Located high in the Andean foothills south of Santiago, the mine known as El Teniente is one of the most important and storied mining complexes in the world. It is famed not only for its enormous copper output but also for its scale, engineering complexity and long influence on Chile’s economic and social development. The […]
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Labradorite is a mesmerizing member of the plagioclase feldspar group, prized for its dramatic optical flashes and complex internal structure. Beyond its role as an attractive gemstone, it connects geology, lapidary craft, and folklore. The following sections explore what makes this mineral special, where it is found, how it is used, and intriguing facts that
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The Siberian Coal Energy Company, commonly referred to by the acronym SUEK, is one of the largest coal producers in Russia and a major player in the global coal market. Its operations span a vast territory of western and central Siberia, with a network of mines, processing facilities and logistic assets that have been developed
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Howlite is a quietly fascinating mineral that sits at the crossroads of geology, craftsmanship and popular culture. Often overlooked because of its modest hardness and unassuming white color, this stone has a rich story: it is a product of unique geological processes, a favorite among artisans for dyeing and carving, and an object of interest
The Orapa mine is a defining feature of Botswana’s mining landscape, combining vast scale, long-term production and a central role in national development. Located in the heart of the Kalahari region, Orapa has produced millions of carats of rough stones since the early 1970s and remains a cornerstone of the country’s extractive sector. This article
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Sodalite is a strikingly blue stone that has captured the interest of mineralogists, lapidaries and collectors for two centuries. Its deep hues, often punctuated by white calcite veins, make it an attractive material for jewelry and ornamental uses, while its mineralogical characteristics provide insight into the chemistry and formation of silica-undersaturated igneous systems. In the
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Gadolinium is an element that sits near the middle of the lanthanide series and has captured attention across disciplines from medicine to nuclear engineering. This article explores where gadolinium is found in nature, how it is extracted and processed, its diverse applications, and a range of related topics that highlight why this metal is both
The race for control over strategic materials has shifted from oil and rare earths to lesser-known but indispensable elements such as gallium and germanium. These metals, once curiosities of mineralogy, now underpin the global electronics and clean-energy revolutions. As nations and corporations scramble to secure reliable access, the patterns of trade, investment and technological development
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Calcite is one of the most abundant and versatile minerals on Earth, found from the depths of marine sediments to the peaks of metamorphic mountains and in hot spring deposits. Its chemical composition, calcium carbonate, and its range of crystal habits make it central to geology, industry and biology. This article explores the mineral’s physical
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The Jwaneng mine in Botswana is one of the most important and remarkable mining operations on the African continent. Situated in the southern part of the country, this mine is renowned for producing exceptionally high-quality diamonds and for its outsized role in the national economy. The story of Jwaneng blends geology, modern engineering, corporate strategy
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