I discuss coal, it's energy content, how it's mined, where it's mined, and some impacts on the environment and society. Slidedeck PDF File
I talk a lot about diamonds, both as placer and in kimberlites, but also touch on a couple other gemstones. Slidedeck PDF File
We follow up on our discussion of Gold to talk about Mercury, which is used to isolate gold ore, among other things. Slidedeck PDF File
I talk about Gold, a very interesting precious metal, its geologic occurrence, how it's processed, and some economic considerations. Slidedeck PDF File
Here, I build off our discussion of sand to discuss some applications of "aggregate", why it's mined in and near urban centers, and its broad use in drilling wells. Slidedeck PDF File
Here, I talk about porosity and permeability as applied to groundwater and introduce some of the contentious issues around water resources, particularly in water-stressed (arid) environments. Slidedeck PDF File
I describe the industrial and geologic benefits of clays, and talk a bit about where and how they're mined. Slidedeck PDF File
Here, I talk about the structure of the Earth, where this data comes from, and how this is related to the natural concentration of valuable minerals and sources of energy. Slidedeck PDF File
Here, I discuss the global lithium trade, the geology of lithium ore, hint towards some environmental and cultural considerations, and talk briefly about battery types and recycling! Slidedeck PDF File
Here, I continue the lecture about global and US Energy usage, go into some of the units used to describe power and energy, and how energy usage is related to "quality of life". Slidedeck PDF File
Here, I review some key points from MRE CH 1 and discuss the "NIMBY" mindset as applied to energy and minerals. Slidedeck PDF File
Here, I talk about the Butte, Montana copper mine and other copper mines in the world. I also give a brief history of copper and describe some of its uses. Slidedeck PDF File