Articles tagged with Mineral Resources
New research by UC Santa Barbara scientists reveals that the world's supply of fresh water may be more limited than previously thought. The study finds that drilling increasingly deeper wells risks pumping saline water in some regions, highlighting the need to protect deep fresh groundwater.
The Center for Materials for Water and Energy Systems (M-WET) will develop next-generation polymer membrane-based water purification technologies to tackle complex waters in energy production, reuse, and industrial applications. Researchers aim to address fundamental science knowledge gaps and overcome fouling challenges.
Researchers uncovered a continuous record of past anthropogenic lead pollution in the Balkans, dating back to the Bronze Age. The study suggests that the region played a key role in European mining and metallurgy, with lead pollution levels increasing steadily from the Iron Age to the 17th century
The study reveals that China and the US are heavily reliant on imports for certain nonfuel minerals, with each country importing more than half of their consumption for 11 minerals. This raises concerns about potential international competition for existing supplies, as these minerals are crucial for emerging technologies.
A large randomized controlled trial found screening using FRAX calculator and bone density measurements to be highly cost-effective in preventing osteoporosis-related fractures. The study showed significant savings due to prevention of all fractures, including hip fractures.
The encyclopedia is a valuable resource for understanding the structure, processes, and genesis of the marine geosphere, essential for addressing global challenges. It presents an interdisciplinary synopsis of marine geosciences, incorporating multiple disciplines, and is regularly updated as a 'living' eReference work.
A new research paper presents a saturated coordinated path following control method for multiple underactuated USVs on a closed curve. The proposed method guarantees symmetric formation, has minimal communication data, and bounded control inputs.
Researchers have mapped areas with high rare earth mineral resource potential within heavy mineral sands in the southeastern United States. The study suggests that a large percentage of these minerals are derived from specific Piedmont province rocks via coastal processes during Atlantic opening.
A large mineral sector can lead to a 'resource curse,' where the finance sector prioritizes established firms over smaller companies, hindering national economic growth. This phenomenon, studied in 70 countries, suggests that the finance sector's focus on larger companies can exacerbate the resource curse.
The EU has awarded a €900,000 grant to the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology to develop new technologies for sustainable mineral exploration and efficient resource extraction. The project aims to advance drone-based exploration methods and multisensor drones to map natural rock samples and drill cores.
The Colorado School of Mines and Virginia Tech are teaming up to develop an integrated approach to locating, characterizing, and visualizing mineral resources. The consortium aims to boost exploration success rates, advance mining operations, and cut costs while minimizing financial risk and environmental impact.
A panel of experts will examine the pros and cons of seafloor mining, its engineering feasibility, and legal and societal implications at the AAAS meeting. Current exploration contracts have been signed by 27 countries, with the first project set to begin in 2019.
A new study from Tufts University reveals that honey bees fine-tune their nutrient-seeking behavior based on the seasonality of their floral diet. Bees forage for minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium in water sources that reflect what's lacking in their pollen-based diet.
Research by University of Sussex professor Constantin Blome found that industry collaboration and consumer pressure can make a big impact in the global drive to stop profits from mineral trade falling into the hands of armed groups. Simple measures such as sharing lists of certified smelters and refineries can help.
A report by Queen's University political researcher Nathan Andrews finds that EITI countries did not perform better than non-EITI countries, despite disclosure of tax and royalty payments. The researchers speculate that the initiative's limited scope and voluntary nature hindered its effectiveness in reversing the resource curse.
Scientists from the University of Exeter will lead a four-year €5.4 million project to discover essential raw materials and minerals in Europe. The team aims to use advanced techniques to expose previously unknown underground resources for high-tech products.
A new study examines trade flows of 71 mineral commodities between 107 countries and finds that regional shortages of essential minerals can lead to cascading shocks and instabilities in the global market. The research proposes policy measures, such as commodity risk taxes, to create more stable markets.
A Norwegian study reveals that fish farming consumes a significant amount of phosphorus, with the industry generating 9,000 tonnes of emissions annually. The researchers propose reusing this waste phosphorus to create new products and reduce pollution, offering potential solutions for Norway's aquaculture industry.
A new study by Alexander Simms and colleagues reveals that uplift rates across the Pacific Coast have been overestimated by an average of 40%, implying a slower rate of shoreline rise. This finding has important implications for coastal management, including earthquake hazards and sea-level rise impacts.
