Geology for Global Development

Mining and Minerals

Circular economy of metals and responsible mining

April 24, 2018
Circular economy of metals and responsible mining
Open pit iron mine, Itabira - Brazil (Credit: Bárbara Zambelli)

In today’s post, Bárbara Zambelli, considers how we can transition business models towards a more sustainable way of living, manufacturing and consuming. As I mentioned before in my post about Urban Geology and Underground Urbanisation, according to the UN report, the current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030 and 9.8 billion in 2050. In addition, the pe ...[Read More]

Back to Basics – Geology and International Development (Part 3/4)

April 13, 2015

How can an understanding of geology support and strengthen international development?  #7 – Identifying, extracting and managing natural resources, including appropriate environmental protection and post-mining restoration. Minerals and other natural resources are used in every sphere of society – every mobile phone, every computer, every wind-turbine. The income these can raise, also ...[Read More]

Friday Photo (114) – Aggregate Mining

February 7, 2014

Aggregate Mining in Rio San Francisco (Panajachel, Guatemala) The Rio San Francisco flows through Panajachel, one of the largest towns around Lake Atitlan, into the lake. In the current dry season, there is very little water, and you can see mining for aggregates occurring. Credit: Joel Gill (2014)

Friday Photo (113) – Wall Art in San Pablo la Laguna, Guatemala

January 31, 2014

San Pablo La Laguna is a small town on the edge of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. This wall art shows local opposition to mining activities. At the time of writing I’m not sure about the background context to the image, but it raises some interesting questions about  what is occurring or has occurred in this area in the past. Credit: Joel Gill (2014)