To reach net zero the world still needs mining. After 26 years, here’s what I’ve learned about this ‘evil’ industry

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Exploring the complexities and controversies of mining, this article takes us around the world from the lead and zinc mine in Kosovo to the uranium mine in Namibia, and the copper mine in the Gobi desert. From the riotous British mining engineers in a Moscow bar to the anti-mining protests in Serbia, we are shown the impacts mining can have on local communities and the environment. Claiming we need mining to meet our climate targets, this article is a reminder of the complexities and tensions of our modern lives as we try to figure out how to responsibly source the minerals and metals we need. Read full article here

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A look inside the lab building mushroom computers

The Unconventional Computing Laboratory at the University of the West of England is pushing the boundaries of computing, working to see if mushrooms can be used to carry out computing and sensing functions. By stimulating the mycelium—the branching, web-like root structure of the fungus—researchers can get it to produce electrical activity and see if it can be used to create complex, multi-dimensional functions that are more precise than traditional computers. This could lead to a whole new world of possibilities, such as using mushrooms to create fault-tolerant, energy-efficient computers and even mapping neural networks. It’s truly a fascinating field of study – and one that could shape the future of computing. Read full article here

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