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In Zimbabwe, rolling blackouts hobble mining goals

Apr 5, 2023
The country has an ambitious goal to reach $12 billion in mining exports in 2023, but industry leaders say they can't get ahead without reliable electricity.
Zimbabwe has the largest African lithium deposits, a mineral crucial to electric vehicle batteries.  Above, workers inspect an open cast lithium mine in Goromonzi, Zimbabwe.
Tafadzwa Ufumeli/Getty Images

Can a platinum coin solve the debt-ceiling standoff?

Oct 7, 2021
A legal loophole could let The Treasury Department mint the money it needs to run the government
The logo of the US  Treasury Department is seen on the outside of the Treasury building in Washington on August 19, 2011.

Demand for metals may be root of South African workers' unrest

Aug 17, 2012
More than 30 people were killed after police in South Africa fired on striking miners. How might the incident impact the nation's mining economy?

South Africa mine strike could hurt ailing platinum market

Aug 17, 2012
A mass shooting of platinum miners in South Africa is a reminder that our precious metals come from some pretty unstable places.

Strike at South Africa mine turns deadly

Aug 17, 2012
More than thirty workers have been killed by police at a platinum mine in South Africa. The workers, who were armed, were staging what police said was an illegal strike.