Strong demand for metals and mineral resources in a sustainable world makes these materials critical to supporting the energy, social and urban needs of a larger, wealthier global population of 9 billion people. Per-capita demand is lower per person than it was in the early 21st century. Consumption is no longer perceived as an indicator of wealth; instead, the concerted focus is on consuming as little as possible while enjoying higher living standards. A “circular” and sharing economy has become engrained in the global culture.
Investors in a sustainable world value and trade metals and mineral resources based on a shared understanding of and commitment to economic and social development. The mining and metals markets are more diverse. Exchanges in Latin America and Africa play a key role in the global economy. For all investors, the factors once considered externalities, such as environmental efficiency and social impact, are incorporated into the value of goods, creating a “true cost”. Life-cycle assessments are an integral component of determining value, and sustainably managed metals and mineral resources are considered premium investment opportunities.
| Ore Types | Gold Ores | Nickel Laterites | Titanium and Vanadium Ores | Silver Lead Zinc Ores | Base Metal Sulphides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Recovery | Gold and silver | Nickel and cobalt | Titanium, vanadium and iron | Silver, lead and zinc | Base and precious metals |
| Ore Types | Oxidized, mixed and sulphide ores either separately or together (high flexibility). Refractory, carbonaceous, free-milling ores, old tailings and low-grade ores (~1g/tonne) | All laterite profiles, either separately or together (high flexibility). Low grade ores (~0.8% Ni). Particularly effective for high-Mg saprolites | All Vanadium profiles, either separately or together (high flexibility) | Sulphide and oxide ores | Massive sulphides, old tailings, arsenical ores |
| Secondary Recovery | Platinum group metals, iron as hematite, copper, rare metals (gallium, scandium, indium, rare earths, etc. | Iron as hematite, magnesium as oxide, aluminum as oxide, rare metals such as scandium | Iron as hematite, alkali metals | Platinum group metals, iron as hematite, copper, rare metals (gallium, scandium, indium, rare earths, etc. | Platinum group metals, iron as hematite, copper, rare metals (gallium, scandium, indium, rare earths, etc. |
| Pre-Treatment | No need for fine-grinding of ore | No need for fine-grinding of ore | No need for fine-grinding of ore | No need for fine-grinding of ore | No need for fine-grinding of ore |