One of the important outcomes of this situation has been the recent rapid development of German lignite production, based on newly worked-out methods of treatment and utilization.
By taking over Alsace-Lorraine, France acquires about 70 per cent of the iron ore reserves and annual production of Germany. This production was in minor part smelted locally,—the larger part moving down the Rhine to the vicinity of the Ruhr coal fields, and Ruhr coal coming back for the smelting in Lorraine. This great channel of balanced exchange of commodities has been determined by nature, and is not likely to be permanently affected by political changes. For the time being, however, the drawing of a political boundary across this trade route hinders the full resumption of the trade. Self-interest will require both Germany and France to keep these routes open. France requires German coal to supply the local smelters near the iron fields, and German markets for the excess production of iron ore. On the other hand, Germany's great smelting district in the Ruhr Basin is largely dependent on the Lorraine iron ore, and the movement of this iron ore requires coal from down the Rhine as a balance.
The intelligent handling of this great coal and iron problem is of far-reaching consequence to the mineral industries of the world.
CONCLUSION
In the foregoing discussion it is not our purpose to argue for any specific national or international plan or procedure, but rather to show something of the nature of the problem,—and particularly to show that intelligent and broadened self-interest requires a definite national policy in regard to world mineral questions. Realization of this fact is a long step toward the solution of the international problems. No geologist, engineer, or business man is safe, in the normal conduct of his affairs, without some attention to these matters.
It is our purpose further to bring home the fact that international coöperation in the mineral field is not merely an academic possibility, but that in many important ways it is actually in existence. The terms of the Peace Treaty alone have far-reaching consequences to the explorer or mining man in all parts of the world. The modifications of these terms, which are inevitable in the future, will not be of less consequence. It is necessary not only to know what these are, but to aid in their intelligent formulation.
LITERATURE
A vast new literature on the subject of international mineral relations has sprung into existence during and following the war, and anyone may easily familiarize himself with the essentials of the situation. Some of the international features are noted in the discussion of mineral resources in this book. For fuller discussion, the reader is especially referred to the following sources:
The reports of the United States Geological Survey. Note especially World Atlas of Commercial Geology, 1921.
The reports of the United States Bureau of Mines.