Mining

Amethyst is one of the most abundant crystals in the world, but the most prized pieces can cost almost a million dollars. Some of the world's largest amethyst geodes come out of Artigas, Uruguay. The earth beneath this region is uniquely suited to producing amethyst.

Thousands of workers in southern Pakistan spend their lives mining and cooking limestone. The process releases plumes of toxic smoke, polluting the environment and poisoning workers.

This month, a small group of diplomats is meeting to hash out a plan that could affect the future of nearly half of Earth’s surface—including regions containing metals that are vital for the energ