The Shinkolobwe mine, located in southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), is one of the most notorious and historically significant mineral sites of the 20th century. Renowned for producing extraordinarily rich deposits of uranium and associated minerals, the mine played an outsized role in global geopolitics, colonial economics, and the development of nuclear […]
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Polonium occupies a striking and sometimes unsettling place in the periodic table and in modern history. This rare element is notable for its intense radioactivity, a variety of isotopes with differing lifetimes, and its associations with both useful niche technologies and high-profile incidents that highlight the dangers of uncontrolled radioactive materials. The material that follows
Commodity supercycles reshape global markets in profound ways, and their effects on the prices of rare minerals are particularly significant. This article explores how extended periods of elevated commodity demand and disrupted supply dynamics transmit through the value chain, altering investment patterns, incentivizing innovation, and reshaping geopolitics. By examining the mechanisms that link broad commodity
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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
