At some point in the future, mining will stop because the energy costs will have become too great. Different kinds of fuel have different qualities. For example, coal contains more energy per pound than wood, which makes coal more efficient to store and transport than wood. Oil is the most important form of energy we use, making up about 38 percent of the world energy supply. No other energy source equals oil's intrinsic qualities of extractablility, transportability, versatility and cost.
Nothing can replace conventional oil, gas, and coal.
Several studies indicate no more than 200 million Americans could be supported at a decent standard of living on solar technologies. In my view, energy is the key to it all. I encourage further discussion.