How Did They Think Of This?

Low-key non-complicated inventions are quietly transforming the world, despite being funny at first.

Nov 12 • 

Dr Noko Phala

1

This EV can't even move!

Sandvik's well executed eNIMON mining-free EV car meme is a reminder that without minerals, there is simply no sustainable future.

Nov 5 • 

Dr Noko Phala

1

October 2025

OpenAI's Circular Economy: Savvy Dealmaking or Systemic Risk?

Our loss-making AI darling has racked up > $1 trillion in circular financing deals with Big Tech, and may now be too big to fail.

Oct 29 • 

Dr Noko Phala

1

Why Morocco Shines as Africa's Top Mining Destination

The continent’s future lies in digging smarter, not just deeper

Oct 22 • 

Dr Noko Phala

1

The Numbers and Inspiration Behind Bhutan's Carbon-Negative Reality

The official 'Happiest Nation in Asia' has a thing or two to teach the developed world

Oct 15 • 

Dr Noko Phala

1

AAA Credit Ratings Are Not Always Low Risk

Lessons from the unravelling of Tricolor

Oct 8 • 

Dr Noko Phala

How Zijin Raced to the World No.3 Spot in Global Mining Company Rankings.

Vision and aggressive execution are paying dividends for this little known miner

Oct 1 • 

Dr Noko Phala

2

September 2025

Performance of A Civil Engineer's Crystal Ball from 1900

Reflections on how historical technology predictions turned out is a very useful way of refining future predictions

Sep 24 • 

Dr Noko Phala

Can Innovation Be Systemized?

Is there a method within the chaos of an innovation process, thus making it teachable?

Sep 17 • 

Dr Noko Phala

1

The Energy Cost of Mining: Gold vs. Bitcoin

The hidden energy battle between the tested and emerging stores of value

Sep 10 • 

Dr Noko Phala

1

In the Race for Critical Minerals Supply Security, the US is Resuscitating Seafloor Mining Efforts

Technical, economic, and regulatory viability of deep-sea mining is being accelerated.

Sep 3 • 

Dr Noko Phala

1

August 2025

Why Some Boards Sacked CEOs in 2024

There are signs that an average board member is becoming impatient

Aug 27 • 

Dr Noko Phala