Minerals

The quest for minerals has without doubt brought wealth and civilization and accelerated development to many parts of the world. Mature industries need resources for sustainability, and, once they have been depleted in one location, more must be found (usually elsewhere). Although one may question the motives and methods of those involved in early mining operations, their tenacity and determination should never be underestimated. For once the initial enthusiasm of being a pioneer miner had given way to the dull but enduring glow of reality; progress followed quickly in the footsteps of these first buccaneers (Darling, P, 2011).