Can the earth's mineral reserves run out? (2024)

The earth's crust is a treasure trove of minerals that form the backbone of our industries, technologies, and daily lives. From iron and copper to rare earth elements like terbium and neodymium, minerals play a pivotal role in manufacturing and innovation.

However, what if one day run out of all the earth's minerals? As rampant and excessive mining continues, the challenges posed by potential shortages and the delicate balance between human needs and environmental consequences.
Abundance of Minerals:

Earth's crust is teeming with minerals, and some, like iron, constitute a significant portion of the planet's composition, making up around 32 per cent of the crust.
Despite the continuous extraction of minerals over the years, the world's reserves have not depleted as one might expect. Technological advancements and evolving mining processes have allowed us to access previously untapped resources, ensuring a constant supply of essential minerals.

Mineral reserves are not static; they adapt to factors like estimated consumption and advancements in production capabilities. The 20th century witnessed increased mineral supplies, even as we utilised them at an accelerated pace. For instance, copper defied depletion predictions as extraction methods improved, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the mining industry.

While the earth may not run out of minerals per se, the possibility of mineral shortages remains a constant concern. The demand for various minerals, driven by technological advancements, prompts the opening of new mines, technological innovations, and lower standards for ore quality.

The increasing use of diverse minerals, especially in high-tech applications like computer chips, raises the stakes for potential shortages.
The Cryolite Dilemma:

The case of cryolite, once crucial in aluminium production, exemplifies how shifting technologies can render certain minerals obsolete.

Greenland, home to the last viable cryolite deposits, saw its mine close in the 1980s due to alternative processing techniques. While small cryolite veins still exist globally, the economic impracticality of extracting a mineral with diminishing industrial relevance discourages further mining efforts.

Certain minerals, like manganese and lead, play irreplaceable roles in manufacturing, with reserves ensuring a stable supply. However, challenges arise with minerals such as rare earth elements (terbium, dysprosium, neodymium) essential in green technologies. Environmental concerns associated with their extraction and limited profitable deposits create a precarious situation.

The dominance of China in rare earth element mining, coupled with lax environmental regulations, has led to concerns about the environmental impact of extraction. In 2010, China's export restrictions triggered a 40 per cent cut in rare earth mineral exports, spurring global efforts to find alternative solutions.

Innovations, such as recycling neodymium from electronic waste, showcase how technological ingenuity can mitigate reliance on scarce resources.

The pendulum is gradually swinging back toward domestic production, evidenced by the reopening of mines like Mountain Pass in California. As environmental awareness grows, companies are exploring alternative methods and recycling initiatives to reduce dependence on environmentally detrimental extraction processes.

While the earth's mineral wealth seems inexhaustible, the challenges lie in balancing our material desires with responsible resource management. The journey from cryolite to rare earth elements underscores the importance of sustainable practices and technological innovations in securing the planet's mineral future. The quest for a harmonious coexistence between human progress and environmental preservation becomes paramount as we navigate these challenges.