ECO 235 - Economics of Mining and Sustainable Development

Ever stopped to think what’s actually inside your smartphone? Your device contains over 30 minerals - from cobalt mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo to lithium extracted from salt flats in Chile - but what’s the true cost? This course introduces you to the economics of resource extraction, exploring why some resource-rich countries thrive while others struggle with the “resource curse,” and why the race for critical minerals is reshaping global power dynamics. You’ll discover the economics of finite resources, examining how firms and governments interact and balance profit, sustainability, human welfare, environmental pollution, and investigate how mining transforms-or devastates-local communities. From fossil fuels to critical minerals like cobalt and lithium powering our transition to renewable energy, you’ll gain the economic tools to analyze one of the most pressing challenges of our time: Can we build a sustainable future while depending on resources that are running out?

Satisfies Economics major and minor requirement.
Satisfies Environmental Studies major and minor requirement
Satisfies Social-Scientific Thought requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
ECO 101