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
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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
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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
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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
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The Wafi-Golpu project in Papua New Guinea is one of the most talked-about mineral deposits in the Southwest Pacific. Located in a mineral-rich part of the country, the area hosts a large porphyry-style deposit that contains significant quantities of both copper and gold. Its geological scale, potential for long-term production and the broader social, economic
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Smithsonite is a striking and historically important mineral that often delights collectors and scientists alike. Chemically a zinc carbonate (ZnCO3), it forms in the oxidized zones of zinc-bearing ore deposits and displays a wide palette of colors and habits. This article explores its chemistry, physical characteristics, global occurrences, economic roles as an ore of zinc,
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The Ashanti gold mining area in central Ghana is one of West Africa’s most historically and economically important mineral provinces. Stretching across a landscape of gently rolling hills, tropical forest patches and rural settlements, this district has shaped local communities, national policy and international mining investment for well over a century. The following article explores
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Vanadium quietly shapes many technologies and materials that underpin modern infrastructure, energy systems, and advanced manufacturing. Though seldom mentioned outside specialist circles, this transition metal plays outsized roles in strengthening alloys, catalyzing chemical reactions, and enabling novel approaches to large-scale energy storage. The following exposition explores where vanadium is found, how it is used, the
The global market for rare earth oxides is at a strategic inflection point. Rapid technological change, decarbonization policies, and shifting geopolitical dynamics are driving unprecedented interest in these materials that underpin modern magnets, catalysts, and electronics. This article examines the mechanisms and methodologies for forecasting demand for rare earth oxides, highlights the main demand drivers
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