USGS releases first study to assess global earthquake risk to mineral supplies
Earthquakes have the potential to substantially affect mining operations, leading to supply chain disruptions that adversely affect the global economy.
Business Insider’s Robert Johnson took some photos of the mountains of sulphur piling up in northern Alberta- part of the website’s series on the Alberta oilsands.
Sulphur is a byproduct of refining oil and natural gas. According to Business Insider, as of 2006, 15 million tons of sulphur were heaped throughout the province. But getting rid of the stuff will be no easy task, with market conditions currently unfavourable, says BI:
Owners are stuck with a sulphur glut. Low prices in the marketplace and the burden of maintaining and neutralizing acidic water that runs off the sulphur blocks is no picnic. The cost to treat the runoff was up to $3.00 annually per ton a few years ago and demand does not look to be picking up any time soon.
Sulphur is mainly used in the production of fertilizer and sulphuric acid. It is also found in fireworks, gunpowder, matches, ointments and disinfectants.
Image of sulphur piles at the Port of Vancouver is by Shutterstock.
2 Comments
Edvaerd
It looks like money to me . Hay , got cheap storage anywhere . Elemental Sulphur is also great for amending garden soils . Tomatos like acidic soil (add Sulphur) Brocolli like it the other way , add Limestone .
Reminds of low LNG prices and such , not likely to last for ever . I guess it takes tarps and tie downs ?
David R. (Canada)
As a gardener in Alberta, I needed some sulphur to lower the pH of my garden soil. I had a big problem finding some in such a small amount. I managed to find some by accident because I happen to be a truck driver with various contacts in numerous industries.
Many gardeners require this product, but are unable to find it in retail outlets. I doubt this will make much of a dent in those piles up in Ft McMurray, but it would help.