Description
Book SynopsisStrategic minerals are a major element of resource geopolitics. The US has always provided the umbrella for the West and is now the global policeman on strategic mineral supply. As the global economic system has developed it has become increasingly clear that the geopolitical balance in global mineral supply is focused on the countries of the former Soviet Union, China and South Africa. The entire import list of US non-fuel minerals is examined in the context of import dependence, the criticality of end-use and the vulnerability of sources. This analysis builds up a complete picture of the varying levels of vulnerability for each mineral, allowing lists of both key and marginal strategic minerals to be compiled. The major sources of these minerals and their relative potential problems of supply are considered. These problems range from geopolitical concerns to the monopolistic agency of multinationals and cartels to the mechanistics of sea-line communications. The book concludes with a
Table of ContentsStrategic Mineral Vulnerability.
Strategic Mineral Sources.
The Geopolitical Foci.
Strategic Mineral Geopolitics.
Current Position, Possible Options and General Conclusions.
References.
Index.
