Energy and Mineral Resource Systems

The supply of energy and raw materials has become an increasingly important topic of public debate. This book is an introduction to the energy and resources systems that influence all of our lives. The authors analyse as a system the role of energy usage in the human environment and discuss the political and economic structure involved. Mineral resources are analysed in terms of international and national systems including a section on the technologies of extraction and production. By considering the historical, political, and economic factors that determine these systems, the authors are able to discuss possible future prospects and solutions to the problem of supply.