Article shared jointly on http://delvedatabase.org and Mining Hub Africa At the moment, it is true to say that almost each of us has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. We have been forced to adapt to a new way of life as governments fight to flatten the notorious infection curve. Our resilience has been tested by an enemy invisible to the naked eye, with many sectors of the economy struggling
Alexandrite: The Birthstone for June The month of June is celebrated with three special birthstones alexandrite, moonstone and pearl. As you would guess, alexandrite takes the lead in terms of value, rarity and class; making it our gemstone of focus this month. So, what is it? Why is it so special? Alexandrite is the rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl (chemical formula BeAl2O4 + Cr) that changes colour in different
Traditionally, the mining sector was considered one of the most labour-intensive industries. However, today we are experiencing a different narrative. Throughout the 20th and 21st century, technological innovations have revolutionized the industry in numerous ways. In particular, there is increased automation, the use of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence, and general digitization of the processes involved. Although the improved and utilization of the new technologies create a massive positive impact
Emerald; The Birthstone for May The mineral world celebrates the month of May with a special green gemstone; Emerald. Emerald is the greenish variety of a family of minerals known as beryl which also includes aquamarine (which is the blue variety), heliodor (golden-yellow variety), morganite (orange-pink variety). Beryl, which is beryllium aluminum silicate, is a rare mineral with a chemical composition of Be3Al2(SiO3)6. In its pure form, beryl is white
Open-cast Mining Open-cast mining is one of the most popular surface mining methods mostly employed for bedded deposits. The kind of minerals or rocks mined this way are found near the surface; where the overburden (surface material covering the valuable deposit) is relatively thin or the material of interest is structurally unsuitable for tunneling. Terms open-cast and open-pit mining have always been interchangeably used to refer to an excavation or
