Abstract:
In view of the finiteness of mineral resources, the geologist will be faced with
increasing responsibilities to ensure a worthy existence for mankind in future.
Considering the problems associated with a shortage of certain resources,
geology is expected to develop in two broad directions. As a basic science,
geology will only develop significantly by liasing closely with other disciplines
and by participating in internationally coordinated projects. Interdisciplinary
cooperation will provide a better insight into the processes operating in and
on the earth, which is essential in the understanding of ore-forming processes
and consequently also in defining target areas for future exploration programmes.
As an applied science, geology will have to fulfill an increasingly
important function in, firstly, the development of techniques for the exploration
and exploitation of minerals and metals from the earth's crust, secondly,
investigations of foundations in the construction sector and, thirdly, long-term
and environmental planning aspects, seeing that it is the geologist who has
the knowledge of the distribution not only of the known mineral deposits
of strategic minerals but also of those rock formations that may become
potentially important ore bearers of the future.
