PREFACE
Although defined differently by different people, sustainability represents a growing concern about the adequacy of mineral resources to meet future demands and do so without unacceptable environmental degradation. Sustainable development challenges earth scientists to communicate more clearly the physical limitations and economic importance of mineral supply. It also challenges us to communicate more clearly how mining affects the environment and how environmental damage can be minimized. But better communication alone is not sufficient. Ultimately, sustainability challenges earth scientists to develop better data and to provide the scientific basis necessary for public policy and environmental management.
Applying the concept of sustainability to mineral resources raises questions that differ from sustainability of renewable substances such as food or timber. Part of the problem is a lack of understanding of the nature and dynamics of mineral resources. And this lack of understanding extends to many geologists as well as to other professions. To help clarify this subject, the Committee on Earth Resources held an informal workshop at its meeting on November 15, 1994. This report summarizes information and ideas discussed at that workshop.
The aims of both the workshop and this report are first to examine the concept of sustainability as it pertains to mineral resources and mining, and second to suggest how earth scientists can contribute more effectively toward the goals of sustainability as it applies to resource depletion and environmental concerns.
