Mining has become a crucial part of our every day lives. Although we most likely are not associated with the industry we use materials that result from mining everyday. A world without minerals would have been a world without cars, trains, airplanes etc. We’d be unable to do what exactly we’ve without those important minerals. We won’t be able to reside in secure buildings/structures as everything will then have to be made out of wood. This is not at all a world we can envision today as our lives revolve around these comforts/ necessities of life. These are not the only material things we would have to go without, things for example TV’s, computers and food, yes food.
If we look at the future of mining it is evident that we cannot go without this industry as well as therefore become an ever expanding industry. As the mining industry has progressed in to the twenty-first century, it is producing higher value products (products with lower costs and superior qualities) that enable continued economic development and the extensive use of conservative and advanced products and energy resources to sustain the world’s growing populace and rising markets in developing and industrialized countries. Developing countries have embraced the notion that the mining industry and their products provide the standards for measurement of nation growth. As the mining industry invites in economic growth and development, countries have welcomed it. The companies are achieving this vision by encircling all elements of mining (exploration, development, production, processing, utilization, recycling, disposal and the associated transportation systems).
As technology keeps on expanding and people gain more knowledge and experience in this industry it will only get better from there. Individuals have said that the mining industry wont survive the “digital age” because technology will be able to cancel out the minerals we cherish. The “digital age” only promises that individuals will have easier life styles compared to working from an office they will be able to fit everything in from the comfort of their own homes. What people don’t see is how we get to that point. We will only be capable of geting there through the expansion of computers and the internet amongst other things.
The mining industry will only improve using the emerging technologies by increasing productivity and reducing occupational hazards. The mining industry does, however, suffer when global economic climate seems a bit dull. If we all experience recession before these new technologies arrive we are going to have a problem. As proven in the past the mining industry suffered during recession because of the high costs involved in the processes. With new technology these high costs will be cut.
Mining is an industry that will change yes, but it’ll never “die” as the “digital age” lurks nearby. Everything that we use emanates from this industry and this should be something people should put money into and expand on. Mining has become characterised as dangerous being an occupation and environmentally unfriendly. This has changed significantly over time and will be non-existent in a few years.
Tags: mining
