Showing papers in "Minerals & Energy - Raw Materials Report in 2008"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an overview of the market for steel scrap (or ferrous scrap) for steelmaking, and a simple theoretical discussion of scrap markets is outlined, and constitutes the basis for this paper.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the market for steel scrap (or ferrous scrap) for steelmaking. A simple theoretical discussion of scrap markets is outlined, and constitutes ...
20 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the performance of the regulatory regime for foreign mining investment in the Philippines and outline policy recommendations for the Philippine government, which, if implemented, are likely to improve the governance infrastructure in the sector and, in turn, reduce regulatory risk for foreign miners and attract more foreign investment.
Abstract: This paper assesses the performance of the regulatory regime for foreign mining investment in the Philippines. Based on this, it outlines policy recommendations for the Philippine government, which, if implemented, are likely to improve the governance infrastructure in the sector and, in turn, reduce regulatory risk for foreign mining investors and attract more foreign investment. The main argument is that the poor performance of the governance structures in the Philippine mining sector is behind the high level of regulatory risk for foreign mining investment, and the low levels of foreign investment. After outlining the relevant theoretical frameworks essential for the assessment of the performance of the regime, the article maps the regulatory regime governing foreign mining investment in the Philippines by summarizing the major rules and regulations, institutions (rule‐makers and regulators) and stakeholders in the Philippine mining industry. This is followed by the assessment of the performance of the...
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduce elements of a global governance regime for sustainable resource management, arguing that such an approach is needed to combat the negative impacts arising from resource extraction and use as well as to overcome the co-ordination problems of decentralized action.
Abstract: This article introduces elements of a global governance regime for sustainable resource management. It argues that such an approach is needed to combat the negative impacts arising from resource extraction and use as well as to overcome the co‐ordination problems of decentralized action. A first section summarizes main conflicts arising from limited access to natural resources and security of supply, environmental impacts and the performance of resource‐rich developing countries. A second section analyses existing initiatives for sustainable resource management such as resource funds, efforts to increase transparency, programmes in development co‐operation, standards and certification, material efficiency and resource productivity as well as efforts to limit the consumption of natural resources. Though these initiative have their merits, the article concludes that more systematic institutional mechanisms are needed. The third section introduces those institutional mechanisms: it describes the Internationa...
12 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the correlation and synchronization of cycles in real prices of aluminium, copper, lead, tin, zinc, gold and silver from January 1947 through to July 2008 were investigated.
Abstract: This paper investigates the correlation and synchronization of cycles in the real prices of aluminium, copper, lead, tin, zinc, gold and silver from January 1947 through to July 2008. Standard correlation coefficients show strong correlations between all pairs of these prices, but this measure is difficult to interpret because it combines both the amplitude, duration and timing components of the movements in prices. The duration and timing of the cycles are measured separately using several cycle identification techniques. The co‐movements among the cyclical indicators from all these methods show very strong synchronization. We reject the hypothesis that these metal prices move independently of each other. This result indicates that there may be a ‘common cycle’ to real metal price movements and implies that price risk for producers and consumers of these metals is mostly systematic, or non‐diversifiable.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors quantified material flows of refined copper production and environmental pressures along the pyro-and hydrometallurgical paths for Chile and Germany and distinguished the inventories for involved unit processes by region and most commonly applied technologies, including electric power supply.
Abstract: World primary copper production is expected to increase due to growing demand. Reflecting the geographical divergence of copper deposits and demanding industries, copper is produced by various production paths, differing in regional and technological aspects and related environmental pressures. For the mitigation of environmental pressures related to global material flows and a more sustainable resource management, policy makers, producers and buyers require information on regional resource efficiencies and effects of the key processes within the global production chain. This study quantifies material flows of refined copper production and environmental pressures along the pyro‐ and hydrometallurgical paths for Chile and Germany. Inventories for involved unit processes are distinguished by region and most commonly applied technologies, including electric power supply. Different production paths are compared by environmental pressure indicators (primary energy requirements, total material requirements, wat...
8 citations
TL;DR: An overview of royalty collection on major minerals in India is presented in this article, where an attempt has also been made to compare the rate for calculation of royalty in India with that in selected countries of the world.
