ABSTRACT
The mineral potential in any area is almost totally determined by geological conditions and not by the degree of aridity. The only major exception are evaporite deposits which are usually found in arid and semi-arid areas. Exploration in jungles, marshes and steep mountain areas are usually much more difficult and more expensive. Often exploration in arid and semi-arid areas, provided they are not very mountainous, is low-cost and comparatively easy. Each semi-arid area has a great potential of containing some minerals for the small miner. The availability of low cost oil and gas and local coal in semi-arid areas could have a significant impact not only on the energy supply of the rural population, but could become the basis for local development. Small-scale mining carried out by technically trained personnel through companies or cooperatives allowing the employment of specialists and modern equipment has a promising future, especially in semi-arid areas and in countries in which minimum government support is forthcoming.
