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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The Driefontein Mine, one of the most notable names in the history of South African mining, stands as a symbol of the country’s long-standing relationship with deep-level gold extraction. Located in the western part of the Witwatersrand Basin, this operation has played a pivotal role in transforming subterranean riches into tangible economic wealth and social
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Magnetite is one of the most widely recognized and scientifically significant iron oxides on Earth. This mineral combines an intriguing set of physical and chemical properties — chief among them persistent natural magnetism — which have made it important since antiquity and indispensable in many modern technologies. The following text explores its nature, global occurrence,
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The Harmony Kusasalethu Mine is one of the notable operations within South Africa’s long-standing gold-mining tradition. Located in the heart of the Witwatersrand Basin, the mine combines deep underground extraction, contemporary processing technology and a complex social and economic footprint. This article explores where the mine is situated, what is produced there, its role in
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The Sishen Mine, set amid the red sands of South Africa’s interior, is one of the country’s most prominent mineral assets. Its vast open pit, industrial infrastructure and long transportation corridor to the Atlantic seaboard make it a cornerstone of the regional economy and a key component of the global iron ore supply chain. This
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The following article explores the mineral known as dolomite from multiple angles: its composition, geological occurrence, physical properties, industrial uses, environmental implications, and some lesser-known but intriguing aspects of its behavior and role in Earth systems. The aim is to provide a comprehensive, scientifically grounded description while highlighting practical applications and interesting phenomena connected to
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Thulium, a quietly intriguing member of the rare-earth family, sits toward the heavier end of the lanthanide series and combines subtle chemistry with surprising usefulness. Though it seldom appears in everyday conversation, its unique spectroscopic and nuclear characteristics make it valuable in specialized technologies. This article explores where thulium is found, how it is extracted
