Best Mining Books of 2025

In the twentieth century, wealth and power was dictated by access to oil. This century will have different kingmakers, perhaps different wars.'A remarkably hopeful and useful book...The climate crisis leaves us no choice but to build a new world and as Sanderson makes clear, we are capable of making it a better one than the dirty and dangerous planet we’ve come to take for granted.' Bill McKibben, Observer book of the week We depend on a handful of metals and rare earths to power our phones and computers. Increasingly, we rely on them to power our cars and our homes. Whoever controls these finite commodities will become rich beyond imagining. Sanderson journeys to meet the characters, companies, and nations scrambling for the new resources, linking remote mines in the Congo and Chile’s Atacama Desert to giant Chinese battery factories, shadowy commodity traders, secretive billionaires, a new generation of scientists attempting to solve the dilemma of a ‘greener’ world.

The Metal Detecting Handbook by Mark Smith is the ultimate beginner's guide to uncovering history, adventure, and treasure. Smith, a veteran metal detector and treasure hunter, shares his closely guarded secrets and personal stories of success in this enthusiastic and thorough book. The author demystifies treasure hunting, from choosing your first metal detector to finding locations loaded with possibilities. The book is simple to follow, regardless of your prior treasure-hunting experience, with full-color illustrations and easy-to-understand terms. Novices and seasoned veterans alike will find plenty of helpful information buried in the pages of this book. Overall, Metal Detecting is an outstanding starting place for the beginning detectorist.

The Metal Detecting Bible by Brandon Neice is the ultimate guide for both novice and experienced treasure hunters. This A-to-Z guide covers everything from choosing the best metal detector to identifying antique coins, relics, and jewelry. With step-by-step instructions, illustrations, and photos, this book provides helpful tips and insider secrets to make your search successful and exciting. What sets this book apart is the author's personal experience and expertise in metal detecting. Overall, The Metal Detecting Bible is a valuable resource for anyone interested in this exciting hobby.

The California Gold Rush: A Brief History with Documents, published by Bedford Books, offers a comprehensive examination of the social and environmental impacts of one of the most significant episodes in American history. The book delves deep into multiple perspectives, including the effects on the indigenous population and the environment, to present a clear picture of the lasting impact of the Gold Rush. This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about this pivotal moment in American history.

The Gold Prospector's Field Guide is a comprehensive handbook that teaches readers how to prospect for gold in the United States. From identifying historic mining areas to researching the best locations, the book covers all the necessary details to ensure a successful gold prospecting adventure. The author also discusses important topics such as land ownership, mining claims, and regulations, which are crucial for anyone heading out into the field. The book is an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced prospectors, providing valuable insights into equipment, geology, and gold processing. Overall, The Gold Prospector's Field Guide is a must-read for anyone interested in gold prospecting and mining.

The Bonanza King by Gregory Crouch is a well-written and extensively researched biography of John W. Mackay, an Irish immigrant who became one of America's wealthiest self-made men in the 19th century. The book tells the captivating story of Mackay's rise from a penniless miner to seizing control of Nevada's Comstock Lode, the most concentrated cache of precious metals ever found on earth. Crouch's vivid descriptions and attention to detail make for an engaging read, and the inclusion of period photographs and maps adds to the book's appeal. Overall, The Bonanza King is a fascinating account of America's history and a testament to the American Dream.

The Battle of Blair Mountain by Robert Shogan is a detailed account of the largest armed uprising in America since the Civil War. Shogan, a seasoned political correspondent, delves into the political, economic, and cultural forces that shaped the power structure of 20th-century America. The book captures the ten-day pitched battle between 10,000 West Virginia coal miners and their oppressors, the mine owners who ruled their corrupt state. The intervention of a federal expeditionary force ended the undeclared civil war. This book is a well-researched and fascinating read, shedding light on an overlooked chapter in American history.

The book "Continuum and Computational Mechanics for Geomechanical Engineers" provides a comprehensive guide to the basic concepts of continuum mechanics and computational mechanics, and their application in rock mechanics and rock engineering. The book is divided into nine chapters and six appendices, covering topics such as stress and strain tensors, conservation laws, and approximate solution methods. The author, Dr. Mer Aydan, presents the material in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for readers to understand and apply to various geomechanical problems. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field of rock mechanics and rock engineering.

The Mining Valuation Handbook: Mining and Energy Valuation for Investors and Management is a comprehensive guide to mining investment analysis. Written by a mining investment expert, the book covers a broad scope of topics, such as feasibility studies, commodity values, and valuation and pricing techniques. The fourth edition has been fully updated to reflect the current state of the industry. The book is a valuable resource for executives, investors, and financial and mining analysts. The Mining Valuation Handbook is an excellent reference companion and a must-read for anyone interested in the mining and petroleum sectors.

This book, "Rise of the Mining Royalty Companies," explores the history and growth of the modern public mining royalty and streaming industry that began in 1986. The book provides readers with insights from the industry's titans, detailing the innovative methods that kept the market active and moving in new directions. It also captures the stories of the industry's founders, who are now retired, providing unique knowledge for current and future royalty holders and investors. This informative and entertaining book is a must-read for those interested in the mining industry and its evolution over the past few decades.