Cobalt, Lithium, Gallium and other rare earth elements like Neodymium and Yttrium, are currently being discarded in Copper minetailings
Mining Arizona’s hidden treasure
University researchers partner with mining community to explore ways to repurpose copper mining waste rock
September 28, 2023
Arizona public university researchers are partnering with the State Mine Inspector and mining community to find new ways to reuse copper tailings, the waste rock left behind after mining the ore.
It’s estimated that the past century of mining has led to 17.5 billion tons of copper tailings, which is usually pulverized to the size of fine sand.
With support from a $3.6 million Regents’ Research Grant approved by the Arizona Board of Regents Thursday, university researchers plan to assess the metal content from this waste rock in search of critical elements such as lithium, which are used in everything from cell phones to electric vehicles and pacemakers. This interdisciplinary project will draw on the expertise of a total of 13 faculty and staff in nine departments across all three Arizona public universities.
Many tailings, particularly from historic mining, contain uncertain but appreciable concentrations of critical elements such as zinc, rare earths, cobalt, ...Read more
Sep 28, 2023 — Copper is one of the most economically important metals mined in Arizona, and the state continues to lead the nation in copper production.Read more
In essence, copper pays the bills and the other metals contribute to the mines' profits. Recent characterizations of tailings and waste rocks at some mines have ...Read more
Aug 21, 2025 — These minerals, such as cobalt, lithium, gallium and rare earth elements like neodymium and yttrium, are currently being discarded as tailings ...Read more
by R Podgorney · 2025 · Cited by 1 — These operations maintain ongoing production of such primary commodities as copper, gold, or molybdenum, generating fresh tailings continuously ...Read more
Business Plan: Mobile Abandoned Property Management Company
Executive Summary
Business Name: Mobile Property Recovery & Management Services (Example)
Business Model: A one-person, self-sustaining business operating from a motorhome that specializes in monitoring, securing, maintaining, and managing abandoned, vacant, foreclosed, and neglected properties for banks, investors, municipalities, estate executors, and absentee owners.
The business combines low overhead, mobility, and specialized services to create a profitable operation while allowing the owner to live and work from a self-contained motorhome.
Business Opportunity
Across the United States, thousands of properties sit vacant due to:
Foreclosures
Probate and inheritance disputes
Tax delinquency
Absentee ownership
Investment properties
Government seizures
Rural property abandonment
Property owners often face problems such as:
Vandalism
Squatters
Illegal dumping
Code violations
Insurance risks
Overgrown vegetation
Property deterioration
Your company provides affordable solutions to protect and preserve these properties.
Services Offered
Basic Property Monitoring
Monthly or biweekly inspections.
Services include:
Exterior inspections
Photographs
Condition reports
Security checks
Utility monitoring
Pricing
$50–$200 per visit
Property Security
Boarding windows
Temporary fencing
Lock replacement
Security signage
Motion cameras
Pricing
$250–$2,500+
Maintenance Services
Lawn care
Weed removal
Trash removal
Minor repairs
Tree trimming coordination
Pricing
$100–$1,500+
Property Preservation
Often contracted by:
Banks
Mortgage servicers
Asset management companies
Services include:
Winterization
Debris removal
Lock changes
Property cleanup
Pricing
$200–$5,000+
Estate Property Management
Services for heirs and executors:
Property monitoring
Contractor coordination
Inventory documentation
Sale preparation
Pricing
$300–$2,000 monthly
Municipal Contract Work
Work with:
Cities
Counties
Code enforcement departments
Services:
Property inspections
Compliance reporting
Maintenance
Pricing
Contract-based
Target Customers
Primary
Real Estate Investors
Need remote property oversight.
Banks
Foreclosed property preservation.
Estate Attorneys
Management of inherited properties.
Property Owners
Especially absentee owners.
Secondary
Counties and Cities
Code compliance support.
Insurance Companies
Vacant property inspections.
Realtors
Listing preparation and monitoring.
One-Person Mobile Business Model
Why a Motorhome Works
A motorhome reduces expenses by eliminating:
Rent
Utility bills
Commuting costs
You can travel directly between properties.
