Issues Related to Improving Technological Innovation in the Mineral Industries

摘要

This report makes recommendations on how the United States might better use the R&D resources and skills that currently exist and those that might be created to improve the rate of development and application of new technologies to help ensure domestic supplies of minerals. There are two essential requirements of technological innovation: (1) people and the necessary means to carry out each stage of the innovation process, and (2) an appropriate climate for undertaking the entire process. The report particularly cites the need for large-scale demonstration projects before major investment decisions can be made as being characteristic of these industries. This study examines the problems of declining innovation in mineral supply technology in the United States and looks at ways in which technological innovation can be stimulated through actions of the professional societies. It discusses federal government programs and policies pertaining to industrial innovation and examines approaches to technological innovation both in the public and private sectors. For the purpose of this report minerals are considered to be the solid minerals and excludes petroleum, natural gas, helium and water. Thus, the 'mineral industries' upon which this report focuses include those which produce metallic, nonmetallic, and solid-fuel minerals (coal and uranium) and mineral-derived products.