The vast open expanse a few hundred kilometers east of Perth hides one of the most iconic and productive mining landscapes in the world. This article explores the history, geology, operations and wider significance of Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines, the company and site best known for the enormous Super Pit near the town of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. […]
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Chalcanthite is a striking, deep blue sulfate mineral that has attracted attention from mineralogists, collectors, and industry for centuries. Known for its brilliant crystalline appearance and remarkable solubility in water, this mineral offers an instructive example of how chemistry, geology, and human use intersect. This article examines its identity, physical and chemical properties, natural occurrence,
The silvery-gray metal commonly known to chemists and toxicologists as thallium occupies a curious place among the elements: obscure to the general public, essential to certain niche technologies, and infamous because of its potent toxicity. This article explores the natural occurrence, physical and chemical character, practical applications, health and environmental impacts, and the historical and
The discovery and development of underexplored or underdeveloped mineral regions present both a strategic opportunity and a complex set of responsibilities. These areas, often located on the margins of known mining provinces or in politically and economically peripheral zones, can yield substantial deposits that supply critical commodities for modern technology, energy transition, and industrial growth.
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Chabazite is a member of the large family of natural and synthetic zeolite minerals characterized by a compact, cage-like framework and exceptional ability to selectively host ions and molecules. This article explores where chabazite is found in nature, how it is made and modified in the laboratory, and the broad range of uses that derive
The Enugu coalfield in southeastern Nigeria is a landmark of West African industrial history, a region whose fortunes were reshaped by the discovery and extraction of coal. Located on a plateau that gives the city its very name, Enugu became synonymous with mining and industrial development from the early twentieth century onward. The story of
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Cerussite is a captivating and historically significant mineral that combines scientific interest with aesthetic appeal. Composed of lead carbonate, it frequently forms brilliant, gem-like crystals with an almost unparalleled luster. Because of its close association with lead ores and its distinctive physical properties, cerussite occupies an important place in mineralogy, the history of pigments, and
The Okaba mine occupies an intriguing place in the story of coal in West Africa. Located within Nigeria’s coal-bearing belt, the site represents both the legacy of early industrial mining in the country and a possible node for renewed energy and industrial activity. This article examines the mine’s location and geological setting, the type and
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Celadonite is a subtle yet fascinating mineral whose muted green tones have linked it to art, geology and planetary exploration. Formally classified as a fine-grained, mica-like phyllosilicate, celadonite appears in a variety of low-temperature geological settings and plays outsized roles in fields as diverse as ceramic glaze history, marine diagenesis studies and remote sensing of
The story of Gidi Mine is part of the larger narrative of Nigeria’s struggle to balance natural-resource potential with social, economic and environmental realities. Located within one of the country’s coal-bearing belts, Gidi is a lesser-known but illustrative example of how local mineral deposits can shape communities, industry and policymaking. This article explores where Gidi
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