Uranium consumption currently exceeds production by over 70 million pounds per year and the source that currently supplies overconsumption will deplete in the next few years.
“The value of mineral production in the United States increased by 12 percent in 2011 from that of 2010, suggesting that the nonfuel minerals industries, particularly metals, continued to recover from the economic recession that began in December 2007 and lasted well into 2009. The value of raw, nonfuel minerals mined in the United States was $74 billion in 2011, up from $66 billion in 2010.” Quoted from the USGS press release.
American West Potash is exploring the possibilities of an underground potash mine in Arizona. Going underground instead of opening a pit lowers the environmental impact.
Throughout the 20th century most people would never have thought about Canada being an important producer of diamonds. But in 1991 two geologists found evidence of kimberlite pipes about 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Soon Canada became one of the world’s leading diamond producers.
To ensure a reliable supply of heavy rare earth minerals for its hybrid and electric cars, Toyota is entering into a deal that could give them a 49% stake in a Canadian mining operation.
The Afghan Ministry of Mines has been inviting companies to bid on contracts to mine the copper and gold in portions of Badakhshan, Ghazni, Herat, Balkh and Sar-e-Pul Provinces. Billions of dollars worth of metals could be in these areas but there are significant infrastructure and security problems.
Fertilizer has often been used as an explosive – often in terrorist acts. Honeywell has a new ammonium nitrate / ammonium sulfate fertilizer that is much less explosive.
An article on the Forbes.com website reports that Molycorp is spending nearly $1 billion to restart its Mountain Pass Summit mine in California. Check out the Google map below if you want a quick look at the mine.
Goldmining companies in Australia are having trouble finding enough people who are able to handle the demands of working in underground gold mines. This story on the Wall Street Journal website explains why new miners are making six digit salaries.
An article on RenewableEnergyWorld.com explores potential supply disruptions for rare earth elements. Between 2000 and 2009 demand for these materials increased by more than 50% and future demand will be supported by low carbon technologies.
Part of an exploration map - Wyoming Geological Survey
The United States is the world’s leading consumer of diamonds, spending billions of dollars per year on the gem. Although domestic production is currently just a few hundred carats, there is a potential for production in several states.
H.R. 1904 is a proposal that will authorize an exchange of Federal land for non-Federal land… to facilitate development of a world class domestic copper deposit capable of meeting a significant portion of the annual United States demand.
An article on the Pittsburgh Live website explains how about half of the community of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania is undermined and has a subsidence risk.
This video takes you on a quick visit to the Molycorp rare earth elementmine at Mountain Pass, California and provides some background on rare earth elements.
This is a story contains some of the history, geology and personal experiences behind the Bokan Mountain rare earth deposit. Located near Kendrick Bay, Alaska, Bokan Mountain could turn out to be one of the largest rare earth deposit in the United States.
During 2010, Arizona’s non-fuel mineral production totaled $6.7 billion – about 10.5% of the USA production. Principal commodities mined were copper, molybdenum, sand and gravel, cement and crushed stone. Arizona also produced $273 million of coal bringing the total mined value to nearly $7 billion.
An article in the Denver Post describes what the Colorado Geological Survey is doing to investigate minesubsidence problems in the Weld County area – where collapsing mines are damaging buildings, roads, utilities and more.
One advantage that diamonds have held over colored stones is the ability of manufacturers to obtain a steady supply of consistent quality stones. Large mining operations in Africa are now able to promise a steady and consistent supply of emeralds, amethysts and possibly rubies.
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