Mineral resources: Genetic understanding for practical applications / Минеральные ресурсы: генетическое понимание для практического применения

An adequate and dependable nonfuel mineral supply is fundamental to the economic well-being of our industrial society and to our national security. For 20 of the 32 mineral commodities listed in Table 1, the projected cumulative demand by the year 2000 exceeds our domestic reserves.1 For only 3 of these commodities does the United States currently produce as much as it consumes. Even on a worldwide basis, reserves of fully half of the commodities will probably be consumed before the year 2020. Significant new discoveries of at least 6 of the 32 commodities must be made before the turn of the century to sustain their projected rate of use. Fortunately, reserve estimates—by their nature—are conservative, and new deposits certainly will be added to our inventory. On a global scale there appear to be adequate reserves to maintain our economy for the remainder of this century, but the United States can depend on these reserves only if international trade will be continued and expanded. The term “remainder of this century” may imply an unwarranted aura of permanence. It is less than 20 years away, and 20 years is a relatively brief period in which to explore for, develop, and bring into production a major mineral deposit. Moreover, we will need not just one but many such deposits. Whether these new discoveries will be sufficient to sustain future demand is by no means clear. <...>