The Koolyanobbing Mine, situated in the heart of Western Australia’s mineral-rich Yilgarn region, is an important source of iron ore that has shaped the economic and industrial life of its surrounding communities. Its operations feed global supply chains, link remote landscapes to port infrastructure and reflect broader trends in mining technology, logistics and environmental management. […]
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Erbium is a soft, silvery metal belonging to the family of rare earth elements known as the lanthanides. Although it rarely appears in pure form in nature, erbium and its compounds play a disproportionately large role in modern optics, telecommunications, and medical technologies. This article explores where erbium is found, how it is extracted and
Azurite is a strikingly deep blue **mineral** admired by collectors, artists and geologists alike. Its intense color and historical presence in art make it more than a scientific curiosity: azurite has played roles in mining exploration, pigment technology and decorative stonework for centuries. This article explores azurite’s chemistry, physical characteristics, geological environments, notable occurrences, historical
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The Cannington mine is one of Australia’s best-known mineral operations, notable for its high-grade silver and associated lead and zinc resources. Located in the mineral-rich northwest of Queensland, the operation has been an important source of primary metals for domestic industry and international markets. This article explores where the mine sits in the Australian landscape,
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The prospect of extracting mineral wealth from the ocean floor has moved from science fiction into boardroom strategy over the last decade. As terrestrial deposits become harder to access and demand for batteries and electronics rises, the idea of harvesting resources from abyssal plains and seamounts could fundamentally reshape how the world sources critical raw
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Holmium is a member of the lanthanide series whose unique combination of atomic and magnetic properties has made it a subject of interest across multiple scientific and industrial fields. This article explores where holmium is found, how it is extracted and processed, its principal and emerging applications, and several intriguing facts that connect it to
The strategic role of tungsten in modern military technology cannot be overstated. As a high-density, high-performance metal, tungsten underpins a wide range of defense capabilities — from armor-piercing munitions to hardened components in aircraft engines and precision guidance systems. Growing geopolitical friction and concentrated control over extraction and processing create acute supply risks for defense
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The stone known to many as the traditional signet of ancient artisans and the subject of legend and lore is both visually striking and scientifically interesting. This article explores the mineral commonly called bloodstone, its geology, distribution, cultural roles, and modern uses. Along the way you will find practical information about identification, cutting and care,
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The Olympic Dam complex in Australia is one of the world’s most remarkable and multifaceted mineral deposits. It is not only a major source of several key metals, but also a site where geology, engineering, economics and social concerns intersect. This article explores where Olympic Dam is located, what is extracted there, its economic importance,
Olympic Dam – Australia – Copper/Uranium/Gold Read More »
The Ranger site, set in the heart of northern Australia, has long been a focal point for debates about resource extraction, conservation and Indigenous rights. This article explores the mine’s location and geology, the material produced and how it has been processed, the broader economic role Ranger played in Australia’s mining sector, and a range
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