Feature Stories
Jim Constantopoulos: We Shouldn’t Turn Our Backs on Coal Power
October 31, 2018
We’re now getting an idea of just how expensive shutting down coal plants can be. A study by IHS Markit, an energy research firm, shows that higher electricity prices resulting from a loss of fuel diversity, due in large part
Rio Tinto Completing the Mining ‘Circle of Life’ at Barney’s Canyon Mine
October 25, 2018
Nearly 30 years ago, the first gold was mined in Barney’s Canyon near the site of the world’s largest open pit mining operation. Since then, the mine has completed its life cycle, and Rio Tinto Kennecott is restoring the site
Coronado IPO to Crown Coal’s Comeback
October 16, 2018
Run a Google search on “coal” and “asbestos moment” and you will be swamped by anti-fossil fuel rhetoric that stretches back to 2014 and beyond. So you might please excuse the coal industry for just getting on with business while
New Catalyst Opens Door to CO2 Capture in Conversion of Coal to Liquid Fuels
October 15, 2018
World energy consumption projections expect coal to stay one of the world’s main energy sources in the coming decades, and a growing share of it will be used in CTL, the conversion of coal to liquid fuels. Researchers from the
Vulture Mine Lead to Development of Central Arizona’s Agricultural Communities
October 12, 2018
This is the story of Arizona’s most productive gold mine, the Vulture Mine, and the community that grew up around the operation, Vulture City. The mine gave reason for the founding of the town of Wickenburg and it’s existence led
What the Government’s Decision Means for the Future of Mining Near Boundary Waters
September 20, 2018
The battle over mining in northern Minnesota’s wilderness hit a turning point early this month, when the administration of Donald Trump ended a study of the impact that copper-nickel mining might have on Superior National Forest and the nearby Boundary
In the Age of the Digital Mine, Being Smart is the New Big
September 18, 2018
Internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions such as those developed by UK AI company IntelliSense.io are helping mining operators reduce variability, cut costs and boost efficiency. If there’s one thing the mining industry loves more than a
Reforming the Culture of Science at EPA
September 17, 2018
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is fundamentally transforming itself under President Donald Trump’s direction, from a department producing and funding politicized science to one instilling sound scientific standards for research that should produce results improving the environment and protecting
The Future of Gold Mining in Nevada
September 13, 2018
These words are associated with the cyclical nature of the world’s minerals extraction industry known for making and breaking companies, economies, towns and fortunes. Nevada — where mining has existed before statehood — has witnessed these ups and downs over
Renewed Hope: Powering Off-grid Mines with Sustainable Energy
September 11, 2018
Business model and technology innovations are creating opportunities for powering off-grid mines with renewables. Dr. Thomas Hillig, managing director at energy consultancy THEnergy, discusses the use of sustainable energy in the industry. Sustainable energy applications are rather new to the
