Zinc is more than just a rock - it is a profoundly essential ingredient for modern life. From musical instruments to semiconductors, TV screens to fishing gear and flywheels, zinc is a remarkable metal found nearly everywhere.
Renewable energy sources are already being used to light up Alaska communities and this shift is expected to accelerate in the coming years – made possible by mined metals and minerals.
Silver is second to none. With the highest electrical conductivity of any metal and excellent durability, silver is a critical component of modern vehicles. The metal may even be lifesaving in the milliseconds when speed and reliability matter most.
Gold, long admired for its beauty and value, is revolutionizing diagnostic tools and treatment modalities. Its unique properties – including biocompatibility, chemical stability, and ability to change the properties of light – make it an ideal material for a variety of medical applications.
From the smartphones that keep us in touch, to the medical advancements that improve our health, to spacesuits that enable us to explore the cosmos, gold plays a pivotal role in bridging distances and fostering global connectivity.
For many, it has become almost unimaginable to navigate a new city, plan a road trip, or map an alternate route around traffic without a GPS system. Small but impactful amounts of gold can be found in many forms of technology that Americans rely on daily, including GPS systems.
Today, silver is critical to many life-saving medical advancements. From the everyday to the extraordinary, silver remains a major catalyst changing the face of medicine.
Tough workout? Don’t sweat it! Metals like zinc, copper, and silver are known for their antimicrobial properties, which help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause unpleasant odors in clothing.
Metals have played a major role in medicine for more than a century, and have been the catalyst for advancing highly complex procedures. Today’s modern surgery centers are surrounded by metal-infused products, enhancing the human experience.
Mining as a climate change solution? Absolutely! Mining plays a crucial role in producing the minerals and metals required for renewable energy technologies.