Abstract
Mining exploration and development is currently very active in some parts of the world whereas in others, including North America, the industry is experiencing a decrease in activity. This decline is often superimposed on cyclical patterns which are mainly due to changes in metal prices. However, the decline in North America and elsewhere can also be seen to be due to structural changes such as higher energy costs, lower grade ores, increased labor demands, competitive foreign imports of raw and processed metal materials, lower cost operations in other parts of the world, and increased environmental pressures, both public and regulatory. These factors have contributed to mine closures, reduced production, layoffs and a movement of company operations to other countries in the world. The mining industry in North America and many other parts of the world will therefore need to develop and adopt more innovative technologies to prevent the decline, to remain competitive in the future, and to satisfy both domestic and world supply of strategic minerals.
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Lawrence, R.W. (1998). Biotechnology in the Mining Industry. In: Galindo, E., RamÃrez, O.T. (eds) Advances in Bioprocess Engineering. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0643-8_13
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0643-8_13
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