Camborne School of Mines contributes to Critical Metals Handbook

Called the Critical Metals Handbook, the book is destined to become the ‘go-to’ reference source and will provide an excellent introduction to our most critical metallic elements. It has been edited by BGS metals expert Gus Gunn and has contributions from world-leading experts, including a chapter on Rare Earth Elements by Professor Frances Wall of Camborne School of Mines.

Mankind is using a greater variety of metals in larger quantities than ever before and ensuring secure and sustainable supplies has become a global issue. Uncertainties focus on the future supply of a group of ‘critical metals’ which are crucial in manufacturing, but vulnerable to supply disruption. The new Critical Metals Handbook has been produced in response to these concerns. This is a world-first textbook which provides a general introduction to this important topic, and gives more detail on 13 metals which are vital in the delivery of new digital and low-carbon technologies including smart phones, photovoltaics and electric cars.

The book provides a unique source of authoritative information on diverse aspects of the critical metals, including geology, deposits, processing, applications, recycling, environmental issues and markets. It is aimed at a broad non-specialist audience, including professionals and academics working in the exploration and mining sectors, in mining finance and investment, and in mineral processing and manufacturing. It will also be a valuable reference for policy makers concerned with resource management, land-use planning, eco-efficiency, recycling and related fields.