Calcium is an element that quietly shapes much of the world around us — from the hardness of bones and teeth to the cliffs that frame coastlines and the cement beneath our feet. This article explores where calcium is found in nature, how it functions in living systems, and the many practical and industrial uses […]
The shift from traditional ore extraction to recovering metals from urban environments is gaining momentum. This article explores how urban mining can reshape the way societies secure essential metals, reduce environmental footprints, and strengthen local economies. By looking at technologies, supply-chain implications, and policy levers, we examine practical pathways to scale up recovery of valuable
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The Benga coal mine sits within one of Africa’s most talked-about coal provinces, combining significant mineral wealth with complex economic, social and environmental dynamics. Located in the heart of northern Mozambique’s mining belt, the site has attracted international attention for its sizable reserves, logistical challenges and the role it plays in regional development. This article
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Fayalite is the iron-rich endmember of the olivine mineral group, a phase that occupies a special place in petrology, materials science and planetary studies. Its chemical formula, Fe2SiO4, contrasts directly with the magnesium-rich counterpart forsterite (Mg2SiO4), and that contrast controls much of its occurrence, behavior and practical importance. Although visually similar to other olivines, fayalite’s
The Moma mining complex in northern Mozambique is a prominent example of how coastal heavy-mineral deposits can be transformed into globally significant industrial feedstocks. Located in a landscape of coastal dunes and savannah, the operations extract and process mineral sands that are rich in titanium-bearing minerals and other valuable heavy minerals. This article explores the
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Eudialyte is a striking and chemically complex mineral that captivates collectors, mineralogists, and economic geologists alike. Its vivid colors, unusual crystal chemistry and close ties to rare igneous rocks make it an object of both aesthetic admiration and scientific study. This article explores where eudialyte occurs, how it forms, its uses and economic potential, and
Epidote is a common yet fascinating member of the silicate mineral world, valued by geologists, collectors and occasional lapidaries for its distinctive color, crystal habits and the geological stories it tells. This article explores the mineral’s chemistry, environments of formation, practical and scientific uses, and a few intriguing aspects that make epidote more than just
The Moatize mine in central Mozambique is one of the most prominent coal developments in southern Africa, shaping regional infrastructure, export flows and local communities. Located in the Tete Province, Moatize sits within a vast geological basin that hosts substantial coal reserves. What began as exploration and rapid industrial development in the early 21st century
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Arsenic is an element that has shaped human history, industry, and public health in profound and sometimes surprising ways. Found in minerals, soils, and waters across the globe, it appears in both natural and anthropogenic contexts. This article explores where arsenic occurs, how it is used, the scientific and regulatory concerns tied to its presence,
Enstatite is a magnesium-rich member of the pyroxene group whose subtle presence and clear signatures reveal much about planetary interiors, high-temperature processes, and the early Solar System. This article explores the mineral’s chemistry and structure, outlines where it is commonly found on Earth and in space, examines its usefulness in science and industry, and highlights
