Mineral Economy 1300-WGEW-GEP

The discussion of relationships between geology and economy. Worldwide and national market for mineral raw materials are interrelated. The lecture introduces the relations between these segments, geologic and economic factors influencing the value of a mineral deposit. Presented is the pricing system used in the international trade of mineral raw materials, role and organization of raw material exchanges, international organizations of producers and exporters of mineral raw materials, forms of the market organization. The geographical distribution of mineral deposits is analysed, their main producers, exporters and importers. The market changes concerning particular materials and their prices are analyzed both in their historical context (changes in usage depending technological progress) as well as in the political context. The lecture is especially helpful for those wishing to work in the widely understood sector of mineral raw materials. This sector in Poland still awaits many changes to adapt it to conditions of the market economy, with especially dynamic competition.