Benefits
Lower overhead
Greater service area
Flexible operations
Emergency response capability
Self-Sustaining Setup
Vehicle
Class C or Class A motorhome.
Estimated Cost:
$20,000–$80,000
Used units can significantly reduce startup costs.
Power System
Solar
1,000–2,000 watts
Battery Bank
Lithium batteries
Backup Generator
For cloudy days and emergencies.
Water System
Fresh water storage
Filtration system
Portable water transfer equipment
Internet
Starlink Roam
Cellular hotspot backup
Allows remote reporting and client communication.
Equipment Needed
Inspection Equipment
Smartphone
Drone
Camera
Measuring tools
Maintenance Equipment
Lawn mower
Weed trimmer
Chainsaw
Hand tools
Security Equipment
Locks
Cameras
Boarding materials
Transportation
Small utility trailer attached to motorhome.
Startup Budget
Item
Cost
Used Motorhome
$30,000
Trailer
$3,000
Solar Upgrades
$5,000
Tools & Equipment
$5,000
Insurance
$2,500
Business Licensing
$1,000
Marketing
$2,000
Emergency Fund
$5,000
Total Startup
Approximately $53,500
Can be reduced significantly with existing equipment.
Revenue Model
Example Monthly Income
Property Inspections
20 properties
4 visits monthly
Average $75
Revenue: $6,000
Cleanup Jobs
4 jobs
Average $750
Revenue: $3,000
Security Services
2 jobs
Average $1,000
Revenue: $2,000
Estate Management
2 clients
$500 monthly
Revenue: $1,000
Total Monthly Revenue
$12,000
Monthly Expenses
Expense
Amount
Fuel
$800
Insurance
$250
Phone & Internet
$200
Maintenance
$300
Campsites/Parking
$400
Supplies
$500
Total Expenses
Approximately $2,450
Potential Net Income
$9,000–$10,000 monthly
before taxes.
Marketing Strategy
Build Relationships
Target:
Realtors
Banks
Estate attorneys
Property investors
County officials
Online Presence
Website featuring:
Before-and-after photos
Inspection reports
Service area map
Direct Outreach
Visit:
Courthouses
Real estate offices
Property management firms
Government Opportunities
Register with:
SAM.gov
County procurement systems
Municipal vendor lists
Growth Plan
Year 1
Build client base and reputation.
Goal: 50 recurring properties.
Year 2
Add subcontractors for:
Lawn care
Cleanup
Repairs
Remain mobile while expanding service territory.
Year 3
Create regional network of contractors.
Operate primarily as:
Inspector
Manager
Coordinator
Rather than performing all labor personally.
Keys to Success
Keep overhead extremely low by living and working from the motorhome.
Focus on recurring inspection contracts rather than one-time jobs.
Build relationships with investors, attorneys, and banks.
Use technology (drones, cameras, cloud reporting) to provide professional documentation.
Develop a reputation for rapid response and reliability.
Stay compliant with local laws regarding property access, preservation work, and contractor licensing requirements.
A one-person mobile abandoned property management company can be particularly effective in rural regions and smaller cities where large preservation companies often have limited coverage. The combination of mobility, low living expenses, and recurring property contracts creates a business model that can generate steady cash flow while maintaining a self-sufficient lifestyle.
As AI Reshapes the Workforce, Calls for Universal Basic Income Grow Louder Across the Globe
A growing number of workers, economists, and technology observers are raising alarms about the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence and automation on employment, wages, and long-term economic stability. What was once considered a distant philosophical debate about Universal Basic Income (UBI) is now becoming a serious mainstream conversation in both the United States and Europe.
Across social media, academic forums, labor organizations, and policy circles, people are increasingly asking the same difficult question: What happens when machines can perform large portions of human labor faster, cheaper, and more efficiently than people themselves?
For many Americans, this discussion is no longer theoretical.
One highly educated engineer recently described the reality facing many professionals in today’s labor market, saying that despite holding two master’s degrees in engineering, they have been unable to secure stable employment after two years of applications and interviews. Their frustration reflects a wider concern spreading through multiple industries, including technology, finance, transportation, manufacturing, media, and customer service.
The anxiety surrounding automation is not limited to low-wage labor. Increasingly, white-collar professions once considered secure are also facing disruption from advanced AI systems capable of writing reports, coding software, analyzing legal documents, generating art, and handling customer interactions with minimal human involvement.
