Sustainability of non-renewable resources: the case of marble in Macael (Spain)

Carretero-Gómez, Anselmo and Piedra-Muñoz, Laura (2021): Sustainability of non-renewable resources: the case of marble in Macael (Spain). Published in: The Extractive Industries and Society , Vol. 8, No. 2 (June 2021): p. 100876.

Abstract

This study analyzes the evolution of a region whose economy is based on marble—a natural, non-renewable resource—which has also managed to improve its protection of the environment. A development plan promoted by the local government in the 1980s made it possible to assess local extraction companies and provide them with better technology, consequently increasing the yield of reserves and the quality of the final product, while also extending the life cycle of the deposit. Furthermore, new companies began to emerge which made use of materials that had previously been discarded. Finally, investments in research were responsible for introducing new artificial composite substitutes to the market. These actions have helped to reduce product extractions and improve its sustainability.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Sustainable development, natural resources, mining production, marble, Macael.
• Subjects: Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q0 - General > Q01 - Sustainable Development; Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q3 - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation; Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q3 - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation > Q31 - Demand and Supply ; Prices; Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q3 - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation > Q34 - Natural Resources and Domestic and International Conflicts

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