The Jharia Coalfield is one of the most famous and problematic mining regions in South Asia, combining immense industrial importance with a long history of environmental and human challenges. Located in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, it has been central to India’s growth in heavy industry and steelmaking for more than a century, […]
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Fuchsite is a striking green member of the mica family whose vivid color and delicate flaky habit make it attractive to collectors, lapidaries, and researchers alike. This chromium‑rich variety of muscovite combines familiar physical properties of micas—perfect cleavage, pearly luster and flexible sheets—with a distinctive emerald to apple‑green hue caused by chromium substitution. Beyond aesthetics,
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The rise and closure of the mining complex at Kudremukh is one of the most compelling and contested stories in modern Indian industrial and environmental history. Nestled within the forested slopes of the Western Ghats, this operation extracted high-quality iron ore for decades, shaping local economies, transport networks and industry linkages across Karnataka and beyond.
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Cobalt is an element that quietly underpins many modern technologies and ancient practices alike. With a distinctive place on the periodic table and a range of physical and chemical properties that make it both versatile and valuable, cobalt appears in ores, biological systems, industrial alloys, and even medical instruments. This article explores where cobalt is
The global market for platinum group metals has long been a niche domain where small shifts in supply or policy can ripple into substantial price movements. Among these metals, rhodium stands out for its extraordinary value and sensitivity to market forces. This article examines the causes behind rhodium price fluctuations and the consequent effects on
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Graphite is a fascinating and versatile mineral that has shaped technologies from the simple household pencil to advanced energy storage systems. With a unique combination of physical and chemical properties, it occupies an essential position in modern industry, research and everyday life. This article explores where graphite occurs in nature, how it is processed and
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Sulfur is a fascinating and ancient mineral with a bright history and modern relevance. Beyond its familiar yellow crystals, sulfur plays a central role in ecosystems, industry and culture. This article explores where sulfur is found, how it is formed and extracted, and the many uses and implications of this versatile sulfur in natural and
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The natural occurrence of native copper in the form of nuggets and masses has fascinated geologists, miners, historians and collectors for centuries. This article explores the geological origins, global distribution, physical properties, applications and cultural significance of copper in its native metallic state. Along the way you will encounter scientific details, practical uses and some
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The hills around Kudremukh have long been synonymous with rich deposits of iron ore and with a contentious chapter in India’s environmental and industrial history. Located in the rugged ranges of the Western Ghats, the mine that once operated at Kudremukh became an important source of raw material for steel producers, a major employer in
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Lithium is a small, silvery metal with outsized influence on modern technology, healthcare, and geopolitics. Despite being one of the lightest elements on the periodic table, its chemical properties have made it indispensable in energy storage, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. This article explores where lithium is found, how it is extracted and processed, the many
