EXPLAINED: 12 - The Real Truth

Coal India weighs acquiring Wealth Minerals unit with Chile lithium assets

Coal India is exploring acquiring a Chilean unit of Wealth Minerals. This move aims to secure vital lithium resources for electric vehicle batteries. The companies jointly applied for a lithium extraction license in Chile. Acquisition decisions will follow the license approval process. India seeks to reduce reliance on China-dominated mineral…

The Economic Times · Aug 11

California built Shasta Dam in the 1940s, but the project flooded Kennett, a copper-mining town that now lies beneath Lake Shasta

Once a bustling northern California mining hub, Kennett was swallowed by the depths of Shasta Lake following the construction of the Shasta Dam. This ambitious federal project aimed at water management inundated the town, which thrived on copper mining and railroads. Today, only historical accounts and the lake itself hint…

The Times of India · Aug 11

In 2008, Spain began filling 300-metre-deep coal mine with 547 billion litres of water; four years later, the site looked nothing like it once did

A vast open-pit coal mine in As Pontes, Spain, has been transformed into a large artificial lake. Engineers filled the enormous excavation with billions of litres of water over four years. This ambitious project created a lake, beach, and nature trails, repurposing the landscape. The former industrial site now serves…

The Economic Times · Aug 11

Hindustan Copper eyes Chile mines, plans concentrate sales to Hindalco, Adani

Hindustan Copper plans to sell copper concentrate from acquired mines to Hindalco and Adani. The company is also discussing a joint venture with Chile's Codelco for mining operations. India's mines secretary confirmed discussions for four copper mining blocks from Codelco. Due diligence is ongoing for a potential joint venture with…

The Economic Times · Aug 10

India's future nuclear fleet may need 5,400 tonnes uranium annually; domestic supply meets about 30%: Parliamentary panel

India’s nuclear expansion could sharply raise uranium demand, with PHWRs alone expected to require around 5,400 tonnes of uranium oxide annually. A Parliamentary Committee flagged that domestic production currently meets only 30% of this requirement and urged faster mining, strategic stockpiles, overseas sourcing and clearer timelines to secure long-term fuel…

The Economic Times · Aug 9

Investigation raises alarm over uranium in DRC cobalt shipments to China

An investigation by Lighthouse Reports, The Financial Times and Le Monde traces the possible export of uranium from the Democratic Republic of Congo back to a confidential International Atomic Energy Agency memo obtained in 2024. Chinese mining group CMOC, which owns the main site examined in Katanga, disputes the findings.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 9

Afghanistan's gold rush upends lives and landscapes

SHIWA MINE, Afghanistan - In Afghanistan's northeastern Badakhshan province, dozens of excavators operate day and night to extract gold from the mountains where villagers and their livestock once roamed.

Bangkok Post · Aug 9

Afghanistan’s gold rush leaves a trail of dust, damage and lost farmland

Gold mining operations in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province are causing significant environmental degradation. Villagers report polluted rivers and loss of farmland due to extensive excavation. Thousands of miners are working in the Shiwa area, extracting gold for investors nationwide. The Taliban authorities have expanded the mining sector to boost state revenue.…

The Economic Times · Aug 9

India's Golden Mahseer Is Critically Endangered: What Is Killing Uttarakhand's Freshwater Giant

The Fish That Ruled India's RiversTor putitora, the golden mahseer, can reach 2.75 metres in length and weigh over 54 kg, making it one of the largest freshwater fish in Asia. It belongs to the cyprinid family, the same broad group as carp, but there is nothing ordinary about it.…

Times Life · Aug 9

Element 23: the data centre metal you've never heard of

As the mining industry elite took turns showcasing their strength, a modest contender stepped up with an interesting option to power Australia's AI evolution.

AAP · Aug 8