Metals And Minerals

Metals are thermally & electrically conductive solids that are also ductile, malleable, and reflective with low reactivity. A majority of metals occur in mineral-laden ores and over two-thirds of chemical elements are metals. Minerals are inorganic solids possessing a defined chemical structure and precise atomic arrangement. Metals can be broadly classified as ferrous and non-ferrous metals. They can be alloyed with other metals and non-metals to enhance the physical properties of the base metal for various applications. Minerals typically occur as silicates, carbonates, halides, oxides, phosphates, sulfates, sulfides, and native elements. Metals and minerals are commonly used in the automotive, aircraft & aerospace, infrastructure, building & construction, HVAC, agriculture, jewelry, appliances, heavy machinery, equipment, tools, hospitals, shipbuilding, railways, power generation, and chemical downstream sectors.

The key trends influencing metals and minerals are component & equipment lightweighting, streamlining refining processes, automation, decarbonization, particulate matter & pollution reduction, energy utilization efficiency, safety standards & equipment needs, logistical streamlining, price benchmarking, sustainable manufacturing, and recycling.

Drivers:

• Rising adoption of battery & energy technologies in the transport industry
• Strong growth in the construction industry
• The evolution of recycling and the use of secondary materials
• Mineral requirement for clean energy transitions
• Lightweighting of automotive, aircraft & construction components
• A strong push for sustainability and recycling