Being rich of crucial minerals might be a leading determinant of local economic development. On the other hand, intensive extraction might prove to negatively affect the health and wealth of people living close to mineral deposits and the surrounding environment. I examine the effects that local...

One of the most sustained uses of economic warfare by the United States, at least judged by the variety of means used and the issue at stake, occurred in Spain and Portugal during WWII. We provide an overview of this episode by weaving together findings from the secondary literature and from new...

This is an updated edition which includes new supplements on Tin, Tantalum and Tungsten and on Gold. Trade and investment in natural mineral resources hold great potential for generating income, growth and prosperity, sustaining livelihoods and fostering local development. However, a large share...

Hazardous heavy metal pollution of soils is one of the most important environmental problems throughout the world. In fact, heavy metals have a significant toxicity for humans, animals, plant and microorganisms. Our results indicate that enzymatic activities are a great utility for understanding...