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Understanding relative metal prices and availability: Combining physical and economic perspectives

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  • Brett J. Watson
  • Roderick G. Eggert

Abstract

Scientists typically use physical indicators, such as average crustal abundance, and energy requirements in production, as measures of the availability of mineral resources. Economists, on the other hand, typically rely on measures such as prices, and extraction costs. This study investigates the role of crustal abundance, energy requirements, and other physical indicators in determining relative metal prices. The relationship between prices, and physical indicators is estimated statistically for a sample of 22 chemical elements over the period 1970–2013 using an economic market model. The results suggest that energy requirements in production explain 43% of observed variation in metal prices, crustal abundance 21%, and other physical indicators (toxicity, native metal status, and melting point) combine to explain 12% of the observed differences in metal prices.

Suggested Citation

  • Brett J. Watson & Roderick G. Eggert, 2021. "Understanding relative metal prices and availability: Combining physical and economic perspectives," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 25(4), pages 890-899, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:25:y:2021:i:4:p:890-899
    DOI: 10.1111/jiec.13087
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    References listed on IDEAS

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