Two mod suggestions, both with very practical uses, and adds new ways to play. http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/1351802-146-factorization-0710/ this mod adds barrels and new ways to process ores http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/1611745-minechem-2-pr61-now-with-chemistry-turtles-8th-jan-tue/ this mod adds different things, but allows you to play with chemicals, and can put many different items to use, also adds new potion like edibles.
Factorization has already discussed for a fairly large amount of time, but has sadly been rejected a number of times. As to Minechem, i personally asked sk about it, and he said it was rejected when he was originally looking for mods to add to the server for the 1.4.6/7 reset, when thou it is awesome
Factorization is 'pending' MineChem is currently rejected because it's practically EE and can debalance everything.
minium stone is from ee3, which is a whole different mod from those discussed on this thread and is still in pre-release.
