A massive lithium deposit, potentially the largest ever discovered, has been identified within the McDermitt caldera on the Nevada-Oregon border, estimated to contain 20 to 40 million metric tons of the element. This lithium-rich clay formed from volcanic ash and mud in a long-lived lake, with hydrothermal fluids later leaching lithium from volcanic glass. The deposit’s high lithium concentrations, close proximity to the surface, and large size make it particularly promising for future mining efforts to meet the growing global demand for lithium-ion batteries. However, extracting this resource presents environmental challenges and concerns for local communities. This discovery offers valuable insights into the formation of lithium deposits within volcanic systems.
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The Ambler Road project, a 211-mile route in Alaska aimed at facilitating mining, has been approved by Donald Trump, reversing the Biden administration’s previous block. This project involves the extraction of copper, cobalt, gold, and other minerals. The White House also announced a 10% equity stake in Trilogy Metals, a Canadian company developing the site. While supporters cite economic benefits and access to critical minerals, opponents, including Alaska Native groups, express concerns about environmental damage and harm to subsistence harvests.
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Zip codes are a crucial component of the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) delivery system. They are a five-digit or nine-digit code that identifies a specific geographic delivery area within the United States and its territories. Understanding these codes helps efficiently sort and deliver mail, ensuring it reaches its intended destination accurately. Furthermore, each state and territory has designated zip codes.
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An independent assessment indicates the waste dam collapse at a Zambian copper mine may have released significantly more toxic sludge than initially reported. The evaluation of the environmental damage suggests at least 1.5 million tons of the poisonous substance escaped the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia Ltd. mine. This volume, equivalent to over 400 Olympic-sized pools, places the incident among the most severe mining disasters worldwide.
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Greenland granted a 30-year permit to Greenland Anorthosite Mining (GAM), a Danish-French consortium, to extract anorthosite, a key component in aluminum production. This follows past interest from the U.S. in acquiring Greenland, though no significant American investment has materialized. The permit aims to create a climate-friendly aluminum alternative, while cooperation with European partners proceeds more rapidly. According to an expert, U.S. interest may focus more on securing long-term resource access, a challenge under current Greenlandic legislation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker