The gradual depletion of low cost (or ''high grade'') mineral ores is generating increasing extractive costs and diminishing economic returns. The market reacts to this situation either with high prices, which depress demand, or with very low prices (as it is happening at present) that reduce or eliminate profits for the extractive industry, which is forced to reduce production. As a consequence, it is becoming increasingly difficult to manage the remaining mineral resources in such a way to ensure a sufficient supply for the economy and to avoid price shocks originated by the vagaries of the market or by social or strategic conflicts. This is particularly important for critical and rare metals, such as those needed by the electronic industry and for vital tasks such as the conversion and the transmission of electrical energy produced by renewable (e.g. photovoltaic) plants. One possible reaction to these problems is stockpiling, that is keeping mineral resources stored above ground and readily available in order to provide a buffer against price and supply shocks. The present paper discusses several ways in which the market of mineral resources could evolve, in particular the concept of a ''metal bank'' that could be used to manage the supply of rare and sensitive minerals.

Wenn sogar Großunternehmen sich zusammentun, um über eine gesicherte Rohstoffversorgung zu beraten, ist die Lage ernst. Doch nicht nur die Versorgung gibt zur Besorgnis Anlass — vielmehr scheint das gesamte Marktsystem des Rohstoffhandels aus den Fugen geraten zu sein.

Abbauwürdige Metallvorkommen befinden sich überwiegend in Staaten, deren Wohlverhalten oder deren politische Stabilität nicht sicher ist. Die Politik begreift nur langsam den Ernst der Lage und hofft auf die Selbstorganisation der Wirtschaft. Einer Erpressung durch die Rohstoffstaaten haben einzelne Länder und erst recht Unternehmen nichts entgegenzusetzen.

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