This textbook provides an introduction to the field of mineral economics and its use in understanding the behaviour of mineral commodity markets and in assessing both public and corporate policies in this important economic sector.

1. Introduction Part 1: Mineral Economics: A Conceptual Framework 2. Demand 3. Supply 4. Markets and Prices Part 2: Public Policy 5. Public Policy, Rents, and Taxation 6. Mineral Commodity Trade and Comparative Advantage in Mining 7. Market Power and Competition Policy 8. Mining and Economic Development 9. Depletion and Scarcity 10. The Environment and Sustainable Development

John E. Tilton is a Research Professor in the Division of Economics and Business and a University Professor Emeritus at the Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA. He is also a Professor in the Department of Mining Engineering at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile as well as a Resources for the Future University Fellow.

Juan Ignacio Guzmán is Chief Executive Officer of GEM Ltda., an industrial engineering company that advises the mining industry in management and economics, and of BOAMINE SpA, provider of software solutions for the mining industry. He is also Assistant Professor in the Department of Mining Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.