All articles by Ross Davies

A modern Eldorado: deep sea mining at the Clarion Clipperton Zone

For those pinning their hopes on the future of deep sea mining, the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is a modern-day…
Could blockchain sift out conflict minerals and fakes from the supply chain?

The news in October that Russia’s Alrosa, the world’s biggest diamond producer, was joining forces with fellow major De Beers…
Predicting earthquakes: what’s the best technology available to miners?

On 26 February, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake ripped through Papua New Guinea, claiming the lives of 160 people. At the…
Cleaning up the mess: Is self-bonding fair play?

In April 2016, Peabody Energy, the largest coal producer in the US, declared itself bankrupt. This event marked the nadir…
From buildings to batteries: is the time right for Vanadium?

Over two centuries have passed since the Spanish scientist Andres Manuel del Rio discovered vanadium in Mexico. Originally named erythronium…

Could snow, soil and trees point the way to the next big mining discovery in British Columbia?

For miners in Canada’s westernmost province, the difficulties of exploration are a perennial problem. Discovery rates have dropped in recent…
What’s next in store for Indonesia’s Grasberg mine?

Viewed from above, Grasberg mine stands out amidst Indonesia’s Sudirman mountains, akin to an indentation made by a giant power…
Going underground: The Portland stone industry moves into mining

Buckingham Palace. London Bridge. The Irish Houses of Parliament. New York’s UN Headquarters. What do such seemingly disparate edifices, both…
Introducing HyLogger: Mineral analysis without delay

It is estimated that almost A$600m is spent each year on exploratory drilling in Australia. Drilling in search of mineral…
Mucking around: Inside the International Collegiate Mining Competition

On the final weekend of March, passersby close to the old quarry at Hamilton Hinkle Paving in Georgetown, Kentucky may…