The Core Economic Question
At the center of the debate is a fundamental economic issue: if AI and robotics replace large segments of the workforce, who will have the income necessary to purchase goods and services?
Critics of unchecked automation argue that economies rely on consumer participation. If wealth becomes concentrated among a shrinking group of corporations and investors while millions lose stable incomes, demand for products could weaken dramatically.
This concern has revived interest in Universal Basic Income — a policy proposal in which citizens receive regular direct payments from the government regardless of employment status. Supporters argue that UBI could provide economic stability during an era of technological disruption.
While opponents often criticize the concept as “socialism,” advocates counter that modern economies are already heavily shaped by government subsidies, corporate bailouts, tax incentives, and monetary intervention. They argue that protecting citizens from mass displacement caused by automation is becoming less of an ideological issue and more of a practical necessity.
Europe Facing Similar Concerns
The conversation is also intensifying in Europe.
Citizens in countries such as The Netherlands, Germany, France, and Finland have increasingly voiced concerns over widening wealth inequality and the growing influence of large corporate interests over political decision-making.
Some European observers argue that the gap between rich and poor continues expanding despite technological progress and rising productivity. Importantly, many point out that economic hardship affects not only migrants or marginalized communities, but also large numbers of native-born working-class citizens.
Several European nations have already experimented with limited forms of guaranteed income programs or expanded welfare systems to study their effects on employment, health, and social stability.
China’s Different Approach
China has taken a noticeably different tone in addressing AI expansion.
According to multiple reports and policy discussions circulating internationally, Chinese authorities have signaled that companies aggressively automating human labor could face greater social obligations. The underlying principle being discussed is simple: if corporations profit from replacing workers with machines, they may also bear responsibility for supporting displaced workers.
Some analysts describe this approach as an attempt to create legal and economic “guardrails” around automation before large-scale unemployment becomes politically destabilizing.
Though China itself faces many economic and labor challenges, its willingness to openly discuss the social costs of automation contrasts sharply with many Western governments, where the topic often remains politically sensitive.
Big Tech, Billionaires, and Public Fear
Public distrust of major technology corporations is also fueling the UBI discussion.
Critics argue that some of the world’s largest tech firms are pursuing automation aggressively while remaining largely silent about the long-term societal consequences. Many workers fear that AI will not simply assist human labor but eventually replace it altogether across multiple sectors.
At the same time, economists caution against overly simplistic predictions of total job elimination. Historically, technological revolutions have destroyed some industries while creating entirely new ones. However, many experts acknowledge that AI’s speed and scale may differ significantly from previous industrial transitions.
Unlike earlier automation waves that primarily replaced physical labor, AI increasingly targets cognitive and creative work once believed uniquely human.
A Debate No Longer on the Fringe
Whether Universal Basic Income ultimately becomes national policy remains uncertain. Questions surrounding inflation, taxation, government spending, and workforce participation continue to divide economists and lawmakers.
Still, one reality is becoming harder to ignore: the public conversation about automation, inequality, and economic survival is accelerating rapidly.
As artificial intelligence continues advancing at historic speed, millions of people worldwide are beginning to ask whether current economic systems are prepared for a future where human labor may no longer be the primary engine of production.
For now, the debate over UBI is no longer confined to academic theory. It is increasingly becoming a real-world discussion about how societies adapt to the next phase of technological change — and who benefits from it.
