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深海驚現「暗氧」之谜：科学家观点大相径庭

DIWIDA.NEWS earth science, metals, science, underwater, water

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 （法新社法國布勒斯特17日電） 去年1項研究發現，在海洋最深、最暗處，塊狀金屬岩石能在沒有陽光的情況下製造氧氣。一些科學家認為有可能，另一些則質疑是否真的能在無光的海底深淵產生所謂的「暗氧」。


 根據這項去年7月發表在英國期刊「自然地球科學」（Nature Geoscience）的研究，馬鈴薯大小的礦結核可以產生足夠的電壓，將水分解為氫和氧，這個過程也被稱為電解。


 這讓長久以來的觀點受到質疑，即大約27億年前，當微生物開始透過需要陽光進行的光合作用產生氧氣，生命才得以存在。


 蘇格蘭海洋科学协会（Scottish Association for Marine Science）在其发布这项研究的新闻稿中指出：“深海中的发现引发了对生命起源的质疑。”


 環保人士認為，暗氧的存在顯示人類對位於極端深度的生命所知甚少，並支持他們聲稱深海採礦會帶來無法接受的生態風險這項論點。


 研究人員在克拉里恩－克利珀頓地區（Clarion-Clipperton Zone）發現這一現象，這是位於墨西哥和夏威夷間的一片太平洋海底區域。


 在距離海面約4公里深的海底散布著多金屬結核（polymetallic nodule），由於這些礦結核中含有錳、鎳和鈷等常用於電動車電池和低碳技術的金屬，礦業公司對這個區域的興趣也日漸增長。


 這項研究部分由加拿大深海採礦公司「金屬公司」（The Metals Company）資助，希望評估此類探勘活動對生態的影響。


 但在發現暗氧後，金屬公司強烈批評海洋生態學家史威特曼（Andrew Sweetman）及其團隊的研究，稱其存在「方法論缺陷」。


 史威特曼的發現引起了轟動，許多科學界人士對其持保留態度或直接駁斥。自去年7月以來，已有5篇反駁史威特曼研究結果的學術研究論文提交審查或發表。


 德國基爾亥姆霍茲海洋研究中心（GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel）的生物地球化學專家賀kel教授指出：「他並未提供其觀點與猜測的确鑿證明。」


 法國海洋開發研究院（Ifremer）地球化學研究員魯克塞爾（Olivier Rouxel）則指出，「深海採樣始終是個挑戰」，他補充說，檢測到的氧氣可能是「被困在測量儀器中的氣泡」。


 他對一些已有數千萬年歷史的深海礦結核是否仍能產生足夠電壓表示懷疑，因為「電池的電量很快就耗盡」。

深海驚現「暗氧」之谜：科学家观点大相径庭

（法新社法國布勒斯特17日電）去年1項研究發現，在海洋最深、最暗處，塊狀金屬岩石能在沒有陽光的情況下製造氧氣。一些科學家認為有可能，另一些則質疑是否真的能在無光的海底深淵產生所謂的「暗氧」。根據這項去年7月發表在英國期刊「自然地球科學」（Nature Geo...

This Akshaya Tritiya, Gold Prices Soar Beyond Consumers’ Reach

DIWIDA.NEWS economics, gold, investors, metals, money

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 In New Delhi [India], as reported on ANI on April 30th, this year’s Akshaya Tritiya—a significant date in the Hindu lunar calendar when purchasing gold is traditionally encouraged—saw subdued interest in the valuable metal. Experts and jewelers suggest that the primary reason was the elevated cost of gold. According to publicly accessible information, the price levels internationally were notably higher.
 gold prices
 roses grew at an unparalleled rate in 2025, increasing by more than 20 percent. In the last year, their value has climbed approximately 40 percent.
 
 
 Experts suggest that potential purchasers are avoiding buying gold jewelry or investing in the metal due to an unforeseen increase in prices during this year’s Akshaya Tritiya. Traditionally, many people schedule their purchases of valuable metals like gold and silver around this significant occasion each year.
 
 
 Gold prices are reaching record levels both in India and globally, driven by their status as a safe haven during current trade instabilities. The uncertainty around President Trump’s retaliatory tariff plans and the resulting countervailing tariffs has further bolstered this trend internationally.
 gold prices
 , which have been migrating northward for quite some time now.
 
