The Mining Rush in the 21st Century

Dynamics and Outlooks for 2050
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-041-38569-1
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 360 Seiten, Format (B × H): 178 mm x 254 mm

The Mining Rush in the 21st Century: Dynamics and Outlooks for 2050 is a geopolitical analysis that explains how the global energy transition and the digital revolution are creating massive demand for strategic metals such as lithium and cobalt, forcing humanity to extract more resources in 25 years than in its entire history to combat global warming, while highlighting the risks of dependence, environmental challenges and opportunities for Africa. The book covers a broad spectrum, from the urgency of time – with a critical window of action closing in 2032 – to the vulnerabilities of supply chains, dominated by China (85% of rare earths) and the DRC (70% of cobalt). It highlights the paradox of the green transition: to save the planet from global warming, metals must be extracted on a massive scale, posing colossal technical, environmental, social and ethical challenges. The scope extends to technological innovation (AI in prospecting, seabed mining), Africa's pivotal role in sustainable development beyond the colonial extractive model, and projections up to 2050. Aimed at a diverse audience – researchers, students, decision-makers, NGOs – the book includes more than 50 graphs, case studies (e.g. scandals in the DRC), expert boxes and a glossary for accessibility. It stands out for its holistic approach, combining field expertise, quantitative data (IEA, USGS) and concrete solutions for responsible governance, bridging the gap between geopolitical and technical analyses. It also anticipates post-2025 trends to guide the securing of global supplies.

Zielgruppe

Postgraduate, Professional Practice & Development, and Professional Reference

Autoren/Hrsg.

Saturnin, Obambi Djoni

Fachgebiete

• Technische Wissenschaften Sonstige Technologien | Angewandte Technik Bergbau, Hüttenwesen
• Technische Wissenschaften Bauingenieurwesen Technische Dynamik (Modalanalyse), Erdbebensicherheit
• Geowissenschaften Umweltwissenschaften Umwelttechnik
• Technische Wissenschaften Technik Allgemein Industrial Engineering
• Technische Wissenschaften Bauingenieurwesen Bauingenieurwesen
• Technische Wissenschaften Maschinenbau | Werkstoffkunde Technische Mechanik | Werkstoffkunde
• Technische Wissenschaften Bauingenieurwesen Baukonstruktion, Baufachmaterialien
• Technische Wissenschaften Bauingenieurwesen Boden- und Felsmechanik, Geotechnik
• Technische Wissenschaften Technik Allgemein Technik: Allgemeines
• Technische Wissenschaften Umwelttechnik | Umwelttechnologie Umwelttechnik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Part I. CURRENT OVERVIEW OF THE GLOBAL MINING SECTOR. 1. The Mining Rush on the Horizon for 2050. 2. Mining Technologies and Practices in 2025.  Part II. TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL TRANSFORMATIONS.  3. Recycling and the Circular Economy in Metals. 4. Contemporary Environmental and Social Issues. 5. Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Digital Twins in Mining. 6. Sustainable Mining and Carbon Footprint Reduction. 7. Key Players and Areas of Tension in Mining.  Part III. Global Governance and Geopolitical Realignments. 8. International Governance and Supply Security.  9. Advanced Automation and Artificial Intelligence in Mining Operations by 2035–2045.  10. Geopolitical Scenarios: International Tensions and Cooperation.  11. Climate Change Adaptation and Resource Management. 12. The Role of Africa and Emerging Countries in the Global Mining Rush. 13. The Role of Africa and Emerging Countries: The Human Factor, Social Innovations, and Outlook for 2050. 14. Mines of the Future: Emerging Technologies and Revolutionary Innovations. 15. Integrated Global Governance for a Fair Mining Sector.  Part IV. Radical Perspectives and Scenarios for 2045–2050. 16. New Economic and Financial Models for 2050. 17. Global Challenges and the Role of Minerals in Post-2050 Society. 18. Revolutionary Mining Projects: Technologies, Communities, and Geopolitics.  Part V. Technology and Entrepreneurship. 19. The Role of Start-ups, Emerging Technologies, and Future Innovations in the Global Mining Transformation. 20. African Minerals: From Raw Rock to High Technology. 21. International Initiatives for a Responsible Mining Sector. General Conclusion.

Über Autor(innen)

Obambi Djoni Saturnin is an internationally renowned multidisciplinary expert in the solid mining sector, with over 25 years of operational experience deployed across four continents — Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia. A mining engineer, he graduated from the Higher Institute of Metallurgy of Moa (Cuba, class of 2000), and also holds a Master in Business Administration (E-MBA) from Atlantic International University (Honolulu, USA), a Diploma in Gemmology from the Montreux School of Gemmology (Switzerland), a Certificate in Mining Legal Expertise and a Diploma in Mining Planning Engineering from the Virtual University of Gabon (UNIVIGA), as well as a Certification as a Mining Financial Analyst. Obambi Djoni Saturnin, an ESG expert certified by the International ESG Institute & Carbon Credit Certification Board (2024), has established himself as an essential reference in extractive governance, forward-looking analysis of carbon credits, digital transformation of mining operations and negotiation of high strategic value international contracts.