Depletion of the non-renewable natural resource reserves in copper, zinc, lead and aluminium production

Depletion of the world's copper, zinc, lead and aluminium resources is examined using Cumulative Exergy Consumption (CExC) and thermo-ecological cost concepts. Due to a short projected term of availability of the copper, zinc and lead resources (20-30 years) and unavoidable consumption of primary energy (oil, coal, natural gas) the problem of efficiency and economics of the currently used and future technologies is important. It is important that the metallurgy industry is efficient because it can be a significant contribution to Gross National Product and energy consumption in countries where metal production occurs. For example, to get the maximum value from copper deposits, the proper and most efficient technology (of many) should be chosen. The authors proposed a minimum value of Cumulative Exergy Consumption (CExC) as the criterion for the recommended technology. Based on this criterion we conclude that, for example, pure copper cathode production by flash smelting technology is the best technology.