 
 The World Gold Council reports that India’s gold demand for the initial three months of 2025 was recorded at 118.1 metric tons, marking a significant decrease of 15 percent compared to the 139 metric tons observed during the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
 
 
 Manoj Kumar Jain, who works as a commodity research analyst at Prithvi Finmart, commented, "During this Akshaya Tritiya, the demand for gold has been sluggish, likely because of elevated prices. The current demand is roughly 25 percent less compared to last year. Most consumers find gold unaffordable. Additionally, individuals are more inclined towards swapping their old gold for new pieces instead of purchasing new ones outright."
 
 
 Paraphrased version:
 Hareesh V, who leads commodities at Geojit Investments Ltd., echoed this view stating that due to the extraordinary surge recently observed, individuals are progressively choosing gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and digital currencies.
 gold prices
 .
 
 
 On Wednesday, coinciding with Akshaya Tritiya,
 gold prices
 Gold prices have declined in both the exchange and physical markets. On MCX, gold futures were being traded at Rs 94,380 for 10 grams, while in physical outlets they ranged from Rs 95,000 to Rs 96,000 for 10 grams.
 
 
 Ajay Kedia, who leads the Mumbai-based consulting firm Kedia Advisory, stated, "In the coming year, it would be prudent to purchase gold solely for ritualistic use rather than with an intent to invest, since projected yields are anticipated to decrease to approximately 6-7 percent, aligning with inflation rates."
 
 
 According to Colin Shah, MD of Kama Jewelry, "With
 gold prices
 Recently reaching new peaks, we remain optimistic that consumers may view this period as the ideal opportunity to purchase their preferred jewelry.
 gold prices
 are anticipated to experience further growth in the coming months."
 
 
 The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) estimates that around Rs 12,000 crores worth of gold jewelry and associated products were sold nationwide during Akshaya Tritiya. (ANI)
 
 
</div>
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).

This Akshaya Tritiya, Gold Prices Soar Beyond Consumers’ Reach

In New Delhi [India], as reported on ANI on April 30th, this year’s Akshaya Tritiya—a significant date in the Hindu lunar calendar...

America's Hidden Copper Treasure: Millions of Tons Awaiting Extraction

DIWIDA.NEWS copper, manufacturing, metals, mining, mining industry

(DIwida.Blog & News) -- Nestled within the mountain ranges of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, where mercury can soar up to 118°F (48°C), lies an extensive mining operation over a hundred years old. This facility stands at the forefront as scientists strive to extract millions of tons of copper.


 Following 154 years of excavation
 Morenci
 All the readily extractable copper has now been extracted. What remains are massive heaps of discarded rocks containing approximately 10 million tons of a metal deemed essential for worldwide electrification efforts. This resource could be pivotal in helping President Donald Trump achieve his aim of increasing domestic production of crucial minerals.


 Freeport-McMoRan Inc., the owner of Morenci, is working on developing technology capable of drilling into massive waste heaps to recover low-grade copper that was once considered too costly and complex to process. Although this innovation is still in its early stages, the American corporation believes it has the potential to ultimately obtain these materials more affordably, swiftly, and sustainably compared to conventional mining methods.


 The technique referred to as sulfide leaching has long been familiar to copper mining operations. However, the renewed interest in this method arises due to the anticipated surge in global demand for copper driven by advancements in electrification and artificial intelligence. As the top player in the industry, BHP predicts an increase in copper usage specifically for data centers.
 sixfold
 by 2050.

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 Trump’s emphasis on increasing domestic copper production—“it’s high time for copper to return home,” he stated in February—has reignited hope that facilities located in regions such as Arizona may gain an edge over competitors based in places like Latin America, Africa, and elsewhere. Following Trump’s directive to the Commerce Department to examine U.S. imports of this material—a move seen as potentially leading to new tariffs—the price of copper surged significantly. This situation suggests that additional trade barriers might be imposed soon.
 weeks.


 Last week, copper futures on New York's Comex reached an all-time peak as traders factored in the potential for significant U.S. import duties on the material. This anticipation led to a considerable increase, with U.S. copper prices rising by 26% so far this year.


 In certain scenarios, sulfide leaching might serve as a viable option instead of constructing entirely new copper mines. Frequently, high expenses, prolonged permit processes, and community resistance deter firms from initiating large-scale ventures. Nowadays, shareholders lean towards encouraging mining companies to pursue mergers and acquisitions or increase returns rather than approve the development of new facilities.


 Morenci stands as the biggest copper mine in North America, comparable in area to Brooklyn. Amidst processing plants and storage buildings, reptiles and organ-pipe cacti soak up intense rays under clear skies. Each pile of discarded material has been assigned its own designation and appears strewn across the location in conical forms. During a scorching day in September, a group comprising engineers, chemists, and technicians tested various methods involving high temperatures, pressurized air, and chemical agents aimed at extracting copper from these refuse heaps.


