Rare metals are uncommon, nonferrous metals used in small quantities or derived from geographically restricted areas. Many are considered strategic commodities, essential for high technology sectors.
The external trade balances of many industrialized and developing countries depend on the availability of rare metals. Therefore, these countries want a secure supply of these materials at competitive prices. The United States government considers a number of rare metals essential for high-technology industries, for reducing carbon emissions, and for national security. Similarly, several rare metals are highlighted in the 2010 “Review of Critical Raw Materials for Europe,” spearheaded by the European Commission.
To further educate the geological community about rare metals, the British Columbia Geological Survey (BCGS), in partnership with the Pacific Section of the Geological Association of Canada (GAC) and Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), is organizing an international workshop on the geology of these metals to be held in Victoria, B.C., on Nov. 9-10, 2010.
The emphasis will be on rare earth elements (lanthanides, yttrium and scandium) and on niobium, tantalum, lithium, beryllium and zirconium resources. The workshop will include scientific and technical presentations on ore deposits, mineralizing processes, applied mineralogy, exploration methods, metallurgical constraints, mines and markets.
To register or for more information, contact George Simandl ( george.simandl@gov.bc.ca; 250- 952-0413) or www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geosc ience/Pages / REEWorkshop2010.aspx
Be the first to comment on "BCGS, GAC, GSC offer rare metals workshop"