A new study finds that EU consumers waste an average of 123 kg per capita annually, equivalent to 16% of consumed food. The majority of this waste is avoidable, with vegetables, fruit, and cereals being the most wasted due to shorter shelf-life and over-purchasing.
The dominant approach to hip fracture prevention is neither viable nor cost-effective, according to experts. The focus on drug treatment overlooks feasible alternative strategies like physical activity, which can have little to do with osteoporosis but are often overlooked.
Compromise solutions are needed when building roads through sensitive tropical and subtropical areas, say experts. The authors propose four measures to mitigate tensions between roads and protected areas, including early involvement of infrastructure engineers and natural resource managers.
The deep sea provides essential services to humans, including nutrient-rich fish stocks, waste management, and reserves of oil, gas, precious metals, and rare minerals. Its unique ecosystems also host life forms with potential for new antibiotics and anti-cancer chemicals.
A University of Alberta team has discovered a water-rich mineral called ringwoodite, containing 1.5% water by weight, deep beneath the Earth's crust. This finding confirms scientific theories about massive volumes of water trapped between 410-660 km below the surface.
A team of researchers found that microbes engage in market-like behaviors, including comparing bids for commodities, hoarding resources, and eliminating competitors. This discovery has implications for understanding microbial interactions and could lead to new approaches in social microbiology.
The Geological Society of America has published three Special Papers in celebration of its 125th anniversary, showcasing advances in geosciences, technologies, and societal impacts. The volumes highlight the past 50 years' progress, from understanding plate tectonics to exploring space and developing new technologies.
A new Australian study uses a novel modelling tool to calculate the 'material footprint' of 186 countries over two decades, revealing that pressures on raw materials do not decline with economic growth. The results confirm that decoupling of natural resources from economic growth has been exaggerated.
Raimon Tolosana-Delgado's mathematical models help understand rock formation and sediment development, crucial for predicting raw material locations. The prize recognizes his work on developing general models applicable to various raw materials, which could improve exploration and extraction efficiency.
Researchers found high concentrations of gold in termite mounds, indicating a larger deposit underneath. These insects bring up small particles containing gold from the deposit's fingerprint and stockpile it in their mounds.
Researchers at Aalto University estimate that halving food losses globally could provide enough food for an additional 1 billion people, saving 614 kilocalories per person daily. This reduction would require efficient use of resources such as clean water and fertilizers.
Yale researchers developed a methodology to evaluate the importance of scarce metals using supply risk, environmental implications, and vulnerability analysis. The new approach provides a standardized framework for corporations and national governments to inform strategic decision-making around resource use.
The US Geological Survey estimates approximately 13 million metric tons of rare earth elements exist in known deposits across the country. Significant deposits have been found in 14 states, including California, Alaska, and Wyoming.
Researchers analyzed nearly 20 terabytes of data to identify major oil and gas sedimentary basins, mineral-rich regions, and hydrologic resources for agriculture. The findings could prove invaluable to Afghanistan's economic redevelopment and contribute to suppressing terrorist activity.
The USGS discusses prehistoric climate changes providing clues to future shifts and large deposits of gas hydrates on Alaska's North Slope. Holiday lights reveal the mineral composition behind their glow.
A recent study published in Osteoporosis International found that up to 50% of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis stop their treatment within a year due to side effects. The study showed that fractures have significant physical, psychological, and social implications on patients' quality of life.
Penn State has received a $135,000 Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grant to establish a training program for 1,000 miners and 1,120 others. The program will include interactive simulations and training materials to enhance miners' ability to survive mine emergencies.
A study identified variants of the BMP2 gene as genetic risk factors for osteoporosis, approximately tripling the likelihood of developing the disease. The findings were replicated in an independent cohort, suggesting a strong association between the gene's variants and increased risk of osteoporotic fractures.
The USGS collaborated with Alpha DVD to produce a comprehensive educational DVD about Alaska's glaciers. The DVD covers glacier characteristics, climate history, and ecosystems, providing a detailed introduction to this natural process.
Marine geologist Peter Rona describes a metal-rich mound, two-and-a-half miles under the Atlantic Ocean, composed of copper, iron, zinc, gold, and silver. The ocean's crust is cracked into plates that allow heat and materials to escape, creating habitats and energy for microbes that can be used in various applications.