 For a considerable period, we simply did not believe it was feasible to reclaim anything from here," stated Robert Pollock, the site manager for Morenci, as he looked upward at a refuse heap as large as a Manhattan skyscraper. "However, nowadays, with all this historic copper, we're setting our sights on retrieving it.


 Major players such as BHP Group, Antofagasta Plc, and Rio Tinto Group—with its Nuton division—are also advancing efforts to adopt sulfide leaching techniques. Several companies have partnered with emerging firms like Jetti Resources and Ceibo, entities that assert significant progress in this area. Given the diversity in geological compositions across various copper reserves, these corporations are tailoring distinct technologies suited for their specific mine sites.

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 These businesses are concentrating on extracting copper from a challenging sulfide mineral known as chalcopyrite, often deemed hard to process or "leach." Jetti’s innovation seeks to leach these sulfides with minimal heating or crushing, processes that have generally made treating chalcopyrite so costly that it becomes impractically expensive.


 Ceibo, supported by BHP and now collaborating with Glencore Plc, employs a technique that rapidly oxidizes chalcopyrite ores via electrochemical processes. This leads to enhanced extraction yields within less time. According to the company, their method has achieved an over 75% success rate in extracting copper from chalcopyrite—substantially surpassing conventional leaching techniques.


 For many years, miners have processed the calcopyrite mineral to extract copper," explained Corby Anderson, who teaches at the Colorado School of Mines. "Copper hasn't simply been sealed inside some magical container. Nonetheless, current technologies aim to boost the extraction efficiency of copper from calcopyrite, a task that can be quite challenging.


 For years, Freeport-McMoRan has employed leaching techniques at the Morenci mine to extract lower-quality copper, but recently they have begun testing new chemical agents to access additional copper deposits located much further down within their discarded material heaps. Based in Phoenix, the firm has managed to recover 100,000 tons of copper through sulfide leaching thus far. Their objective is to increase this yield to 400,000 tons by 2030, which would be sufficient to supply wiring for over 4.3 million electric cars.


 "That's akin to the output of a significant copper mine anywhere," CEO Kathleen Quirk stated last year.

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 Despite the promising outcomes from sulfide leaching tests, this does not ensure overall success. Companies face challenges when trying to demonstrate that their methods will work effectively on an industrial scale, and many hesitate before committing significant funds to these innovative procedures. In private discussions, certain mining firms have expressed doubts about the practicality of some technologies and have negotiated intensely regarding partnership agreements and rights ownership.


 At Escondida, a massive copper mine in Chile operated by BHP, the global mining corporation has been experimenting with various technologies to counteract the decline in copper quality that threatens to significantly reduce output over the coming years. According to their strategy, BHP anticipates potentially producing up to 55,000 tons of copper annually through the process of leaching.


 BHP is currently evaluating its proprietary technology along with systems from Nuton and Jetti. However, these technologies present significantly varied results. Jetti’s solution has lower installation and operational expenses but provides just a minor boost in recovery rates. In contrast, Nuton’s approach entails higher initial costs yet substantially enhances recovery yields. According to BHP, they intend to reach a conclusion following 2027.


 Freeport-McMoRan, which initially invested alongside BHP and Mitsubishi Corporation in Jetti, has distanced itself from the technology following its collaboration with the start-up at their El Abra mine in Chile. In an email responding to inquiries, they stated that they have ceased utilizing the company’s method as they focus on developing their own approach instead. Currently, Jetti’s technology is being employed for commercial purposes by Capstone Copper Corp. in the U.S.


 Jetti possesses a distinctive and proven commercial technology for processing primary sulfide ores," stated CEO John Slaven. "Our process involves treating run-of-mine materials without requiring heat, grinding, or permits, resulting in the production of 99.99% pure copper directly at the mining location, generating zero tailings and using less water. Deployment can be completed within twelve months, providing substantial financial benefits.

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 "It will ultimately boil down to the economics," Anderson stated, adding that he is aware of earlier attempts to enhance copper recovery via sulfide leaching. Though these methods were technically possible, they did not prove to be economically practical.


 Freeport’s leaching initiative aligns with a key objective central to Trump’s critical minerals strategy: generating employment opportunities.


 The decrease in American mining and mineral processing led to job losses as these roles shifted to foreign nations where they could be performed more cheaply. In rural areas of the Southwest, significant advancements in technology are essential for sustaining older mines.


