The benefit of a newsletter is that the creator (me) can have a strong relationship with their audience (you). In a niche field, like the mining rush for climate technologies, we can create a vibrant community.
Tell me the stories you want to read. Last week’s uranium story was not one that I initially intended for GR, but popular discussions about nuclear energy seemed to necessitate it. There are interesting stories happening all around the world, but due to the financial constraints of freelance journalism, I’m inclined to take them to other publications before GR. That’s one reason I’ve enjoyed writing editions on more conceptual topics that reframe how to think about materiality.
So what do you think?
More abstract stuff?
Just news round-ups?
Heard an interesting mining story recently?
Want to know about a specific metal and its supply?
Dismayed by coverage of metals or mining elsewhere?
My Green Rocks time this week has been spent investigating whether and how to move to a different newsletter platform, considering allegations that Substack is funding harassment. (Read more here.) In the meantime, let’s talk stories!
Hi Ian, I've enjoyed all your posts, congratulations on the good and precious work! The news round-ups are great, they save me a lot of time. The interviews, in-depth papers are really good too. Since you're asking, I think there is a lack of coverage (and I am not talking about GR here) of the so called "responsible turn" in the mining industry. Initiatives like IRMA and others have been pushing for a reform of the mining codes for quite a while now but with, unfortunately, little success ; at least little success globally. But I think there are stories to be written (and read!). Most of what we get at the moment are positive stories from industrialists (and affiliated). A critical approach to this responsible turn with a specific focus on raw materials needed for the energy transition would be very relevant. (nb: I am an environmental historian, trying to do just this).
In general, I am very thankful you are writing this newsletter. It's been an accessible read for someone isn't in the weeds on the topic. I have no specific feedback as I've enjoyed it all, but I do hope to learn your take on Conglomerate Mesa in Inyo County, CA, at some point, if you haven't already. For example, do we really need to mine for gold or would it not be needed as much if society was better at e-waste recycling?
Hi Ian, I've enjoyed all your posts, congratulations on the good and precious work! The news round-ups are great, they save me a lot of time. The interviews, in-depth papers are really good too. Since you're asking, I think there is a lack of coverage (and I am not talking about GR here) of the so called "responsible turn" in the mining industry. Initiatives like IRMA and others have been pushing for a reform of the mining codes for quite a while now but with, unfortunately, little success ; at least little success globally. But I think there are stories to be written (and read!). Most of what we get at the moment are positive stories from industrialists (and affiliated). A critical approach to this responsible turn with a specific focus on raw materials needed for the energy transition would be very relevant. (nb: I am an environmental historian, trying to do just this).
Again, many thanks for the good work!
In general, I am very thankful you are writing this newsletter. It's been an accessible read for someone isn't in the weeds on the topic. I have no specific feedback as I've enjoyed it all, but I do hope to learn your take on Conglomerate Mesa in Inyo County, CA, at some point, if you haven't already. For example, do we really need to mine for gold or would it not be needed as much if society was better at e-waste recycling?