Die Versorgung der Bundesrepublik Deutschland mit mineralischen Rohstoffen und Energieträgern

Abstract

The mining production of the Federal Republic of Germany is, for the geographical size of the country, quite substantial and diversified. Significant export surpluses were even attained in coal, potash salt, and barite. Still, this output falls far short of fulfilling domestic needs in raw minerals for the highly industrialized West German economy. The dependency on foreign suppliers deserves all the more concern as it apparently will increase and as suppliers of key materials such as mineral oil, copper, and phosphate are derived from countries and country groups whose political conditions, legal systems, and economic aims and capabilities do not appear stable. The particularly important materials, petroleum, nonferrous metals, alloy metals, asbestos, and phosphate are obtained almost exclusively from foreign sources which must also be depended on to a great extent even in times of crisis. It also appears doubtful whether geological reserves in supplier countries insure the export of mineral oil, natural gas, and fluorite for enough into the future. Under these circumstances, a systematic attempt to uncover native sources using modern methods is recommendable and does still hold some promise of success. Also recommended is an increase in the number of foreign sources and the preferential treatment of those supplier countries whose willingness and capability to deliver are reasonably guaranteed even in time of crisis. In addition, reserves could be built up to cover short-term difficulties and saving or exchange measures could be implemented. Any attempt to attain autarky, however, could not be successful nor is this recommendable from the economic standpoint.