When we'll run out of oil and metals, revealed

We're consuming the earth's natural resources faster than ever, and one day it will all be gone. The writing was on the wall in the mid-1970s, when human consumption began outstripping what the planet could reproduce.

Few of us realised it, but last month the planet celebrated (if that's the right word) Earth Overshoot Day - that's the day on which humanity has exhausted nature's budget for the year. For the remaining 4 and a half months of the year, we're using up nature's stockpile of resources.

Here's what they have to say.

Here is one interpretation of when we'll run out of each metal or energy source. While the technicalities of some of this information can be debated, I think the general theme runs the same.

There is a limited supply of these commodities - and if there are no discoveries, no price changes, and no changes in consumption, we are running out relatively soon. In my opinion, there are two caveats that are always worth considering when looking at something like this.

1. "Reserves" are an engineering number that are based on economic viability. Technically speaking, there are small concentrations of gold everywhere. It is just not usually viable to mine 0.1 g/t gold. When we will "run out" of each mineral in this chart is based on current reserves and prices. If the gold price doubles, then suddenly it is economic to mine more.

2. This chart is a reminder that something has to give. Either prices are going to have to go up, or new amazing discoveries have to be made to keep prices down. It's basic economics, and either way it seems that there are many opportunities in the mining industry for investors and speculators on both fronts.

This article is for information and discussion purposes only and does not form a recommendation to invest or otherwise. The value of an investment may fall. The investments referred to in this article may not be suitable for all investors, and if in doubt, an investor should seek advice from a qualified investment adviser.