Researchers have devised new methods to turn toxic asbestos mine tailings into innocuous piles of carbonate rock and draw down atmospheric carbon dioxide at the same time.
Mineral occurrences and deposits
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For Some Copper Deposits, Microbes Make Minable Minerals
Copper ores were long thought to form through purely chemical processes, but a recent study provides the strongest evidence yet that microbial metabolism drives mineral production.
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Deep-Seabed Mining May Come Soon, Says Head of Governing Group
New regulations could open the door for sustainable mining, says the head of the International Seabed Authority. However, he and others pointed to environmental, financial, and technical challenges.
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Proposed Bill Would Loosen Ocean Drilling Restrictions
The legislation would restrict the withdrawal of offshore areas from oil and gas development and overturn current planning processes.
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Whiskers on Familiar Crystal Revealed as New Mineral
A 14-year-old girl's chance encounter with a random sample of tanzanite led scientists to find an entirely new mineral.
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Tanzanian Volcanoes May Hoard Helium Ready for the Taking
Sweet spots of volcanic heat that are not too close to active eruptions may hold the world's richest reservoirs of the scientifically and medically important gas helium.
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Tougher Guidelines Issued for Alaska Offshore Drilling
The regulations will reinforce safety mechanisms and provide stronger planning efforts and enhanced regulatory certainty, according to the Department of the Interior.
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Interior Department Shelves Oil and Gas Lease off Atlantic Coast
The administration moves forward with offshore plans for the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska, but its removal of an Atlantic lease sale sparks sharp responses from industry.
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Interior Department Issues Fracking Standards
The Department of the Interior has issued new standards on hydraulic fracturing, including measures to protect groundwater and disclose chemical use.
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Jewell Presents Interior Department's Energy "Reform Agenda"
Interior Secretary Jewell says that the agency's agenda includes safe and responsible energy development, good government, and encouraging innovation.