This chapter contextualizes mining's historic role in the world economy, notably that the stages of human history are partially defined by developments in this realm. It briefly overviews the progression of these periods, from bronze work, to steam engines, to coal, and beyond. The available resources in various regions have impacted the development of those regions; for example, the Middle East and Africa are contrasted by the former's holdings of about 70 percent of the proven reserves of oil around the world.

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