Exhaustion of mineral resources

Depletion of mineral resources
Long-term shortage of mineral resources

Nature

Industrial development has placed increasing demand on the available mineral resources. These resources are non-renewable and methods of recycling tend to be inadequate.

Incidence

In particular, hydrocarbons and metalliferous ores are extracted without considering long range availability.

Claim

At present rates of consumption, minerals due to run out within 50 years are copper, lead, mercury, nickel, tin and zinc.

Counter-claim

The notion that the exhaustion of mineral resources is a pressing problem is vastly overstated. Technological advancements continually unlock new reserves and improve recycling methods, ensuring a sustainable supply. Moreover, the focus on renewable energy sources is shifting our reliance away from traditional minerals. Society has always adapted to resource challenges, and this trend will continue. Thus, the alarmist rhetoric surrounding mineral resource depletion distracts from more pressing global issues that require our attention and action.