As the world moves to combat climate change, it’s increasingly doubtful that coal will continue to be a viable energy source, because of its high greenhouse gas emissions. But coal played a vital role in the Industrial Revolution and continues to fuel some of the world’s largest economies. This series looks at coal’s past, present and uncertain future, starting today with how it’s formed.

An infographic outlining why, and how, oil prices fluctuate.

As the world moves to combat climate change, it’s increasingly doubtful that coal will continue to be a viable energy source, because of its high greenhouse gas emissions. But coal played a vital role in the Industrial Revolution and continues to fuel some of the world’s largest economies. This series looks at coal’s past, present and uncertain future, starting today with how it’s formed.

Does your lagging optimise your conveyor’s performance? Flexco chief engineering Brett DeVries explains.

A three step method to maximise output and lift efficiency. Haver & Boecker Australia’s operations manager Jan Averhaus writes.

Australia’s smallest state may see the strongest revival as the mining industry slowly claws its way out of the downturn.

With the future of mining headed underground, this year’s Seventh International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin) sought to address potential issues expected to arise.

BHP unveiled its strategy for Olympic Dam during a recent site visit, and how the operation plans to ramp up beyond any point seen to date at the mine. Cole Latimer reports.

Despite the downturn in the resources industry, a general positivity was felt among junior explorers at this year’s RIU Resources Round-up.

Brazilian company New Steel have developed a new dry iron ore processing method to make mining more environmentally sustainable.

A new ‘gold rush’ is on. Sharon Masige writes.

Josh Frydenberg’s speech at Energy Networks 2016 Energy in Transition Conference.

Minerals Council of Australia’s executive director for uranium, Daniel Zavattiero, outlines what the removal of South Australia’s ban on nuclear energy means for the state.

Mining is undergoing a massive push for efficiencies in all aspects of business, and one of the major areas of focus is in proper asset management.

WoodMackenzie’s Andy Roberts explains how the coal bubble burst, and how the impact will be felt far beyond the mining industry’s own borders.

Austmine’s CEO Christine Gibbs Stewart outlines the challenges facing METS companies in Australia, and the steps being taken to overcome these hurdles.

When using an electron microscope, having your samples fried or explode isn’t quite the result one wants, however, an alternative is now available in the form of a new prototype helium-based microscope, providing greater clarity and usability.

An insight into how metals have performed the year to date, and how they move in the year ahead.

Australia’s largest wire rope supplier WRI industries has been playing an ever-growing game since the 1920s, building a business from the BHP empire to become the largest supplier in the country, and thanks to a fortuitous buyout, the world.

South Australia’s last coal-fired power station closed on Monday this week, leaving the state with only gas and wind power generators, so what will be South Australia’s energy future?