Discussion: The quantity of metals required to manufacture just one generation of renewable technology to phase out fossil fuels

Speaker:  Professor Simon Michaux, Associate Professor of Geometallurgy, Geological Survey of Finland

Abstract:  The quantity of metal required to make just one generation of renewable tech units to replace fossil fuels, is much larger than first thought.  Current mining production of these metals is not even close to meeting demand. Current reported mineral reserves are also not enough in size. Most concerning is copper as one of the flagged shortfalls.  Exploration for more at required volumes will be difficult, with this seminar addressing these issues.

Bio:  Simon Michaux is an Associate Professor of geometallurgy at the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) in KTR, the Circular Economy Solutions Unit.  He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Physics and Geology and a PhD in Mining Engineering from the University of Queensland's JKMRC.  Simon has over 18 years experience in the Australian mining industry in research and development, 12 months at Ausenco in the private sector, and 3 years in Belgium at the University of Liege researching Circular Economy and industrial recycling.  Work experience in Finland has been at GTK has been in the Minerals Intelligence in the MTR unit, before joining the KTR. Simon's long term objectives include the development and transformation of the Circular Economy into a more practical system for the industrial ecosystem to navigate the twin challenges of the scarcity of technology minerals and the transitioning away from fossil fuels.