues of sustainability, particularly in the context of increased demand for minerals, and how this might affect the future of mining.

Defining Mineral Resources

In this module, we think about what mineral resources are, looking at some important definitions and distinctions. We focus on: (i) how the term “resource” is defined, and the difference between stock (non-renewable) and flow (renewable) resources; (ii) the classification of naturally occurring concentrations of metals into “mineral deposits” and “ore deposits”, with the latter referring to concentrations which have been assessed as economically viable; (iii) the factors which make a deposit economically viable, including its shape, depth beneath the Earth’s surface, and geographical location; (vi) the distinction between “mineral resources” and “mineral reserves”, with the former being any natural concentration of metals, and the latter those parts of a mineral resource which have been assessed as economically viable; (v) the levels of crustal concentration required for different types of metals to be considered viable, focusing particularly on copper.