Mining the Arctic

The pros and cons

Summary: The polar region north of the Arctic Circle has sparked renewed interest among mining companies, as it holds so-called “world class” deposits of diamonds, gold and base metals. The problems and prospects there are described in this report on the basis of numerous projects. High standards have to be applied in these projects.

1 Introduction

As a result of climate warming, the average temperature on the earth’s surface has increased by just 0.6 °C in the last two centuries. This figure is the reason why there are still doubters of global warming, even among scientists. However, in order to understand climate warming and its consequences, it is sufficient to consider what is happening in the Arctic and the north polar region [1]. The north polar region comprises the area north of the Arctic Circle at latitude 66° 33’ 55” north. The distance to the north pole is only 2602 km, while the length of the polar circle is...

Related articles:

Issue 11/2018 Trend reversal

Metal ore mining in Europe

1??? Introduction It‘s been over 150 years since Europe dominated the mining industry. Measured by the production of metal ores, Europe still accounted for 62?% of world revenues in 1860. However,...

more
Issue 05/2019 Prospects and trends

North America’s mining industry in the spotlight

1? Introduction In 2018, global exploration budgets for non-ferrous metals increased by 19?% to approximately US$ 10.1 billion (bn) from US$ 8.5 bn in 2017. This is the result of an analysis of...

more
Issue 12/2011

Iron ore mining in Australia

Wirtgen Surface miners are main mining equipment

Cut costs; improve product quality – the advantages of selective mining The mining industry is the key driver of economic growth. Conventional mining methods involving drilling and blasting were...

more
Issue 10/2011

Recovery

Canada’s mining industry experiencing an upswing

1 Introduction In comparison with the Euro countries, Canada’s economy suffered little damage during the recent global economic crisis. The average real economic growth was 2.1?% between 2000 and...

more
Issue 10/2010

Trends in Down Under

Overview of the mining industry in Australia

1 Mining as an economic factor Australia has only 22.4 million inhabitants. At the beginning of 2010, the number of persons in employment was 11 million and the per capita income was above...

more