Metals, Energy and Sustainability [electronic resource] : The Story of Doctor Copper and King Coal /
Golding, Barry.author.
Golding, Suzanne D.author.
This book explains how and where copper and fossil fuels were formed and the likely future for the extraction of copper and coal. The colourful chronology of our efforts to extract metals from minerals and energy from fossil fuels is presented from earliest times until the present day. The difficult concept of human sustainability is examined in the context of continually decreasing real prices of energy and metals. This book integrates the latest findings on our historic use of technology to continually produce cheaper metals even though ore grades have been decreasing. Furthermore, it shows that the rate of technological improvement must increase if metals are to be produced even more cheaply in the future.
Includes bibliographical references at the end of each chapters and index.
Introduction - Dr Copper and King Coal -- Properties of Copper and Coal -- Copper and Coal through the Ages -- Metals Energy and Sustainability -- Conclusion -- Index.
This book explains how and where copper and fossil fuels were formed and the likely future for the extraction of copper and coal. The colourful chronology of our efforts to extract metals from minerals and energy from fossil fuels is presented from earliest times until the present day. The difficult concept of human sustainability is examined in the context of continually decreasing real prices of energy and metals. This book integrates the latest findings on our historic use of technology to continually produce cheaper metals even though ore grades have been decreasing. Furthermore, it shows that the rate of technological improvement must increase if metals are to be produced even more cheaply in the future.
Mineral resources.
Energy policy.
Energy and state.
Sustainable development.
Econometrics.
Fossil fuels.
Mineral Resources.
Energy Policy, Economics and Management.
Sustainable Development.
Econometrics.
Fossil Fuels (incl. Carbon Capture).