How to Sustain Mineral Resources: Beneficiation and Mineral Engineering Opportunities

Abstract

Research Article| October 01, 2017 How to Sustain Mineral Resources: Beneficiation and Mineral Engineering Opportunities Johan P.R. De Villiers Johan P.R. De Villiers 1 Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa E-mail: Johan.deVilliers@up.ac.za Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Johan P.R. De Villiers 1 Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa E-mail: Johan.deVilliers@up.ac.za Publisher: Mineralogical Society of America First Online: 29 Nov 2017 Online Issn: 1811-5217 Print Issn: 1811-5209 Copyright © 2017 by the Mineralogical Society of AmericaMineralogical Society of America Elements (2017) 13 (5): 307–312. https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.13.5.307 Article history First Online: 29 Nov 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Johan P.R. De Villiers; How to Sustain Mineral Resources: Beneficiation and Mineral Engineering Opportunities. Elements 2017;; 13 (5): 307–312. doi: https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.13.5.307 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyElements Search Advanced Search The sustainability of a mineral resource depends, among other aspects, on what the mineral in question will be used for, price fluctuations, future resource requirements, and downstream manufacturing. A balance must be struck between the long-term commitment of developing a mineral deposit against the short-term threats of a changing commercial and social environment. Long-term resource sustainability is dependent both on increased efficiency, which improves profitability, and on revitalizing marginal mines. This is illustrated through breakthroughs in the processing of low-grade copper and refractory gold ores, as well as nickel laterite ores. Retreatment of mine wastes and tailings can also increase the sustainability of mining activity. Ongoing research and development is also helping to sustain mineral resource exploitation. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.