mining
-
Mining is Essential. It Doesn’t Have to be Wasteful.
Greeshma Gadikota is developing a wide range of new approaches for sustainably acquiring and refining the raw inputs that become hardware and energy.
-
As a Glacier Retreats, a Gold Mine Advances. Why Are Some Locals Angry?
A Canadian mining company is seeking approval to renew gold mining operations in northwestern British Columbia, but they face opposition from First Nations, environmental nonprofits and downstream Alaskan communities.
-
Rivers Exposed by Glacier Retreat Fuel Competition Between Mining Industry and Salmon
Study finds that Canadian mining companies are staking claims on future salmon habitat emerging from the ice as glaciers retreat.
-
The Energy Transition Will Need More Rare Earth Elements. Can We Secure Them Sustainably?
Scientists are exploring a variety of ways to provide raw materials for the energy transition with less harm to people and the planet.
-
The Paradox of Lithium
The clean energy transition depends heavily on lithium, but mining this element is not “clean.” We must not fall into the same traps from which we are trying to free ourselves.
-
What Lies Beneath Melting Glaciers and Thawing Permafrost?
As the planet’s ice disappears, it’s exposing new surfaces, opportunities, and threats — including valuable mineral deposits, archaeological relics, novel viruses, and more.
-
Stop Calling Green Energy ‘Clean’
The so-called clean energy transition depends on massive environmental destruction.
-
Chasing Gold, Geysers and Geothermal Power With Carolina Muñoz-Saez
The postdoctoral researcher studies hydrothermal systems and will soon go to the Chilean Andes to explore how geyser activity there may be related to glacier growth and retreat over thousands of years.
-
Controversial Alaskan Mine Receives a Push From the Trump Administration
A proposed rare earth element mine on a mountainous island in Alaska is at the center of a geopolitical conflict and an environmental crisis.
On Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10am to 4pm, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House—our biggest, best science fun and discovery event of the year—will take place on our beautiful campus in Palisades, NY. Mark your calendar and join us for this free, family-friendly celebration of science! RSVP Today!
