LETTER TO THE EDITOR: ELEMENTS NOT MINERALS

How many times have you seen this headline: “Critical minerals — such as nickel, cobalt, uranium, lithium, and rare earths?” These are NOT minerals.

Numerous media writers, journalists, websites, publications, and reporters need a lesson on science as nickel, cobalt, uranium, lithium, and rare earths are elements NOT minerals. A check of the periodic table confirms this.

This misuse of the term “critical mineral” has now become common and essentially adopted into government policies, press releases, and probably regulations.

Minerals are made up of elements which when processed produce the much-needed elements (whether critical or not) that are integrated into various products used by everyone. Based on the theme “what have you done today that did not involve a mineral?” I refer you to articles published in the Canadian Mining Journal, 2024, November issue: page 39 and the Dec./Jan. issue: page 38. These articles deal with minerals.

By using the wrong terminology, the authors of such headlines are essentially showing the readers and public-at-large incorrect science.

Bruce Downing, M.Sc., PGeo, FGC, FEC (hon), Langley City, B.C.

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