Universal Basic Income (UBI) has emerged as a central global debate among tech leaders, economists, and policymakers as artificial intelligence increasingly automates both routine tasks and complex knowledge work. Reports indicate that up to 45 million U.S. jobs face disruption by 2028, amplifying pressure on governments to establish a modern economic safety net. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The accelerating push for UBI is driven by distinct economic forces, corporate taxation models, and deep societal friction. [5]
1. Why AI Accelerates the UBI Debate
Historically, automation primarily impacted manual labor. The current generative AI wave directly threatens cognitive and white-collar sectors, forcing a rapid reassessment of worker security. [2, 6, 7, 8, 9]
Mass White-Collar Displacement: Tech figures like Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warn that entry-level knowledge work could be heavily depleted within five years. [10]
Extreme Wealth Concentration: Experts like AI "Godfather" Geoffrey Hinton point out that while AI exponentially raises corporate productivity and wealth, those gains flow almost exclusively to capital owners, leaving displaced workers with fewer options. [11, 12]
Deflationary Economic Crises: If widespread automation reduces the global workforce's purchasing power, businesses face a demand crisis. UBI is increasingly viewed as a tool to sustain a baseline consumer economy. [1, 3, 12]
2. Prominent Tech Visions: UBI vs. UHI
The world's most prominent technology executives are actively steering the conversation, though their specific proposed frameworks differ: [13, 14]
Predicts a "post-work" era where human labor is entirely optional.
Universal High Income (UHI): State-provided abundance via near-zero robotic manufacturing costs.
3. Emerging Funding Frameworks
Implementing global basic income programs requires massive structural shifts in public finance. Economists are evaluating three primary funding avenues: [3, 16]
The Robot Tax: Companies implementing AI agents or robotic machinery pay a calculated tax equivalent to the lost income tax revenues of automated roles. [20, 23]
Sovereign Wealth Dividends: Governments capture a 2% to 3% equity stake in all domestic publicly traded corporations. The generated returns fund a baseline payout to citizens. [17, 24]
AI Super-Profit Taxation: Imposing steep, targeted corporate windfall taxes directly on tech conglomerates achieving extreme efficiency gains. [24]
4. Critical Counterarguments and Friction
The concept faces severe pushback from traditional economists, labor advocates, and systemic critics: [2, 15, 25]
The Inflation Risk: Flooding the consumer market with unearned cash safety nets risks triggering severe inflation, effectively neutralizing the purchasing power of the stipend. [2, 26]
Systemic Inadequacy: Opponents claim UBI is an ideological surrender that allows tech monopolies to completely dismantle labor. Critics argue governments should instead strengthen labor standards, support unions, and mandate universal childcare to keep human labor viable. [15, 27]
The Crisis of Human Purpose: Social scientists and tech executives alike voice concerns about the psychological toll of a post-work society. Human identity is historically anchored to career production, and a jobless future threatens widespread existential disconnection. [18]
If you want to look closer at how governments are reacting to this workforce shift, I can provide a breakdown of current localized basic income pilots across different countries, or outline how a "robot tax" is legally calculated. Which direction should we explore?
Trump’s China Arrival Sparks Online Frenzy, but Diplomatic Reality Tells a Different Story
Donald Trump panicking after being stood up by China’s President Xi Jingping when Air Force One landed in China as the trip is already off to a bad start. - IFS
By SDC News One
WASHINGTON [IFS] -- When Air Force One touched down in Beijing on May 13, social media immediately exploded with claims that Donald Trump had been “stood up” by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Viral posts, partisan commentators, and online influencers rushed to frame Xi’s absence from the airport tarmac as a humiliating diplomatic snub and evidence that the trip was already unraveling before formal meetings even began.
But the facts surrounding the arrival paint a far more routine — and far less dramatic — picture.
Under long-established Chinese diplomatic protocol, the country’s president does not typically greet visiting foreign leaders directly at the airport. Instead, high-ranking government officials are assigned to formally welcome state guests before the official summit ceremonies begin later at government venues.
That is exactly what happened when Trump arrived in Beijing.
A Carefully Orchestrated State Arrival
Trump was greeted at Beijing Capital International Airport by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, accompanied by a military honor guard, a brass band, and hundreds of flag-waving Chinese youths assembled for the ceremonial reception.
The arrival was highly choreographed, reflecting the formal style China often uses for state visits involving major global powers.
Despite the online claims of disrespect, Xi Jinping’s absence from the tarmac aligned with standard diplomatic customs rather than any confirmed political insult.
The more formal face-to-face meetings between Trump and Xi are scheduled to occur at the Great Hall of the People and the Temple of Heaven during the official summit proceedings running from May 13 through May 15.
How Social Media Turned Optics Into “Panic”
Much of the online frenzy centered not only on Xi’s absence, but also on videos of Trump descending the stairs of Air Force One. Critics circulated clips claiming Trump appeared hesitant or physically uncomfortable while exiting the aircraft, using the footage to fuel narratives that he was “panicking” after supposedly being snubbed.
