This title is also available as a softcover edition. Since the 1st edition of this book was
published both science and practice of economic geology have advanced in great strides.
Improvements in understanding the Earth's process systems that form raw material deposits are
reflected in this revised second edition. The scientific ambition of the book is to place the
extraordinary variability of mineral deposits into the framework of fundamental petrogenetic-
geological process systems. The book covers the entire field of geology applied to mineral
deposits including industrial minerals coal and hydrocarbons. Illuminating insights for
example can be gained from sediments rich in organic matter that are primarily source rocks
of conventional hydrocarbons but also host unconventional oil and gas and metal deposits.
Numerous individual mineral deposits are presented as practical examples covering reserve
figures ore grade origin and geological characteristics. The principles of searching for ores
and minerals (exploration) the study and valuation of newly found deposits and environmental
issues are treated in a separate chapter. The overview character enforces waiving much detail
but for compensation ample cross-references and references to web and printed sources are
provided. The number of humans on our globe continues to increase and standards of living
improve rapidly. Both contribute to a steadily rising consumption of raw materials. Economic
geology is a central actor in satisfying this growing demand by exploration and mining and by
mediating social and environmental impacts. The text also discusses related issues that arise
during the life cycle of a mine and after its closure with an emphasis on sustainable and
'green' mining. Worldwide students and teachers of economic geology and related disciplines
will find the great lines of thinking and tangible information throughout the book. For
professionals in mining and exploration in intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations
(NGOs) the service sector and state administrations current professional practice is
introduced. About the Author Walter L. Pohl is Emeritus Professor and former Dean of the
Department of Geosciences at the Technical University of Braunschweig Germany and a longtime
consulting geologist in economic engineering and environmental geology. For more information
visit his homepage at http: www.walter-pohl.com.
