Forecast of Developments in Domestic Minerals Transport.

摘要

A study was undertaken of the current situation and prospective developments in domestic transport of nonenergy minerals. The four major modes of transport were covered:railroad,highway,water,and pipeline. In the first phase of the study, a metal (copper) and a nonmetal (phosphate rock) were selected and studied in depth. Various problems facing shippers and carriers of these minerals were identified. The second phase of the study expanded the scope to all nonenergy minerals and qualitatively forecast developments into the future. Estimates of increased fuel prices for each mode of transport were applied to assess expected changes in transport cost and modal competition. For some of the key issues facing domestic transport of minerals,possible actions for the Bureau of Mines include further analysis to identify the impact of policy options.