Theoretical and Technical Framework of the “Full-scale Mineral Resource System”

With significant changes in global mineral resource patterns, the traditional concept and scope of mineral resources have been challenged, necessitating a re-examination. In response to the current severe mineral resource situation, this study, along with domestic and international production practices, explores the scope of mineral resources and defines the concept, extent, and composition structure of the “total mineral resource system”. This study summarizes the three major properties and proposes a research technical route of “resource perspective –intelligent evaluation–scientific utilization” for total mineral resources. It discusses and proposes several research methods for the total mineral resource system, such as total resource perspective technology based on the occurrence state, a three-dimensional evaluation method for the availability of production mines, an intelligent evaluation technology for the availability of unexploited mining areas, and evaluation methods for the availability of recycled resources. These methods aim to provide a theoretical and methodological support to objectively grasp the status of mineral resources and maximize the resource’s guarantee capacity.