Although many less developed countries have significant potential industrial mineral resources, some continue to import these materials to supply their industries. Indigenous resources may not be exploited (or are exploited ineffectively) because they do not meet industrial specifications, and facilities and expertise to carry out the necessary evaluation and testwork are unavailable. Unlike metallic and energy minerals, the suitability of industrial minerals generally depends on physical behaviour, as well as on chemical and mineralogical properties. Laboratory evaluation often involves determination of a wide range of inter-related properties and must be carried out with knowledge of the requirements of consuming industries. Evaluation may also include investigation of likely processing required to enable the commodity to meet industry specifications.

Over the last 10 years, funding from the Overseas Development Administration has enabled the British Geological Survey to provide assistance to less developed countries in the evaluation of their industrial mineral resources. This series of laboratory manuals sets out experience gained during this period. The manuals are intended to be practical bench-top guides for use by organisations such as Geological Surveys and Mines Departments and are not exhaustive in their coverage of every test and specification. The following manuals have been published to date: