The Oyu Tolgoi complex in southern Mongolia has become one of the most talked-about mining developments of the 21st century. Combining vast mineral reserves with ambitious engineering, complex political negotiations and major socioeconomic impacts, it is a project that reshapes both the local landscape and national prospects. This article explores where Oyu Tolgoi is located, […]
Oyu Tolgoi – Mongolia – Copper/Gold Read More »
The Porgera operation is one of the most discussed and consequential mining projects in the South Pacific. Located in a remote mountain valley of Enga Province, it has been a focal point for debates about the value and costs of mineral extraction in developing countries. This article explores where the mine is located, what resources
Porgera Mine – Papua New Guinea – Gold Read More »
Andalusite is a distinctive and scientifically valuable mineral whose presence tells a story about the pressure and temperature history of rocks, and whose physical properties have found uses in both industry and jewelry. Named after the Spanish region where it was first recognized, this aluminum silicate is one of three polymorphs of Al2SiO5 and plays
Andalusite – (mineral) Read More »
The Ok Tedi mine is one of the most consequential and controversial mineral operations in the Pacific region. Located in the remote highlands and lowlands transition of western Papua New Guinea, it has produced vast quantities of copper and gold while shaping the economic, social, and environmental landscape of the country. The story of Ok
Ok Tedi Mine – Papua New Guinea – Copper/Gold Read More »
Ametrine is a striking and unusual variety of quartz that combines the purple of amethyst with the yellow to orange of citrine in a single crystal. Renowned for its natural bicoloration, ametrine offers a visual drama that appeals to gem collectors, jewelers and those interested in the mineral’s alleged energetic attributes. This article explores the
Ametrine – (stone) Read More »
Beryllium is a small but remarkably influential element that occupies an outsized role in modern technology, science and industry. Light yet stiff, fragile yet resilient under particular conditions, it appears in nature in a handful of minerals and has found its way into specialized alloys, high-performance ceramics and critical components of nuclear and aerospace systems.
Unmanned aerial systems are transforming how companies locate and evaluate mineral resources. This article explores how modern exploration teams deploy drones equipped with advanced sensors to accelerate mineral mapping, improve decision-making, and reduce risk. It covers the principal technologies, the operational workflow from planning to interpretation, and real-world applications where airborne platforms deliver measurable value
How exploration companies use drones for mineral mapping Read More »
Scheelite is a striking and scientifically important mineral best known as one of the primary ores of tungsten. Its bright luster, high specific gravity and characteristic blue-white fluorescence under ultraviolet light made it a favorite of collectors and prospectors alike long before its industrial significance was fully appreciated. Chemically simple yet geologically versatile, scheelite appears
Scheelite – (mineral) Read More »
The Lihir operation is one of the most notable and debated mining projects in the South Pacific. Located on a remote volcanic island, it has produced vast quantities of gold while shaping the economy, environment, and social fabric of its region. This article examines the mine’s location and geology, the nature of its operations, its
Lihir Mine – Papua New Guinea – Gold Read More »
Wulfenite is an eye-catching secondary mineral prized by mineralogists and collectors for its striking colors and thin, tabular crystals. As a member of the molybdate family, it links the chemistry of lead deposits with the geochemical mobility of molybdenum. This article explores the mineral’s chemistry, formation environments, notable occurrences, practical and scientific uses, and aspects
Wulfenite – (mineral) Read More »
