The Kalumbila (commonly referred to as the Sentinel) Mine stands among the most important modern mining developments in Zambia. Located in the north-western part of the country, the operation has reshaped the local landscape, economy and labour market. This article describes where the mine is situated, what is extracted there, how the operation functions in […]
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Hypersthene is a mineral that has captured the attention of geologists, gem enthusiasts, and planetary scientists alike. Though its name is less common in modern mineralogical nomenclature, hypersthene remains an important term for describing a specific group of orthopyroxenes distinguished by their chemical composition, optical behavior, and geological significance. This article explores where hypersthene is
The Kagem mine is one of the most important gemstone operations in Africa and a defining site for modern emerald production. Located in the mineral-rich region of Zambia, it has reshaped local economies, global supply chains, and the perception of Zambian gems on international markets. This article explores where Kagem is located, what is produced
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Huebnerite is a distinctive member of the wolframite group of minerals that draws attention both from industrial geologists and mineral collectors. This mineral, whose chemistry centers on manganese and tungsten, forms striking prismatic crystals and aggregates in a variety of hydrothermal and metamorphic settings. In this article I examine its mineralogical characteristics, typical geological environments,
The Nkana Mine complex, located in the heart of the Zambian Copperbelt, is one of Africa’s most historically significant and productive copper mining areas. For decades it has shaped the economy, landscape and communities of northern Zambia. This article explores where the mine is, what is extracted there, how it has developed over time, its
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Hornblende is a common and scientifically important rock-forming mineral from the amphibole group. Its dark, elongated crystals appear across a wide range of geological settings and serve as a recorder of the physical and chemical conditions under which rocks form and transform. In this article I discuss its composition and physical properties, where it is
Radium is one of the most intriguing elements in the history of science: prized for its mysterious glow, feared for its invisible power, and instrumental in shaping modern ideas about atomic structure and medical treatment. This article explores where radium is found, how it behaves chemically and physically, its historical discovery and uses, modern applications
The mining sector is entering a period of intensified scrutiny as governments and communities press for tighter rules governing the extraction of minerals. This shift has profound implications for the availability of rare metals that underpin modern technology—from electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines to semiconductors and defense systems. This article examines how stricter mining
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Hollandite is a distinctive member of the manganese oxide family, recognizable by its characteristic tunnel framework and complex chemistry. It is important both as a naturally occurring mineral in diverse geological settings and as a model and functional material in modern technology. This article explores where hollandite is found, how its structure and composition influence
Hillebrandite is a little-known but scientifically significant mineral belonging to the family of natural calcium‑silicate‑hydrate phases. Although it is relatively rare in hand‑sample form, it occupies an outsized place in the study of metamorphic processes, skarn geology, and the geochemistry of cementitious materials. This article explores the mineral’s defining characteristics, the geological settings where it
