In this Skillings Mining Review August 2021 edition, we highlight how mining continues to shape economies, technologies, and even the environment across the globe. From the surge in surface mining stories—such as India’s urgent need to double its iron ore output by 2030—to the innovation of modular plants and Fortescue’s milestone in producing the world’s first green iron ore, the sector is clearly evolving at breakneck speed.
We also feature a candid interview with Mr. Richard De Leon, Senior Mining Engineer Consultant at Mining Plus in Melbourne, Australia, who shares insights into engineering challenges and opportunities.
Yet, the issue does not shy away from hard truths: Latin America’s mineral turmoil and a controversial underwater mining startup highlight the risks of rapid resource exploitation. Beyond traditional mining, the rise of Bitcoin mining—and its destructive footprint on New York’s Finger Lakes—shows how “mining” is taking on new, and sometimes damaging, meanings.
With global steel production statistics underscoring the sector’s centrality, this issue of Skillings Mining Review August 2021 captures both the promise and the perils of mining at a crossroads.
