Category: Mining

Over 65% of global nickel production is used in the manufacturing of stainless steel, but the best source of nickel depends heavily on its intended final application. Nickel is primarily sourced from two distinct ore types—laterites and sulfides—each requiring different processing methods and yielding varying grades of metal. This guide explores the different sources to determine which is optimal for specific industrial uses.

Approximately 160 naturally occurring minerals contain copper, but only a fraction are economically viable for extraction. Understanding which minerals contain copper is crucial for the mining industry, as the mineral composition dictates the extraction method and overall profitability. These copper-bearing minerals are broadly categorized into sulfides and oxides, each requiring different processing techniques to yield pure copper.

Over 850 volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits exceeding 200,000 tonnes are known worldwide, with formations spanning over 3.4 billion years of Earth's history. These extraordinary mineral accumulations are formed through a remarkable process involving seafloor volcanic activity and hydrothermal circulation.

Over 80% of mined phosphorus is used for manufacturing synthetic fertilizer, making its source a critical issue for global food security. The primary origin is phosphate rock, but with concerns over limited reserves and environmental damage, alternative sources like recycled waste are gaining importance.

Contrary to common assumption, the classification of minor minerals is not based on their scarcity or value but on their legal designation, which varies significantly by country. This category includes widely used materials like ordinary sand, gravel, and building stone, which are fundamental to local infrastructure projects.

Over 70% of newly mined silver is actually extracted as a byproduct from ores of other metals, such as copper and lead. To understand how do humans get silver, it is necessary to look beyond traditional mines and examine the complex methods of extraction, refining, and recycling that make this precious metal widely available.

According to Indian regulatory frameworks, a mineral is typically categorized as minor based on its lower value and local use. So, what is an example of a minor mineral? Common examples include everyday construction materials like ordinary sand, gravel, and building stones that are locally sourced.

Pakistan holds an estimated 1.427 billion tonnes of iron ore reserves of varying grades, positioning it among the country's top mineral resources. While substantial, these deposits have yet to be fully exploited to meet the nation's industrial steel requirements, leading to heavy reliance on imports.

Over 92 minerals are commercially exploited in Pakistan alone. In nature, minerals are transported through complex geological cycles, from the movement of sediments by wind and water to their uptake by plants through biological processes. Industrial operations then use sophisticated logistics, involving trucks, trains, and ships, to move these valuable resources from mine sites to global markets.

More than two-thirds of the world's yearly non-fuel mineral production comes from surface mining methods. This highlights the scale of resource extraction. How are minerals obtained by humans? The process is a complex engineering feat involving prospecting, extraction, and processing to turn raw geological deposits into usable materials for countless industrial and technological applications.