The Elements of Innovation Discovered

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  • ABTC employee inspecting its lithium hydroxide product.

    ABTC's Tonopah Flats gets more DOE funds

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Jan 22, 2024

    Building upon its foundation as a domestic supplier of critical battery materials, American Battery Technology Company has been awarded a second US$57 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for its future commercial-scale lithium hydroxide facility in Nevada. This grant marks yet another major milestone toward establishing a domestic source of low-cost, low-environmental-impact lithium for America's clean energy transition at the Tonopah Flats Lithium project, a Nevada...

  • An aerial shot of Electra’s current facility in northern Ontario.

    Electra's cobalt refinery still on track

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Nov 1, 2023

    Inching closer to the completion of North America's first battery-grade cobalt sulfate refinery, Electra Battery Materials Corp. issued an update for potential stakeholders as it seeks to secure additional funding to complete this much-needed link in a future EV battery supply chain. Starting out the month with an announcement that it would continue its black mass recycling operations following an extremely successful trial that saw roughly 40 metric tons of black mass...

  • MIT PhD student Alexander O’Brien posing for a picture.

    Next generation drives future fusion tech

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 31, 2023

    Young scientists brings lifetime of passion, curiosity, hope to producing better materials for fusion energy. Spurred by next-generation thinking, innovative uses of composite metal-ceramic 3D printing in the field of nuclear may just be the "Eureka!" moment needed to unlock one of Man's greatest accomplishments – fusion. When Alexander O'Brien sent in his application for graduate school at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Department of Nuclear Science and E...

  • ABTC’s recently purchased Nevada facility is up and running.

    ABTC begins battery recycling in Nevada

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 26, 2023

    Commences domestic supply of critical battery materials at new Nevada facility in less than a year. Working tirelessly and expeditiously toward commercialization, American Battery Technology Company excitedly announced the operational start-up of its commercial-scale lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Nevada, implementing its first-of-a-kind lithium-ion battery recycling technologies at industrial scale. "We are excited to have achieved this major milestone and to now...

  • Two CONSOL Energy employees standing in an operations room.

    C-BATT JV to advance coal-based batteries

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 24, 2023

    X-BATT and CONSOL Energy subsidiary join hands to develop next-gen clean energy tech. A pioneer in advanced battery materials, X-BATT has been reimagining lithium-ion batteries through the use of unconventional materials and a method that can rejuvenate spent anode material. To accelerate development of its coal-based anode technology, X-BATT has forged a partnership with CONSOL Innovations LLC to form C-BATT Innovations LLC, a joint venture focused on commercializing...

  • An extremely sophisticated rocket engine 3D-printed by AMCM.

    AMCM is metal 3D printing rocket engines

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 18, 2023

    Specializing in customization and tailor-made 3D printers, AMCM GmbH utilizes its expertise in additive manufacturing to bring cutting-edge technologies to industries that seek to push their own boundaries in innovation – this time with its latest M 8K model 3D printer. Headquartered out of Bavaria, Germany, AMCM (Additive Manufacturing Customized Machines) was started based on two main objectives: to provide solutions for clients whose needs were not being met by s...

  • Caterpillar 789D haul truck used to test Rajant’s wireless technology.

    Cat validates Rajant Mesh connectivity

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 18, 2023

    Working toward improved synergies between its autonomous equipment in the complex hive that makes up mine sites and the connectivity that will be consistent enough to keep all the bees informed of each other, Caterpillar Inc. has completed an in-house validation for Rajant Corp.'s BreadCrumbs LX5 CA radios, which will enable field trials with Rajant's product and Cat's MineStar Command for hauling. "This validation is a key step to provide additional options for our mining...

  • Professor Lim Chwee Teck and Dr Chen Shuwen holding BiLiSC.

    Scientists develop stretchy metal circuit

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 11, 2023

    Gallium is a key ingredient of this self-healing and pliable circuit for next-generation wearables, other smart devices. Flexibility, durability, and efficiency are some of the key functions scientists are trying to narrow down for wearable tech, soft robotics, or smart devices. In comparison, there have been numerous advances in this field, but the recipe for something as pervasive as the cellphone has yet to meet the mark. That may change with a novel liquid metal circuit de...

  • Female Electra technician examining final product for customer shipment.