 Pollock, who serves as the site manager for Morenci, spent his childhood in Clifton, which is about 4 miles (6 kilometers) away from Morenci in Arizona. This town was established during the late 1800s primarily to accommodate the miners and their families working at the nearby mine. Back then, mules were used to transport crates filled with ore up the mine’s dusty inclines. Similar to many areas around it, this community's economic well-being soon became deeply intertwined with the fortunes of the mining industry.


 Currently, Morenci contributes to approximately 13,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities and generates over $1.5 billion in overall economic advantages across the state, as reported by Freeport.


 “I find it truly remarkable to see how much this place has transformed over the years,” stated Pollock. “ Undertaking this work ensures that the mine will continue to be operational for many more years to come.”


 --Assisted by Thomas Biesheuvel and James Attwood.


 (Includes statement from the company in the 20th paragraph.)


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 DIwida.Blog & News


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America's Hidden Copper Treasure: Millions of Tons Awaiting Extraction

(DIwida.Blog & News) -- Nestled within the mountain ranges of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, where mercury can soar up to 118°F (48°C), lie...

Copper Prices Soar in New York While Dropping in London — Similar to Gold Trends

DIWIDA.NEWS copper, economics, gold, metals, money

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BLbLB" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BLbLB.jpg"/>
<ul class="summary-list">
 <li>
 Copper prices have reached all-time peaks in New York due to concerns over tariffs and increasing demand.
 </li>
 <li>
 A banking specialist from Bank of America stated that the copper market is facing a supply crisis.
 </li>
 <li>
 Increasing expenditures on defense and the growth in electric vehicle manufacturing are poised to affect both the demand for and supply of copper.
 </li>
</ul>

 This year, gold has been hitting record levels above $3,000 per ounce — however, it isn’t the sole commodity experiencing strong interest.


 Copper is utilized in products ranging from computers to electrical cables, and traders have been purchasing it aggressively amidst the
 threat of trade tariffs
 being imposed.


 Demand has remained notably robust in New York, with
 copper
 reaching a peak on Wednesday of up to $5.374 per pound — exceeding $11,840 per metric ton.


 This surpasses the $5.20 per pound recorded last May and represents almost a 30% increase from the beginning of the year.


 Nevertheless, copper prices on the London Metal Exchange fell on Wednesday to a low of $9,893 per ton.


 These identical tariff concerns have similarly driven up gold prices significantly.
 higher in New York
 Rather than in London this year, there has been a surge in transporting gold bullion across the Atlantic to capitalize on the discrepancy.

<h2 data-toc-id="4f928308-768a-4cc1-9b67-2c21d4167433" id="4f928308-768a-4cc1-9b67-2c21d4167433">
 Supply crisis
</h2>

 Michael Widmer, who leads metals research at Bank of America, informed Business Insider about a similar accumulation of stocks occurring in the U.S., which has sparked a supply crisis involving copper.


 Widmer stated that market participants are currently attempting to secure copper units for shipment to the US in preparation for potential tariffs.


 There aren't any additional copper units accessible in the current marketplace. More investments must be made in supply; otherwise, I believe we'll face a situation where demand exceeds supply due to insufficient availability.

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 President Donald Trump's tariffs on imported copper could be implemented much earlier than anticipated, according to a report from Bloomberg on Wednesday.


 Howard Lutnick, who served as the Commerce Secretary, was granted up to
 270 days
 To file a report assessing if copper imports posed a threat to U.S. national security. The presidential directive stated that copper is essential for the nation’s economic stability and industrial toughness due to its “critical function in defense systems, infrastructure development, and innovative technology sectors.”


 A lot of people anticipate that Trump will unveil new tariffs as early as the upcoming week.


 This month, analysts from Goldman Sachs stated their expectation that a minimum tariff of 25% would be applied to imported copper as well as numerous other types of metal.


 In a recent note from last weekend, they stayed "strategically hesitant" regarding the metal, stating further: "A concentration on China or an aggressive stance on reciprocal tariffs would likely have adverse effects on copper prices."

<h2 data-toc-id="aa0f596e-ff52-45e9-863d-0bd256daf8ce" id="aa0f596e-ff52-45e9-863d-0bd256daf8ce">
 Rising defense budgets
</h2>

 Plans by European countries to boost their defense budgets due to uncertainties regarding the US dedication to NATO may also influence copper supplies and pricing.


 In February, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain would increase its defense budget to 2.3% of GDP.
 2.5% by 2027
 Last week, Germany's legislative body approved a measure allowing for unprecedented expenditures on both defense and infrastructure projects.


 Widmer stated that by 2030, we could reasonably argue for a twofold increase in copper consumption by the defense sector, starting from 2009.


