The increasing deployment of solar energy systems has put a spotlight on the materials that make photovoltaic modules possible. Among those materials, tellurium stands out as a critical, relatively rare element used in one of the major thin-film technologies. Understanding the trajectory of this element — from its geological occurrence and supply constraints to its […]
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The Maules Creek Mine is one of the most discussed coal projects in Australia, combining industrial scale, contentious politics and significant regional economic impact. Located in the north-western part of New South Wales, the operation extracts thermal coal from the geological formations of the region and supplies both domestic and international markets. This article examines
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Cuprite is a striking and scientifically important mineral whose vivid red color and distinctive crystalline forms have captured the attention of collectors, miners, and researchers alike. Known chemically as copper(I) oxide, it occupies a central role in the supergene zones of copper deposits and has found renewed interest in modern materials science. This article explores
The Moolarben Mine is an important coal operation in the central west of New South Wales, Australia. Over the last two decades it has become a significant contributor to regional employment, export revenue and the national coal sector. This article describes where the mine is located, what is extracted there, how it operates and why
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Crocidolite has a complex and often controversial place in the history of geology, industry and public health. This article explores the mineral from multiple angles: its chemical nature and appearance, where it forms and is mined, how humans have used it and reacted to its risks, and some lesser-known or curious aspects connected to the
The Liddell mine, located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, is one of Australia’s long-standing coal operations. Its presence has shaped regional transport networks, supported power generation and contributed significantly to local employment for decades. The mine sits within a geologically rich system of coal seams that have supplied both domestic energy markets and
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Creedite is a delicate and visually striking mineral that captures the interest of collectors, mineralogists, and geologists alike. While not a major industrial commodity, it plays a valuable role in telling the story of the geochemical environments that form unusual fluoride- and sulfate-bearing assemblages. This article explores creedite’s appearance and habits, the geologic settings where
Tin is a versatile and historically significant element whose quiet presence shapes technology, industry, and daily life. From the Bronze Age to modern electronics, tin’s physical and chemical properties have enabled a wide range of applications — often hidden, sometimes controversial, and frequently surprising. This article explores where tin is found, how it is processed
The global shift toward electrification and low-carbon technologies has put rare earth magnets at the center of modern industry. These compact, powerful components—especially magnets based on neodymium and praseodymium alloys—are critical to electric vehicles, wind turbines, consumer electronics and industrial motors. Meeting growing demand sustainably requires innovative approaches to recycling and recovery that reduce environmental
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The Saraji Mine sits as one of the major coal operations in central Queensland, Australia. Located within the expansive Bowen Basin, Saraji has been an important node in Australia’s coal industry for decades. This article examines the mine’s location and geology, the nature of what is extracted and how it is processed, its broader economic
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