This is the first book of peer-reviewed, edited papers that examines the minerals industry in relation to sustainable development. The book takes a proactive, positivist, and solution-oriented approach, while not shying away from the fundamental problems.

This is the first book of peer-reviewed, edited papers that examines the broad subject of the minerals industry in relation to sustainable development. The book takes a proactive, positivist, and solution-oriented approach, while not shying away from identifying the real problems that mining raises in respect to social and economic development, environmental impact, and human development in general.

From the reviews:"Edited by Richards, a noted earth sciences authority, and written by worldwide topical experts, this treasure trove of information on the social impact of mining is ? considered a timely addition to most academic library collections. ? In view of the intended broad readership of students ? each chapter has appropriate text, illustrations, tables, and references. A detailed index supports the book's fundamental reference value. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates as well as all general readers concerned about the environment." (W. C. Peters, Choice, Vol. 47 (10), June, 2010)"Mining, Society and a Sustainable World has a wealth of ? information on today's mineral resources. ? the volume belongs in the library of any university granting degrees in geology or environmental studies. Any economic geologists whose interests extend beyond the particular deposit on which they are currently earning their living will find thebook to be of interest." (Raymond M. Coveney Jr., Economic Geology, Vol. 105, 2010)