People have been digging in the ground for useful minerals for thousands of years. Mineral materials are the foundation of modern industrial society. As the global population grows and standards of living in emerging and developing countries rises, the demand for mineral products is increasing. Mining ensures that we have an adequate supply of the raw materials to produce all the components of modern life, and at competitive prices. Innovation is central to meeting the diverse challenges faced by the mining industry. It is critical for developing techniques for finding new deposits of minerals, enabling us to recover increasing amounts of minerals from the ground in a cost-effective manner, and ensuring it this is done in a way that is as environmentally responsible. This book provides the first in-depth global analysis of the innovation ecosystem in the mining sector. This book is Open Access.

‘This book uses patents as a proxy for innovation to offer a comprehensive examination of the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned in various countries, as well as at the global level. As such, it will be essential reading for policymakers as well as company decision-makers in the sector.’

Tom Butler - Former President and CEO International Council on Mining and Metals

‘Mining, the most ancient of industries, faces ever-higher technological hurdles in providing the raw materials needed for the transition to Industry 4.0, the infrastructure of global supply chains and communications, and the building of a new sustainable economy. This book is a timely contribution, commendable for placing innovation in mining industries centre-stage in helping us understand the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.’

Simona Iammarino - London School of Economics and Political Science

‘This analysis, looking through the lens of intellectual property, makes it clear just how critical technological development has been to the success of the mining sector as we know it today. A rich source of deep insights for policy makers, industry players and academia alike.’

Stephen McIntosh - Former Group Executive Growth & Innovation, Rio Tinto

‘This book is a robust contribution and illustrates that turning mining into a driver for change, through research, innovation and development of new industries with the generation of value and knowledge, is a multidimensional challenge.’

Francisco Orrego B. - Former Vice-minister of Mining, Republic of Chile

‘Innovation in mining is not only relevant to ensure a sustainable supply of raw materials for our society but is also a cornerstone to meet global climate goals and unlock development opportunities for hosting communities. This book provides important policy takeaways to understand and promote innovation in mining and attain these multiple objectives.’

Andres Sanabria - Coordinator, Mining Regions and Cities Initiative, OECD