Imagine being a construction worker and finding a hidden treasure out of nowhere. Well, this happened in France and the workers who found it were rewarded with money. How lucky they were!
What they found was pure graphite, millions of tonnes, giving birth to one of the biggest deposits of graphite in Europe. Leading to a new controversy between the environment and extracting minerals.
One day you wake up and go to work as regular, and suddenly your life has changed! What a story!
The hidden treasure
Graphite was the hidden treasure some construction workers found while working in the south of France. This is one of the most heat resistant minerals in the world and it is a great conductor too. Also, it can reach high levels of pureness, which happened to the ones found in this construction site.
This mineral is highly valued because it is the source for making technological things like lithium-ion batteries (used in electric cars and electronic devices), manufacturing steel and other advanced technologies. So, you can imagine the numerous demands for this mineral.
Did the construction workers have any benefits?
Yes, indeed. These workers were rewarded by their company and each worker received a $15,400 check, which was very well received by the workers who saw an opportunity to live a bit more relaxed for some time.
The workers were really surprised because in these types of jobs, workers are not used to getting any kind of bonus.
Importance of graphite in the local economy
Now that people know this place is a mine full of this treasure, companies are willing to start digging and extracting the mineral. It is estimated the extraction could last over 50 years which translates into job opportunities for local people, who would be able to be trained in this field. This is why local authorities are already planning to start improving infrastructures so that the residents become used to this change as soon as possible.
What about the environment?
Every time there is a sign of a new mine, there is a controversy. It is true it will have a positive impact for the local community’s economy, but the negative impact will be on the environment.
Mining activities can result in polluting near waters and damaging animals and plants originally from the place, among many other consequences. It seems that the company involved in the extraction of the mineral has promised to follow the environmental regulations.
It is important that companies support the importance of the environment over any other cause, because that is the main source of life we have. So, let’s hope the company is reliable and it makes its words a reality.
The rest of the world is also interested in this discovery
The companies involved in renewable energy and electric vehicles all around the world are experiencing an increase in their manufacturing, so this discovery is seen as a new way of obtaining their most valuable material, graphite.
This mine is a relevant aspect for France to be seen as an important exporting country of this mineral in the world and it could also be a great opportunity for the country to be its own supplier of pure graphite. Nonetheless, this is very exciting now, but it needs to be taken care of since it is something that won’t last forever.
Having in mind we live in a world full of technology, which we couldn’t live without, the graphite’s value is obvious. Also, the interest of companies in this mineral is another relevant aspect in its importance and the importance of technology and economy development.