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Images related to Racing to Mine Lithium

Jwaneng Diamond Mine, Botswana
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Jwaneng Diamond Mine, Botswana

otswana ranks first among the world’s gem-quality diamond producers, and diamond mining makes up 70 percent of the nation’s export revenue. The Jwaneng Diamond Mine, in south-central Botswana, sits atop the convergence of three kimberlite pipes—diamond-rich geologic formations. Because the pipes meet just below the surface and cover some 520,000 square meters (128.5 acres) at ground level, the diamonds are mined from an open pit rather than a mine tunneled below the surface.

Published Oct 26, 2008

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Morenci Mine, Arizona
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Morenci Mine, Arizona

Published Nov 8, 2007

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Rio Tinto Borax Mine
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Rio Tinto Borax Mine

One of Earth’s richest borate deposits is at the center of the largest open-pit mine in California.

Published Nov 11, 2013

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Where Batteries Begin
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Where Batteries Begin

Chile’s Salar de Atacama has the world’s largest reserve of lithium, which is a key ingredient in rechargeable batteries.

Published Feb 9, 2019

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New Cornelia Mine, Arizona
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New Cornelia Mine, Arizona

Although this photograph may appear to be a small pit mine as seen from the air, it is actually a pit mine that is about a mile wide and just over a thousand feet deep as photographed by astronauts orbiting the Earth on board the International Space Station. The New Cornelia Mine is located just south of Ajo, Arizona. Small-scale mining of copper in this area began with the Spaniards and Mexicans as early as 1750. This large-scale, systematic operation began in 1912 and expanded rapidly for the next 50 years. Since the mid 1980s, activity has been limited because of low prices for copper on the world market. Note the tailings deposits to the east (right) and the larger containment ponds for extraction processes to the northeast.

Published Jun 23, 2002

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Cananea Copper Mine, Sonora, Mexico
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Cananea Copper Mine, Sonora, Mexico

One of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world, the Cananea mine produced over 164,000 tonnes of copper in 2006. The active, 2-kilometer-diameter Colorada Pit is recognizable by the concentric steps, or benches, cut around its perimeter.

Published Apr 21, 2008

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Muruntau Gold Mine
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Muruntau Gold Mine

The atoms of gold in this mine in Uzbekistan may have originated in colliding neutron stars and supernovas.

Published Aug 4, 2022

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Carajás Mine, Brazil
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Carajás Mine, Brazil

The terraced layers of red earth that make up the Carajás Iron Ore Mine contrast with the deep green Amazon Rainforest in this cloud-free image.

Published Jul 29, 2009

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Mining Peru’s Cerro de Pasco
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Mining Peru’s Cerro de Pasco

The city’s economic engine is also a worrisome source of pollution.

Published Mar 16, 2019

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Grasberg Mine, Indonesia
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Grasberg Mine, Indonesia

Located in the Sudirman Mountains of the Irian Jaya province of Indonesia, the Grasberg complex is one of the largest gold and copper mining operations in the world.

Published Aug 1, 2005

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