The effects of population growth and advancements in technology on global mineral supply

•We analyze the changes in global production and consumption for select minerals over a 40 year period.•Analysis shows that the increasing demand on minerals has led to an expansion of supply.•A conservative approach needs to be taken with regards to mineral consumption to maintain future availability at the current levels.

Over the decades concerns have been raised about the future availability of certain essential minerals due to increased rates of population growth and advancements in technology. This paper seeks to assess the current state of global mineral supply, focusing mainly on the food and energy technology industries. Through analysis of global mineral production and consumption over a 40-year period we are able to ascertain that, for the industries in question, the increasing global demand is being met by constantly growing mineral reserves.