Pictures of the Future        Fall 2008

In Brief

^? Copper is in demand—its price has risen nearly five-fold since 2000. The Los Pelambres Mine in Chile is particularly efficient at extracting the metal, thanks in part to Siemens technologies. These range from an ore conveyor belt that also generates electricity to an innovative flotation cell that increases the yield of metal    ^more

^? At many open-pit mines, mechanical monsters excavate and transport ore. Siemens is equipping these behemoths with electric drive systems that can move loads of up to 600 t. The motors are supported by current collectors that draw power from overhead lines as if they were streetcars, making these mining giants fast and efficient   ^more

^? Many everyday products contain increasingly scarce exotic raw materials. Companies therefore have to think of ways to replace these rare ingredients. A team at Siemens is researching the risks associated with potential shortages and suggesting alternatives    ^more

^? According to former U.S. energy advisor Matthew Simmons, a barrel of oil could cost up to $500 in five years. How long global reserves will last won’t be known until it’s too late, says Simmons in an interview    ^more

^? Around 90 % of world oil reserves are bound up in sand or shale. Extracting this oil is far more expensive than using conventional sources, but it is becoming increasingly profitable. Siemens is developing a revolutionary method that makes oil extraction from tar sands more environmentally friendly than it used to be    ^more

^? Clean water can be scarce, particularly after disasters such as the recent earthquake in China. However, modern membrane technology from Siemens can quickly and safely provide people with the precious resource. The company has pooled its water expertise in Singapore, where it is developing pioneering innovations in areas such as sea water desalination  ^{for more see
Water Purification, Interview Butler, Singapore and Wastewater Trewatment}