    Electra maintains black mass production

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 11, 2023

    Based on the success of its battery recycling trial, which showed improved recoveries of critical battery elements, higher metal content, and reduced use of reagents, thus paving the way for a higher-quality final product for its customers, Electra Battery Materials Corp. is extending processing of black mass at its refinery complex in Ontario, Canada. "Results from our plant-scale black mass trial continue to exceed our expectations," said Electra Battery Materials CEO Trent...

  • A container full of powdery pink recycled neodymium material.

    Geomega closes in on finalizing groundwork

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 5, 2023

    Provides update on magnet and bauxite recycling pilot plants, and nominates supply chain expert to serve on board. Coming into the final months of 2023, Geomega Resources Inc., a leading developer of clean technologies for the mining, refining, and recycling of rare earths and other critical materials, has released an update for its various operations and construction of the plants that will help fuel the low-carbon future. After announcing at the end of May regarding the...

  • DOE’s ReCell Center displays the simple parts of a shredded battery.

    DOE funds national collab for batteries

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 5, 2023

    As part of its Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office, the Department of Energy announced the selection of eight projects to receive a combined $2 million to drive innovation in lithium-ion battery rejuvenation, recycling, and reuse for the future of clean energy. Administered through the ReCell Center at Argonne National Laboratory, AMMTO will form cooperative research and development agreements between national labs and industry partners to perform...

  • Picture of Redux Recycling’s plant on the shore of Bremerhaven.

    Redwood spreads roots to European market

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 5, 2023

    Following up on plans to spread its roots into the world's fastest-growing electric vehicle market, Redwood Materials Inc. has acquired the leading European Union battery recycler, Redux Recycling GmbH. Located in Bremerhaven, on Germany's North Sea coast, Redux Recycling's facility is equipped to recycle up to 10,000 metric tons of lithium-ion batteries with a variety of chemistries. Centrally located within Europe and near the distribution center of the Bremerhaven Port,...

  • A lump of lithium-ion battery scrap to be processed by BASF and TODA.

    ABTC joins BASF closed-loop battery team

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 3, 2023

    With significant funding from the Department of Energy toward its Tonopah Flats lithium project, visits from representatives from the White House, and a partnership with TechMet-Mercuria, American Battery Technology Company has added yet another milestone to its skyrocketing success – a new agreement with German chemical giant BASF to develop a regional closed-loop solution for lithium-ion battery recycling for the North American market. "The establishment of a true closed-loo...

  • Three battery-electric heavy equipment vehicles by Epiroc.

    Epiroc seeks to elevate mining autonomy

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 3, 2023

    Collabs with academia, tech firm, with funding from government for future safe, smart vehicles. With 150 years of experience in all things mining, Sweden-based Epiroc has unveiled its next generation in mineral extraction, which will leverage the power of artificial intelligence to make its mining vehicles more autonomous through a new collaborative project called the Realistic Navigation Assistance and Machine Control, or ReNAM. Funded by Swedish government innovation agency...

  • Two GMG researchers examining graphene for its graphene batteries.

    GMG produces first prototype G-Al pouch

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 3, 2023

    Exploring an alternate battery technology that would lessen the demand for lithium and, in turn, help enable the transition to clean renewable energy, Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. announced the successful production of an initial 500 milliampere-hour graphene-aluminum prototype pouch cell – one of, if not the first of, its kind. Easily regarded as the dominant force for portable power needs, lithium-ion batteries have held a grip on accessible energy for decades. Cheap, r...

  • A sunny day over Glencore’s Portovesme metallurgical complex.

    Italy's Li-Cycle recycling hub is on track

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Sep 27, 2023

    After announcing its plans for a recycling hub in Portovesme, Italy, through a partnership with Glencore, Li-Cycle Holdings Corp. has followed up with the steps needed to begin establishing a centralized locale for battery recycling in Europe's Bel Paese. "The planned Portovesme Hub is a landmark project for Europe's battery recycling industry and is expected to be the largest source of recycled battery-grade lithium on the continent," said Li-Cycle Executive Chair Tim...

  • The tan-colored MOXIE cube being placed into Perseverance.

    Mars MOXIE makes oxygen out of thin air

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Sep 19, 2023

    First-ever space habitat tech, experiment gives more than researchers expected. Not too dissimilar from Man's first Moon landing with a computer that by today's standards TI-83 calculators could overpower, when the first astronauts land on Mars, they will most likely equivocate today's microwave oven-sized device for the air they breathe and the rocket propellant that gets them home as some clunky technology future generations will be amazed could accomplish what it did. But...

