Feature Stories
Everyone Wants Carbon Capture and Sequestration - Now How to Make It a Reality?
February 6, 2020
A sense of urgency to keep global emissions of greenhouse gases from peaking beyond 2020 is bringing environmentalists to accept the oft-contentious carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology. “Undoubtedly, we have to move away from fossil fuels,” Nobel Peace Prize
Eight Key Trends Expected to Impact Mining in 2020
February 4, 2020
The rise of the social investor, plotting a path towards decarbonization and modernizing core technologies are three of the leading trends set to impact the mining sector in 2020. Multinational professional services giant Deloitte said companies are seeking ways to
What Does the Future Hold for Illinois Coal Mining?
January 30, 2020
Coal was first mined along the 400-mile-long Illinois coal basin, which covers parts of Illinois, Indiana and western Kentucky, by settlers in the 1800s. According to the Illinois Coal Association (ICA), coal was being mined in at least 52 of
Carbon Capture: Solved by Software?
January 28, 2020
Most scenarios for a clean-energy future rely on carbon capture — taking CO2 emissions from their sources, such as power plants, then sequestering them underground or converting the carbon into a usable product like smart concrete. While making carbon capture
Wyoming Governor’s Pitch: Fight Climate Change With Coal
January 27, 2020
Like a near-consensus of the world’s scientific community, Gov. Mark Gordon believes in climate change. Like many across the planet, Gordon believes the problem is a man-made one, and that something needs to be done about it. But — as
Australia Experiences Turning Point as Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine Closure Looms
January 21, 2020
The East Kimberley mine, 3,000 kilometers north of Perth, produces more than 90 percent of Australia’s diamonds and is one of the few known sources of pink diamonds in the world. Although it is not known exactly when Argyle will
Additional Barrier Thrown at PolyMet in Permit Reversal by Minnesota Court
January 20, 2020
After 15 long and trying years of scientific study, environmental safeguarding, exhaustive public review, and more — all in accordance with state law — PolyMet, understandably, was “disappointed” this week after the Minnesota Court of Appeals stripped away key permits
Better International Coordination Needed for Sourcing Minerals Used in Green Technology
January 14, 2020
While a host of new technologies are driving the transition to a decarbonized economy, a shortage of the minerals needed to develop them is a “real possibility” without coordinated international efforts over responsible sourcing. Commodities such as cobalt, copper, lithium,
Spain’s Coal Mining Industry Was Once a Thriving Way of Life
January 13, 2020
With his blackened face covered in soot, Andres Vallina crouches in the gloom of the coal face. Like three generations of his family before him, he has worked down a mine; but not for much longer. In a country where
Is PRB Coal Headed for Gradual Decline or Sheer Cliff?
January 9, 2020
Despite the continuing downturn in U.S. coal and a bruising series of bankruptcies, there’ve been no recent permanent mine closures in the Powder River Basin. It’s a surprising outcome for a region that’s lost nearly 35 percent of its coal
