3 ms·

> I would argue that most larger Western nations have the ability to be self-sufficient in electricity. If I recall correctly granite by virtue of its uranium

> I would argue that most larger Western nations have the ability to be self-sufficient in electricity. If I recall correctly granite by virtue of its uranium content has more energy than coal does by combustion. And everywhere has granite if they dig deep enough. If you’re willing to import uranium you have even fewer non-political problems if you have the requisite engineering skills. Among European countries that probably excludes places like Malta and Luxembourg but if Finland can do it there’s no reason to believe e.g. Ireland couldn’t.

natmaka 4y ago
Granite extraction and especially treatment, given ore grade, would imply gigantic greenhouse gases emissions, isn't it? This will be more and more of a challenge even in uranium mines: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2051332 https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2051332
- dotancohen 4y ago
  Replacing much of the equipment with electric, e.g. Tractors and Trucks, would not only reduce the greenhouse emissions during the extraction and refining process, but would also make the equipment more robust and easier to operate. Electric motors generate all their torque at 0 RPM, right where heavy equipment needs it. Contrast with e.g. passenger vehicles which spend very little time accelerating from a quasi-standstill.
  - natmaka 4y ago
    There is no such adequate equipment. The most adequate electric trucks are way too small. And electric version of various other heavy grinding machines just doesn't exist, AFAIK not even as prototypes. Moreover providing massive amounts of electricity in such remote locations, and also delivering it locally (power cables everywhere in a mine shock-full of heavy equipment? What could go wrong?), is a major challenge. If it's easy for you, then providing all this will quickly get you rich.

natmaka 4y ago

Granite extraction and especially treatment, given ore grade, would imply gigantic greenhouse gases emissions, isn't it? This will be more and more of a challenge even in uranium mines: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2051332 https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2051332

dotancohen 4y ago
Replacing much of the equipment with electric, e.g. Tractors and Trucks, would not only reduce the greenhouse emissions during the extraction and refining process, but would also make the equipment more robust and easier to operate. Electric motors generate all their torque at 0 RPM, right where heavy equipment needs it. Contrast with e.g. passenger vehicles which spend very little time accelerating from a quasi-standstill.
- natmaka 4y ago
  There is no such adequate equipment. The most adequate electric trucks are way too small. And electric version of various other heavy grinding machines just doesn't exist, AFAIK not even as prototypes. Moreover providing massive amounts of electricity in such remote locations, and also delivering it locally (power cables everywhere in a mine shock-full of heavy equipment? What could go wrong?), is a major challenge. If it's easy for you, then providing all this will quickly get you rich.