However, no credible evidence has emerged showing any diplomatic breakdown or emergency situation upon arrival.
The controversy instead highlights how modern political discourse increasingly revolves around optics, short video clips, and emotionally charged interpretations rather than official diplomatic realities.
In today’s hyper-partisan media environment, even routine protocol decisions can quickly become ammunition for political warfare online.
High Stakes Behind the Ceremony
While internet commentary focused heavily on airport theatrics, the actual summit agenda carries major geopolitical and economic implications for both nations.
The United States and China remain locked in ongoing disputes involving trade, technology, military influence, and global security strategy. The meetings between Trump and Xi are expected to address several high-pressure issues simultaneously.
Key Topics on the Agenda
Focus Area
Main Issues
Geopolitics & Conflict
U.S.-Iran tensions and stability in the Strait of Hormuz
Trade & Economics
Tariffs, agriculture agreements, and market access
Technology
Export restrictions on advanced AI chips and semiconductors
Regional Security
Taiwan tensions and U.S. weapons sales
Trump also arrived with a major delegation of American business leaders and technology executives, signaling that economic negotiations remain central to the visit.
Among the most prominent figures traveling with the delegation are Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, both of whom have significant interests tied to Chinese manufacturing, artificial intelligence development, and access to Chinese financial markets.
Their presence underscores how deeply interconnected American corporate interests remain with China despite years of escalating political tensions between Washington and Beijing.
The Symbolism of U.S.-China Relations
The visit comes at a particularly sensitive moment in global politics.
Relations between the world’s two largest economies have grown increasingly strained over the past decade, with disputes involving trade wars, semiconductor restrictions, military expansion in the Pacific, cyber security concerns, and competing visions for global leadership.
At the same time, both nations remain economically dependent on one another in critical sectors ranging from manufacturing and agriculture to finance and advanced technology.
That contradiction — strategic rivalry mixed with economic dependence — continues to define the modern U.S.-China relationship.
For Trump, the visit is also politically significant domestically. Supporters view aggressive negotiations with China as proof of American strength, while critics argue his administration’s confrontational posture has intensified instability without producing long-term structural solutions.
Optics Versus Substance
The intense reaction to Trump’s airport arrival reveals how political narratives are increasingly shaped less by policy outcomes and more by symbolic imagery.
A missing handshake on a runway can dominate headlines even while billion-dollar negotiations over technology access, military strategy, and global trade are happening behind closed doors.
As the summit unfolds, the real test will not be who greeted whom at the airport, but whether either side emerges with meaningful agreements capable of easing tensions between two competing superpowers.
For now, the dramatic claims of Trump being “stood up” appear to be more internet spectacle than diplomatic reality.
Donald Trump was not stood up by Chinese President Xi Jinping, as standard diplomatic protocol dictates that the host country's head of state does not personally greet foreign leaders at the airport tarmac. [1, 2]
The Airport Arrival
When Air Force One landed at Beijing Capital International Airport on May 13, 2026, President Trump was received with a highly structured, pomp-filled ceremonial welcome. [1, 2]
The Greeting Party: Trump was met at the plane by several senior Chinese dignitaries, including Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, alongside a military honor guard, a brass band, and roughly 300 uniform-clad Chinese youths waving flags.
The Routine Protocol: While critics online framed Xi Jinping's absence at the tarmac as a deliberate political snub, international diplomatic protocol dictates that the Chinese President receives visiting heads of state at formal government venues rather than the airport.
The "Panic" Narrative: Viral social media videos claiming Trump "panicked" or "struggled" to descend the steps of Air Force One primarily stemmed from partisan commentary regarding his physical mobility, rather than any diplomatic crisis or sudden scheduling changes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
The Summit Agenda
The official multi-day state visit runs from May 13 to May 15, 2026. The primary bilateral meetings between Trump and Xi Jinping are scheduled to begin on Thursday at the Great Hall of the People and the Temple of Heaven. [1, 2, 4]
Trump arrived with a heavy contingent of American tech and finance executives, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, to push for broader business integration within the Chinese financial market. [1, 2, 3]
