(mining.com) - An international team of scientists discovered that diamonds formed during a high-energy shock wave from an asteroid collision around 50,000 years ago have unique and exceptional properties, caused by short-term high temperatures and extreme pressure. In a paper published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, the researchers say that these structures can be targeted for advanced mechanical and electronic applications because they provide the ability to design materials that are not only ultra-hard but also malleable with tunable electronic properties.
News
Ekati diamond mine to be closed down after failed attempts at sale
The Ekati diamond mine in Canada will be shut down by court order after its owner, Burgundy Diamond Mines, failed to find a buyer for the asset.
17 july 2026
Zijin begins lithium exports from DRC's Manono project to China — report
Zijin has started exporting lithium concentrate from its Manono project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to Reuters.
17 july 2026
Nornickel CEO claims global demand for company’s metals ‘stable’
The demand for Norilsk Nickel metals in the global market is stable, but the situation with logistics and sales will remain difficult, said president of the company Vladimir Potanin during a meeting with Russia’s president Vladimir Putin.
17 july 2026
Sibanye-Stillwater targets 75% chrome volume increase
Chrome is a growing value contributor to Sibanye-Stillwater's South African platinum group metals portfolio, delivering margins, resilience and project support, Mining Weekly has reported.
17 july 2026
Platinum and palladium to be produced in Russia’s Arctic zone
RT-Engineering, a holding company of the Rostec state corporation, has completed the main stage of construction at the Chernogorsk Mining and Processing Plant, which will become a major new center for mining and processing of ores containing platinum...
17 july 2026
