Mineral resources: A system snalytical and functional approach / Минеральные ресурсы: системный аналитический и функциональный подход

In contrast to the recognized man/machine system of industry, the production process of mineral resources brings about a man/machine/nature system. The dynamic evolution of this system is characterized by a steady increase in the level of human labour. This also means that labour becomes increasingly complex and complicated due to the interaction with increased automation and mechanization. As a result of scientific and technological development, the sizes of the blocks of machines and equipments belonging to the various processes also become larger and production processes are concentrated in space and time. In relation with all these factors, the sum and ratio of human and materialized labour diminish in all phases of the utilization of mineral resources - in extraction and in processing as well. This process naturally calls for rapid evolution of the industrial background connected with the utilization of mineral resources (production of mining machinery and processing equipment). The historical experience that technological development is in the final resort always capable of overcoming economically the difficulties due to the deteriorating natural conditions of world deposits of mineral resources is also related to the connections between scientific and technological development on the one hand and the supply of mineral resources on the other. This is done either by overcoming the natural difficulties by direct technical means or by creating opportunities for extracting and utilizing novel resources capable of replacing existing ones. The general validity of this fact is not challenged by a periodic or temporary breakdown in the equilibrium, which can only be restored with a certain delay. <...>