The modern global order increasingly depends on a narrow set of raw materials that power everything from consumer electronics to advanced weapons systems. As demand rises and extraction proves concentrated in a few regions, the risk of supply interruptions has moved from an economic nuisance to a core national security concern. This article examines the […]
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The Voisey’s Bay deposit, located on the northeastern coast of Labrador, is one of the most important modern discoveries of magmatic sulphide mineralization in North America. This remote coastal site has become synonymous with high-grade deposits of nickel, copper and cobalt and has had a lasting effect on regional development, Indigenous relations and the global
Voisey’s Bay – Canada – Nickel/Copper/Cobalt Read More »
Serpentine is a group of hydrous magnesium silicate minerals with a rich interplay of geology, industry and culture. Beyond its attractive green hues and waxy luster, serpentine plays a significant role in understanding rock alteration processes, hosting valuable mineral deposits, and posing real-world environmental and health challenges. This article explores the mineralogical characteristics of serpentine,
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The Diavik Diamond Mine is one of Canada’s most prominent and influential mineral projects, located in the remote northern reaches of the country. Situated on an island within a clear cold lake, the site combines remarkable geology, complex engineering and important socio-economic relationships with local communities. This article explores the mine’s location, the nature of
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Jet, a deep black organic gemstone prized for its warm polish and dramatic appearance, has moved through human history as both a decorative material and a talisman. Emerging from ancient forests transformed over millions of years, this stone has been carved, worn and imbued with meaning in cultures across the world. The following exploration covers
The opal has fascinated people for centuries with its shimmering surface and seemingly magical flashes of color. This article explores the stone from many angles: what it is, how and where it forms, the major sources and mining regions, its practical and artistic applications, and the scientific and cultural stories that surround it. Along the
The Ekati Diamond Mine stands as a landmark in the story of modern Canadian resource development. Located in a remote, fragile landscape of the Northwest Territories, Ekati transformed a region previously known for its ancient rocks into a global source of precious gems. This article examines where Ekati is, what it produces, how it operates,
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Ytterbium is a quietly influential member of the lanthanide series whose properties and applications touch fields from precision timekeeping to high-power industry lasers and cutting-edge quantum research. Found only in trace amounts in rare-earth minerals, this soft, silvery metal and its ions have a disproportionate impact on modern technology, materials science, and fundamental physics. The
The global market for alumina and its upstream raw material, bauxite, is navigating a period of pronounced change. Shifts in demand patterns, growing environmental scrutiny, and a series of supply shocks have combined to put pressure on pricing and force stakeholders to reassess strategy. This article examines the current landscape of global bauxite supply, the
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Tourmaline is a mineral that fascinates geologists, gemologists and collectors alike because of its extraordinary variety of colors, physical properties and geological settings. In this article we will explore where tourmaline forms, what gives it such dazzling hues, how it is used both as a precious gemstone and in scientific contexts, and some intriguing cultural
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