At the Minerals Resources for Europe conference, 28-29 April 2009 in Prague, identifying critical raw materials in Europe was highlighted as “a priority action” as the continent seeks to secure key industrial minerals within its control.
The list of industrial minerals deemed strategic is growing as the world technological focus shifts. Minerals such as borates, lithium carbonate, and rare earths are in hot demand at present owing to the growing use in hi-tech and chemical applications.
In addition, the use of today’s bigger commodities– minerals such as bauxite, phosphates, and potash – will continue to surge in the...