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Molybdenum
October 2004 by Edgar B. Heylmun, PhD
Molybdenum, referred to as “molly” by miners, is a white metal that is alloyed with iron to form hard, tough and strong steel. It was first used in World War I for armor plate on ships. Nowadays, molybdenum is routinely used to harden structural and tool steel, and to reduce corrosion.Detecting My Way Across Australia—Pt II
It was round and I thought it was a dirty piece of lead shot, but after feeling the weight and giving it a spit-cleaning I knew I had one! Small as the nugget was, I felt happy and gratified for my little success
Critical Minerals: Tungsten
Because tungsten minerals are heavy, exploration can be done using stream sediment samples. Prospectors looking for gold have found scheelite or wolframite in their placer concentrates, and in some cases this has led them to make important tungsten finds.
The Rest of the Story—Detecting With Ray Mills
Ray followed up by detecting the same area and I was happy to see that he did not find any good targets in the same line. So far so good.
Trade-Ins, Swaps and Like-Kind Exchanges
While most prospectors, mine operators and business owners are aware that “like-kind” exchanges can be an excellent way to postpone the gain resulting when any of the operation’s assets are disposed of, few give any thought to the value...
Dredging for Monazite in Idaho
The advent of the nuclear age, after World War II, aroused concerns in government circles when officials realized the United States was entirely dependent upon foreign sources of supply for rare earth elements. This prompted the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) to enlist the US Bureau of Mines Special Minerals Investigation Branch to evaluate monazite-bearing placers in the United States in 1948.
Idaho-Maryland Mine—History Restarted
It was late October 1850, and, as the story goes, George McKnight was rushing along trying to round up his cows when he stumbled. He was not a happy man as he kicked the fist-sized rock in disgust. The disgust changed quickly to interest...
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