Best Natural Resource Extraction Industry Books of 2025

Cobalt Red is a groundbreaking exposé of the immense toll taken on the people and environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by cobalt mining. Investigator Siddharth Kara has traveled deep into cobalt territory to document the testimonies of the people living and dying for cobalt. The book reveals the brutal mining practices, traces the supply chain of child-mined cobalt, and gathers shocking testimonies of people who endure immense suffering. Kara argues that we must all care about what is happening in the Congo because we are all implicated. This is a crucial book for anyone interested in environmental economics and human rights.

The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels by Alex Epstein challenges the traditional narrative surrounding fossil fuels and argues that they are essential for human well-being. Epstein contends that the benefits of using fossil fuels far outweigh the risks, and that we are morally obligated to use more of them for the sake of our economy and environment. The book provides original insights and cutting-edge research to support its claims, debunking common myths about fossil fuels. Overall, The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels offers a unique perspective on the role of fossil fuels in modern society and is a must-read for anyone interested in environmental economics.

The Natural Order of Money by Roy Sebag is an illuminating treatise on the intrinsic relationship between people, money, and nature. The author, born to third-generation farmers, argues that only a natural money can ensure lasting prosperity and sustainability. Sebag's central thesis is to explain and demonstrate why gold became the "natural money" of humanity. The book provides a compass to find True North in a sea of economic confusion and offers a hopeful way forward for individuals and the economy worldwide. Overall, The Natural Order of Money is a beautifully written and insightful book that offers a unique perspective on the intersection of money and nature.

The Atlas of AI by Kate Crawford is an essential read for anyone interested in the environmental and societal costs of artificial intelligence. Crawford argues that AI is not artificial nor intelligent, but a technology of extraction that fuels undemocratic governance and increased inequity. Rather than focusing on code and algorithms, Crawford examines the material and political aspects of AI and its centralization of power. This book is a valuable corrective to the hype surrounding AI and a wake-up call about its impact on our planet and society. Highly recommended for those concerned about the future of technology and its impact on our world.

The WSO Water Distribution, Grades 1 & 2 is a comprehensive guide for water system operators seeking certification aligned with the Association of Boards of Certification criteria. Authored by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), this book offers training based on experience and certification level. It covers a wide range of topics, including water distribution system design, operation, maintenance, and management. The book is an essential resource for anyone seeking a career in water system operations and a must-read for those already in the field.

Volt Rush by Henry Sanderson is a captivating read that explores the race to secure the metals and rare earths needed to power our phones, cars, and homes. Sanderson takes readers on a journey to remote mines in the Congo and Chile's Atacama Desert, linking them to giant Chinese battery factories, shadowy commodity traders, secretive billionaires, and a new generation of scientists. Despite the seemingly insuperable geopolitical quandaries with which it deals, the tone of Sanderson's book is one of cautious optimism. Overall, Volt Rush is a remarkably hopeful and useful book that sheds light on the complex interplay of politics, economics, and technology shaping our future.

Empire of Cotton: A Global History by Sven Beckert is a Pulitzer Prize finalist that tells the story of cotton and its role in the rise of global capitalism. The book explores how the struggle between slaves and planters, merchants and statesmen, workers and factory owners shaped the modern world. Beckert's research is deep and thorough, and his argument is clear and compelling. He not only charts the expansion of cotton capitalism but also addresses the conditions of enslaved workers in the fields and wage workers in the factories. This book is a major work of scholarship that provides new insights into the relentless expansion of global capitalism.

The American Water Works Association's Water System Operations series has released a book titled "Water Distribution, Grades 3 & 4" that focuses on operator certification training for water system operations. The book is aligned with the Association of Boards of Certification's criteria and offers training based on experience and certification level. It falls under the Water Quality & Treatment Books category and is published by the American Water Works Association. Overall, this book is an essential resource for those in the water distribution industry seeking to improve their skills and knowledge.

The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains is an informative guide to understand the workings of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. It covers a broad spectrum of Bitcoin topics, including the history of Bitcoin, blockchain platforms, and digital tokens. The book also provides insights into Bitcoin investing and its potential impact on global businesses. The author, Antony Lewis, explains complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner, making it a useful and enjoyable read. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the technology that powers cryptocurrencies.

The Frackers: The Outrageous Inside Story of the New Billionaire Wildcatters is a fascinating study of American entrepreneurial culture and the modern robber barons who created an energy revolution. Wall Street Journal reporter Gregory Zuckerman's exclusive access to the frackers drives this dramatic narrative, which stretches from North Dakota to Texas to Wall Street. The book tells the stories of the obstinate, ravenous, methodical, sometimes rascally oil executives of the recent boom. Zuckerman's care and precision, along with his deep understanding of finance and corporate politics, make the book a must-read for lovers of business and capitalism. Overall, The Frackers is a lively, exciting, and definitely thought-provoking book.