El Cerrejón is a mammoth presence in northern Colombia, a landscape-defining operation that has shaped regional economies, transport infrastructure and the national export profile for decades. Situated in the arid plains of the La Guajira peninsula, the mine extracts high-volume surface coal from one of the world’s largest open-pit deposits. The scale of activity, its […]
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Arfvedsonite is a striking and scientifically valuable dark amphibole that attracts the attention of mineral collectors, petrologists, and lapidaries alike. Its combination of deep color, complex chemistry and occurrence in unusual alkaline rocks makes it both an attractive specimen and an informative probe into magmatic processes. This article explores the nature of arfvedsonite, where it
The Cerrejón mine, located in the arid plains of La Guajira in northern Colombia, is one of the world’s largest single-site surface coal operations. Its massive open pits, the long string of hopper cars on a private railway, and the coal-loading facilities at Puerto Bolívar combine to make Cerrejón a landmark industrial complex. This article
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Aragonite is a fascinating and widely distributed form of calcium carbonate that plays crucial roles in geology, biology and industry. This article explores its nature, where it forms, how it is used, and several intriguing aspects that link mineralogy to environmental science and human activity. Below you will find detailed information divided into clear sections
Antigorite is a member of the serpentine mineral group that attracts attention because of its geological importance, influence on earthquake mechanics, and environmental implications. This mineral commonly forms in hydrated ultramafic rocks and produces characteristic textures and physical behaviors in crustal and mantle settings. In the paragraphs that follow I will describe what antigorite is,
The Black Thunder Mine stands as one of the most significant coal-producing operations in the United States. Located in the vast energy-producing landscape of the American West, it has played a central role in supplying fuel for power generation, shaping local economies, and illustrating the scale and techniques of modern surface mining. This article explores
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Mineral resources have long shaped the trajectory of global prosperity, state power and technological progress. From coal that fueled the Industrial Revolution to copper, lithium and rare earths that underpin the digital era, minerals stand at the core of modern economies. Their extraction generates jobs, fiscal revenue and foreign exchange, yet it also creates risks
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Titanium is a remarkable metal whose combination of properties has made it indispensable across a wide range of industries. From the deep sea to outer space, and from biomedical implants to everyday pigments, the role of this element extends far beyond its modest appearance. The paragraphs that follow explore the physical nature and geological occurrence
Reevaluating global reserves of niobium requires a multidisciplinary look at geology, mining economics, market dynamics and technological trends. Once considered a niche metal with narrowly defined industrial uses, niobium is now at the intersection of advanced materials science and strategic mineral policy. This article examines the geological basis for current reserve estimates, highlights methodological and
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Anthophyllite is a relatively uncommon member of the amphibole group of minerals that has attracted attention for both its geological significance and its controversial role as one of the naturally occurring forms of asbestos. In this article you will find an overview of what anthophyllite is, how and where it forms, the ways humans have
