Metallic mineral resources are naturally occurring concentrations of metal-bearing minerals in the lithosphere that can be economically extracted and processed to obtain metals or metal compounds. Scientifically, they encompass ore deposits formed through magmatic, hydrothermal, sedimentary, or metamorphic processes that enrich metals such as Fe, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and rare or precious metals to grades above crustal background levels. Research on metallic mineral resources focuses on their genesis, spatial distribution, geochemical signatures, mineralogical associations, and the physical-chemical conditions of ore-forming systems, as well as resource estimation, beneficiation behavior, and environmental implications of their exploitation.
A Pacific island leader says there were "no consultations" before the U.S. announced swaths of nearby ocean could be auctioned for deep-sea mining exploration, telling AFP the industry faced strong opposition among his people.
Environment
Aug 6, 2026
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19
Pyrite, an iron sulfide ore, is often known as fool's gold because its shiny metallic luster and pale brass-yellow color can easily fool the untrained eye into mistaking it for real gold. This time, however, 360 kilometers ...
The global push for a transition to green energy has sparked demand for critical minerals such as lithium, vanadium, copper and cobalt. These are needed for electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels. Sub-Saharan Africa ...
Environment
Jun 29, 2026
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12
A Canadian deep-sea mining company may become the first to commercially mine the international seabed under a controversial U.S. executive order that bypasses United Nations regulations. A recent legal analysis suggests that ...
Environment
Jun 8, 2026
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161
The southern Appalachians hold an estimated 1.43 million metric tons of lithium oxide, concentrated in the Carolinas, and the northern Appalachians hold an estimated 900,000 metric tons, concentrated in Maine and New Hampshire, ...
Earth Sciences
Apr 30, 2026
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36
The Trump administration, with the support of many congressional Republicans, is looking to boost deep-sea mining as a way to counter Chinese dominance of critical minerals supply chains.
Environment
Jan 28, 2026
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21
The vision of mining space for resources is no longer science fiction. The moon's proximity to Earth and the presence of precious resources make it an increasingly attractive prospect for exploitation.
Space Exploration
Dec 10, 2025
2
65
Imagine running a business for over a century without knowing what's in your warehouse. That's essentially what many African countries are doing with their mineral wealth. Governments across the continent still have very ...
Earth Sciences
Aug 11, 2025
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46
Geological resources such as critical metals and minerals, essential for the diffusion of technologies such as renewable energy and energy storage towards a decarbonized society, are indispensable for supporting modern life ...
Earth Sciences
Mar 13, 2025
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130
Mining the moon to extract its resources is a critical step on humanity's path into the solar system. One of the most common resources on the moon is considered relatively valuable here on Earth—titanium.
Planetary Sciences
Oct 8, 2024
0
75
