The hottest Minerals Substack posts right now

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Low-carbon energy does not have the same energy security risks as fossil fuels

Sustainability by numbers • 284 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Minerals Transition Security Geopolitics
  1. Low-carbon energy is more secure compared to fossil fuels due to different risk factors.
  2. Fossil fuel supplies pose an energy security risk due to being fuels that can be cut off or become expensive, impacting a country's energy security.
  3. Mineral inequities for clean energy transition are a separate issue, as expensive minerals may slow down the transition but do not impact the operation of existing technologies.

We have enough minerals for the energy transition, but medium-term supply is a challenge [Part 1]

Sustainability by numbers • 163 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Minerals Energy transition EVs Renewable Energy
  1. There are enough minerals for the energy transition, focusing on low-carbon electricity systems
  2. Supply and demand of minerals can change over time, making long-term projections uncertain
  3. Markets can incentivize exploration and material substitution to prevent mineral shortages

We have enough minerals for the energy transition, but medium-term supply is a challenge [Part 2]

Sustainability by numbers • 150 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Minerals Energy transition Supply Recycling
  1. Short- and medium-term supply of minerals for the energy transition is a challenge that requires increased recycling, substitution, mining, and refining capacity.
  2. The time it takes to discover new mineral deposits, open mines, and scale up refining capacity can create bottlenecks in the short- and medium-term.
  3. To meet the growing mineral demand by 2030, there is a need to accelerate new mine openings, build refining capacity, and ensure strong environmental and social oversight.

The world has enough minerals for low-carbon electricity

Sustainability by numbers • 178 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Minerals Electricity Greenhouse Gases Supply Chains Renewable Energy
  1. There are enough minerals for low-carbon electricity systems, but issues may arise with mine construction and geopolitical risks.
  2. Most materials needed for decarbonization are available, with demand being a small fraction of global reserves for the majority of minerals.
  3. Building low-carbon electricity infrastructure will require some increase in global production, but the embedded carbon emissions are relatively low compared to using fossil fuels.

King Tut's meteorite dagger: A weapon from the heavens

The Exformation Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 16 May 23
💾 History Minerals Ancient Civilizations Artifacts Archaeology
  1. King Tut's iron dagger made from a meteorite was more valuable than his gold one, showcasing the significance of minerals in history and power.
  2. Ancient Egypt's peak power was not during the time of the pyramids, but between 1550 BC and 1200 BC when they were a Great Power expanding their empire.
  3. Minerals like tin were crucial for advancements like bronze, highlighting their importance in shaping ancient civilizations and trade patterns.
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Sulphites, Sulphates, Sulphur, Eggs

The Heart Attack Diet • 39 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Enzymes Minerals Biochemistry
  1. Sulphur is a crucial element in compounds like sulphates and sulphites, often used as preservatives in food.
  2. While sulphites are meant to be harmless to humans due to an enzyme that breaks them down, some people still react poorly to them.
  3. Eggs contain sulphur, but possibly not sulphites. If eggs cause illness, it might be best to avoid them and investigate the cause.