Abstract: Economic rent is the basic rationale for mineral royalties. Conceptually, royalty is a payment made by the mining lessee to the state (the owner of the mineral) as a consideration for the mineral which the lessee extracts and sells or uses in their own plant. In India, a royalty on major minerals is charged on both a unit of production basis and on an ad valorem (specified percentage of sale value) basis. The royalty on minerals is always a focal point for government as well for industry. Any change in the royalty rate drastically affects the fiscal performance of the mining industry. This paper provides an overview of royalty collection on major minerals in India. An attempt has also been made to compare the rate for calculation of royalty in India with that in selected countries of the world.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the need for regulations will likely grow when more wind power is built in the power system, as it is difficult to forecast wind power production and make accurate production plans.
Abstract: Regulating power is needed to compensate for unplanned deviations from production and consumption plans. The transmission system operator (TSO) in each country is responsible for keeping the electric system balanced, and activates regulation if needed to keep the frequency in the network stable. The need for regulations will likely grow when more wind power is built in the power system, as it is difficult to forecast wind power production and make accurate production plans. By using data on wind power prognosis errors from the West Danish power system, a need for regulating power in the Swedish system is predicted, with 4000 MW of new wind power installed. An attempt is made to forecast pricing on regulating power in Sweden based on the need for regulating power along with other aspects. The results show that the regulating power market energy turnover increases together with the monetary turnover following the large‐scale installation of wind power.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the important role of transmission system operators (TSO) in the development of the internal electricity market is discussed, and the key question is how to get the former national entities to broaden their scope, including the values that trade across former closed borders may realize.
Abstract: The important role of transmission system operators (TSOs) in the development of the internal electricity market is the main issue in this paper. The key question is how to get the former national entities to broaden their scope, including the values that trade across former ‘closed’ borders may realize. Further, the incentives to take an active part in the ongoing structural change concerning generation are discussed: For example, more wind power in the system may require more generation (and transmission capacity in certain areas as well as generation capacity for regulation). On the regulatory side it is reasonable not only to state a supranational goal, but also to follow it with legislation and a European entity empowered to take action furthering the objectives. This paper attempts to emphasize the importance and tools for changing governance, making it aimed at accommodating a path towards a sustainable integrated European electricity market.
2 citations
TL;DR: An overview of coal reserves in the US and an analysis of the coal industry's historical data with respect to the number of mines, total production, productivity, number of employees, and safety and environmental records are provided in this article.
Abstract: The coal mining industry is a vital economic sector for many countries including the United States (US). Coal is the primary fuel for electricity generation in the US and it is the cheapest and most abundant source of energy. The production of coal increased significantly from 573 million tonnes in 1978 to nearly 1.1 billion tonnes in 2006. This paper provides an overview of coal reserves in the US and an analysis of the coal industry's historical data with respect to the number of mines, total production, productivity, the number of employees, and safety and environmental records. It then discusses the issues challenging the coal industry regarding its future, including accurate estimation of reserves, regulatory limitation on carbon dioxide emissions, mine workers' safety, mine productivity, and resource optimization, as well as current efforts to address them.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyse how power generation technology choices will be affected by climate policy and conclude that carbon policy will affect new investments in renewable power technologies in both Sweden and Eastern Europe, but it is difficult to provide a comprehensive assessment of the future power generation technologies mix.
Abstract: The overall purpose of this paper is to analyse how power generation technology choices will be affected by climate policy. Special attention is paid to the dissemination of renewable power technologies following climate policy initiatives in Sweden and Eastern Europe. An overall conclusion is that carbon policy will affect new investments in renewable power technologies in both Sweden and Eastern Europe, but it is difficult to provide a comprehensive assessment of the future power generation technology mix. In the Swedish case, it is suggested that in general it is not certain that compliance with the Kyoto commitments implies substantial increases in renewable power sources. If, therefore, renewable power sources are favoured for reasons beyond climate policy, additional policy instruments will be needed. In the Eastern European case it is indicated that although it is clear that the Eastern European countries are not homogeneous in terms of CO2 abatement potential and costs, no single country emerges a...