  • An ExynAero drone on a landing pad underground.

    Exyn strengthens strategic partnerships

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Sep 19, 2023

    Further solidifying its leadership in the world of multi-platform robotic autonomy for complex and GPS-denied environments, Exyn Technologies Inc. has secured funding that strengthens the autonomous robotics pioneer's strategic partnerships. Founded in 2014 as a spin-out of the University of Pennsylvania's General Robotics, Automation, Sensing & Perception (GRASP) Laboratory, Exyn has quickly grown as the leading contender for autonomous exploration and mapping for industries...

  • A 3D rendering of a future Redwood Materials facility.

    Strong Redwood attracts $1B investment

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Sep 19, 2023

    From a small sprout to a mighty tree, Redwood Materials Inc. may share its roots with the Tree of Tesla but has grown into a pillar of stability in the realm of recycling amidst a time when electric vehicle battery materials are becoming increasingly difficult to source. This battery and e-waste startup's vision of creating a domestic supply through recycling has drawn nearly $2 billion in new investment to expand its operations in the U.S., spreading its own "Sequoian" roots...

  • Rows of solar panels at the Natural Bridges National Monument.

    Aluminum caught in green energy paradox

    A.J. Roan, Data Mine North|Updated Sep 11, 2023

    Aluminum has been classified as critical by the United States, European Union, Canada, and even China. At first glance, one may wonder how such a ubiquitous metal could possibly be critical. The answer is simply that aluminum is so widely used that supply, if endangered, could devastate an economy. In 2020, the World Bank identified aluminum as a "high-impact" and "cross-cutting" metal in all existing and potential green technologies. In spite of this, due to high energy...

  • A white-gloved hand holding uranium fuel pellets.

    Semantics strays uranium energy criticality

    A.J. Roan, Data Mine North|Updated Sep 11, 2023

    Powering nearly 10% of the world's energy needs and roughly 20% of America for over 50 years, nuclear energy is a highly controversial power provider that ticks all the boxes for zero-emission electricity. Much like most contemporary fuels, running these reactors takes something dug from the earth – uranium. In 2017, the United States Geological Survey was charged with identifying which minerals and metals are critical to the U.S. Its original list of 35 critical minerals, f...

  • Hands holding a heap of coal ash with potential critical minerals.

    An unconventional critical minerals push

    A.J. Roan, Data Mine North|Updated Sep 11, 2023

    As the cracks in the wall continue to chill the bones of an ill-prepared American clean-energy economy, attention has been paid to nearly every facet imaginable to obtain the minerals critical to fuel a zero-carbon future; however, all has seemingly been quiet on the unconventional front. Repeated time and time again during the ongoing transition, U.S. policymakers are becoming increasingly concerned about the overreliance on China for the minerals and metals essential to...

  • A splattered mound of finely powdered recycled battery.

    Battery metals require responsible recyclers

    A.J. Roan, Data Mine North|Updated Sep 11, 2023

    Separating your plastics, paper, metals, and food waste has generally been a personal choice throughout most of modern recycling history. However, current demand for resources predicts we won't have enough to support net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Hence, now is the best time for consumers to become educated and self-determined with their buying power, manufacturers to begin considering recycling as part of the initial design, and a new circular economy that resurrects a tr...

  • A small dish filled with pinkish-red cobalt sulfate crystals.

    Oncoming cobalt surplus may ravage prices

    A.J. Roan, Data Mine North|Updated Sep 11, 2023

    Still overshadowed by lithium but no less significant, cobalt falls within a unique category as a critical mineral not only for its properties but also for its controversial supply. As a fundamental component necessary for nickel-cobalt-manganese (NMC) lithium-ion batteries, cobalt warranted its place as a critical mineral vital to the zero-carbon transition due to the necessity of those batteries to power a clean, emission-free future. Its critical uses, however, go far...

  • Artist rendering of future Missouri Protoplex.

    Missouri S&T takes charge of supply chain

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Sep 6, 2023

    Show-Me State now shows US; developing hub for innovation, education to support holistic manufacturing. Due to ongoing difficulties in the supply chain, Kummer Institute's Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Missouri University of Science and Technology decided to ignore the chain altogether and purchase a large-format metal 3D printer from SPEE3D for its future manufacturing campus to support local business by giving them the environment and education to make on their own....

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