 Constructing electric vehicles and data centers were additionally intensive uses of copper. "As a result, we continuously increase the demand side," he stated.


 Goldman predicts a worldwide shortage of copper amounting to 180,000 tons for this year because of reasons such as increased electrification and diminishing output from mining operations.


 According to the International Copper Association, global demand is anticipated to increase by an annual rate of 1.85%, climbing from 28.3 million tons in 2020 to approximately 40.9 million tons by 2040.


 If you liked this tale, make sure to follow
 Business Insider
 on MSN.

Copper Prices Soar in New York While Dropping in London — Similar to Gold Trends

Copper prices have reached all-time peaks in New York due to concerns over tariffs and increasing demand. A banking specialist f...

Discover Ireland's Role in the New Global Treasure Hunt for Rare Earth Minerals

DIWIDA.NEWS metals, mining, mining industry, technology, world

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1zQqiE" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1zQqiE.jpg"/>


 Critical for contemporary tech, rare earth elements power devices like smartphones and electric cars as well as sophisticated military gear. As countries compete to control these essential materials, this competition underscores their importance in technological and strategic domains.
 
 new geological map
 
 Has unveiled the planet's most precious mineral caches, altering international balance of power. As China possesses the biggest stockpiles, the United States, European nations, along with various key economic powers, are urgently seeking alternate suppliers—sometimes through contentious agreements—to secure their supply chains.

<h2>
 Where Are the World's Hidden Reserves of Rare Earth Minerals Located?
</h2>

 A fresh worldwide chart, grounded on
 
 Data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
 
 identifies the most abundant deposits of rare earth minerals globally. Although these elements aren’t truly scarce, locating them in significant quantities is unusual, which makes extracting them challenging and costly.


 The map points out important places, such as:


 • China, leading global production with 44 million metric tons of reserves.


 ・Africa, particularly Morocco and South Africa, where rich zinc, lithium, and cobalt deposits have made the region a critical supplier for batteries and renewable energy.


 ・South America, where Chile and Brazil hold vast lithium reserves essential for electric vehicles.


 ・Ukraine, which is emerging as a geopolitical flashpoint due to its significant titanium and lithium resources.


 ・Greenland, where untapped deposits of rare earth elements and natural gas have fueled interest from global powers.


 Despite these widespread
 
 deposits
 
 , mining and refining activities continue to be predominantly centered in China, leading to a supply chain bottleneck that the global community is urgently trying to overcome.


 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1zQqiK" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1zQqiK.jpg"/>

<h2>
 What Makes Rare Earth Elements Crucial?
</h2>

 The rare earth elements form a set of 17 metal components known for their distinctive attributes which render them essential for various advanced technological sectors. These elements find applications in:


 · Smartphones, laptops, along with electric vehicles, rely on advanced batteries for superior performance and effective energy storage capabilities.


 ・Military applications, including missile guidance systems, radar, and advanced weaponry.


 ・Renewable energy technology, such as wind turbines and solar panels, which rely on rare earths for high-efficiency power generation.


 
 Sophia Kalantzakos
 
 , a professor of Environmental Studies and Public Policy at NYU Abu Dhabi, emphasized their growing geopolitical importance:


 “[Rare earths] are very valuable because of their various tech applications, military applications, renewable energy applications—you name it, they contain rare earths.”


 As demand skyrockets, control over these
 
 minerals
 
 has become a strategic battleground, with countries competing to secure stable supplies.

<h2>
 A New Resource War: Who Controls the Supply?
</h2>

 With
 China
 holding the world’s largest rare earth reserves, the country has gained tremendous leverage over the global market. Beijing has restricted exports in the past, sending shockwaves through global supply chains and forcing Western nations to rethink their dependence.


 This has led to a rush to develop alternative sources, with countries like the United States, Canada, and
 Australia
 investing heavily in rare earth mining projects. The European Union is also prioritizing domestic mining and recycling programs to reduce reliance on China.


 Robert Muggah, a fellow at
 
 Princeton University
 
 , and Rafal Rohozinski, a senior fellow at Canada’s Center for Governance Innovation, recently wrote:


 “Ukraine’s mineral resources are not only pivotal to Ukraine’s sovereignty but also to Europe’s energy independence and the competition between the United States and China for technological dominance.”


 This underscores the high-stakes competition between global superpowers to secure control over these critical resources.


 
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Discover Ireland's Role in the New Global Treasure Hunt for Rare Earth Minerals

Critical for contemporary tech, rare earth elements power devices like smartphones and electric cars as well as sophisticated military...