860-0015-00L  Supply and Responsible Use of Mineral Resources I

SemesterSpring Semester 2018
LecturersC. A. Heinrich, F. Brugger, S. Hellweg, C. Karydas, B. Wehrli
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish


AbstractStudents critically assess the economic, social, political, and environmental implications of extracting and using energy resources, metals, and bulk materials along the mineral resource cycle for society. They explore various decision-making tools that support policies and guidelines pertaining to mineral resources, and gain insight into different perspectives from government, industry, and NGOs.
Learning objectiveStudents will be able to:
- Explain basic concepts applied in resource economics, economic geology, extraction, processing and recycling technologies, environmental and health impact assessments, resource governance, and secondary materials.
- Evaluate the policies and guidelines pertaining to mineral resource extraction.
- Examine decision-making tools for mineral resource related projects.
- Engage constructively with key actors from governmental organizations, mining and trading companies, and NGOs, dealing with issues along the mineral resource cycle.
Prerequisites / NoticeBachelor of Science, Architecture or Engineering, and enrolled in a Master's or PhD program at ETH Zurich. A half-semester course offered from February 20th to April 26th. Students must be enrolled in this course in order to enrol in the case study module course 860-0016-00 Supply and Responsible Use of Mineral Resources II.