CHAPTER 2: Sustainability of geological resources and energy transition

One of the most critical challenges for our society, and especially for the European Union, is the assurance of a sustainable supply of mineral raw materials needed for the technological revolution and for a secure surplus of green energy (Lusty & Gunn, 2015). The exploitation of geo-resources has played a central role in the development of our civilization, from the earliest stone tools and arrow-heads to the hydrocarbons that fueled the industrial revolution and recently to the critical metals that enable electronic miniaturization or low-carbon energy generation. The economic, energy and technological transition that is taking place is producing a significant change in the supply and market of mineral raw materials and the disposal of its associated waste (Grandell et al., 2016). Despite technological advances leading to more efficient use and recycling and substitution (Giurco et al., 2014), the demand for geological resources is steadily increasing and is predicted to continue like that far into the next future as global population growths, demand for energy increases and standards of living raise (Rosenau-Tornow et al., 2006; Tilton 2015). This unavoidable need is in open contrast with the increasing limitations, especially in the western world, to the exploration, opening and development of mines following the “Not in my Backyard” doctrine. This is changing the rules of mine exploration and industry is moving towards more predictive models that induce less social and environmental stress