Trade wars meet the rig floor

A recent diplomatic standoff over agricultural fertilizer has put a harsh spotlight on how vulnerable the United States is to foreign mineral supply chains—and why the solution ultimately runs through the domestic drilling industry and strict groundwater management. But specifically in the case of potassium-rich potash, bringing more of it to market domestically isn't just a trade policy question. It is a complex drilling and hydrogeology challenge. Here’s why. 

Clean energy not meant to disrupt

Pilot projects in two upstate New York towns are set to switch reliance on fossil fuels to clean electric heating? According to a recent report by Canary Media, the program is the first that claims it can switch over whole towns, “without undermining fossil gas utility jobs and investments.”

‘A strategic resource’

When it comes to artificial intelligence and data centers, the talk is about water consumption and discharge from its use. But in recent sitdown, Kevin Gast, CEO of VVater, a water technology firm, told the Driller that the real strain is on the infrastructure that’s not designed for the intense consumption of not just AI, but continually growing populations. Here’s what Gast fears could come next if “proactive” planning doesn’t happen now. 

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Test your Driller knowledge!

Drillers are always learning. We’ve created a fun way for you to test the knowledge you know, and gain some smart insight when it comes to the work you do everyday with our collection of quizzes, called Driller or Digger? Choose your category, take the quiz and see where you stack up with the rest of the industry. Get started right here! 

Texas OK’s $3 million well drilling project

As reservoirs are beginning to run dry, a water authority in the Texas panhandle is going groundwater behind a multimillion dollar drilling program. The project, which will pull from the Ogallala Aquifer, calls for drilling and testing between two and four permanent public water-supply wells roughly 10 miles north of Greenbelt Reservoir. Here’s more on the job and the larger project it’s supporting.

Alaskan mining intensifies under rise of AI

Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources is all in on exploration of critical minerals on state-managed lands, according to a DNR spokesperson. But while the claim is to “improve our understanding of Alaska’s geology and mineral deposits,” the question posed was in reference to the copper and gold being extracted at sites to support the AI technology boom. Here’s what they’re saying.