ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a cutting-edge, comprehensive overview of present trends, challenges, and opportunities for metal and mineral production and use, in the context of climate change policies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. It focuses primarily on metals and minerals and refers to industrial minerals as well as to oil and gas, but excludes the wider extractive industry sectors such as forestry and water. The book then explores the interactions of metal and mineral resource projects with society, the natural environment, societal groups, internal and external stakeholders. It also explores the significance of emerging technologies that affect the demand and use of minerals for renewable energy generation, green mobility, urban growth, and consumer technologies and goods. The book considers ways in which the mining industries can address sustainability challenges at local and regional levels.
