The Elements of Innovation Discovered

Articles from the March 8, 2023 edition


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  • A rendering of copper nanoparticles transforming into nanograins.

    Berkeley films first nano motion picture

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Apr 3, 2024

    Exploring the mysteries of copper, researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered yet another use for this "new oil" of the clean energy future – converting carbon dioxide and water into fuels and chemicals. But to witness this discovery, the scientists had to design an entirely new nanoimaging technology. The idea of water-powered engines has been waiting for its moment to jump from the pages of science fiction into the world of science reality. A...

  • Remote operator monitoring underground semi-autonomous heavy equipment.

    Rajant, Sandvik mesh digital mining tech

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Apr 3, 2024

    Robust wireless network paired with autonomous mining equipment at diamond mine. Taking one step closer to the autonomous mine of the future, Rajant Corp.'s formidable Kinetic Mesh wireless network has been paired with Sandvik tele-remote and autonomous vehicles destined for De Beers' Venetia underground diamond mine in South Africa. Ordinarily, wireless networks require fixed infrastructure that covers a set range. Even with 5G wireless technology, signal penetration...

  • A hydrogen fuel cell-powered haul truck at Mogalakwena mine.

    First Mode's next step to zero emissions

    K. Warner, For Metal Tech News|Updated Apr 3, 2024

    Installing fuel cells in more than 400 mining trucks for Anglo American. Only two months after a $1.5 billion transaction that transformed First Mode from a Seattle-based space mission engineering startup into a clean-energy subsidiary of global mining company Anglo American, the clean-energy firm is already busy retrofitting massive mining trucks with hydrogen fuel cells produced by Ballard Power Systems. Given First Mode's rapid ascent in the clean energy space, it is...

  • Rendering of a Viper system storing nearby solar and wind energy.

    An innovative take on battery mining

    Shane Lasley, Metal Tech News|Updated Apr 3, 2024

    Economical Energy intends to mine cavities to house renewable energy storage systems. An Australian startup has come up with an idea for energy storage mining that does not involve the production of lithium, cobalt, nickel, or any of the battery minerals and metals that have captured headline news over the past couple of years. Instead, Economical Energy proposes mining out a cavity that will house an innovative underground energy storage system that will keep the power on...

  • Chess board representing trade maneuvering between U.S. and China.

    Rhetoric will not fill US mineral needs

    Shane Lasley, Metal Tech News|Updated Jun 5, 2023

    With the world-class deposits already found within its borders, the United States has the potential to be a major global producer of copper, lithium, and the other minerals and metals critical to the clean energy transition. Realizing this potential, however, will require reserves of political will in Washington, DC, that match the nation's domestic energy metals endowment, according to R Street Institute. "Despite political rhetoric and policies promoting the use of domestic...

  • The near desert of the Los Azules Mine project in San Juan, Argentina.

    Stellantis invests $155M in copper miner

    K. Warner, For Metal Tech News|Updated Apr 28, 2023

    In a surprising move, automotive multinational Stellantis has announced the acquisition of a 14.2% equity stake in McEwen Copper, a subsidiary of McEwen Mining, becoming the Canadian company's second-largest shareholder. This is an insightful move in Stellantis' sweeping decarbonization plan, placing the company over an aspect of its own strategic metal production as well as complementing its commitment to becoming a sustainable mobility tech provider. The industry leader's...

  • Geomega technicians monitoring ISR recovery process.

    Federal funds for Geomega REE recycling

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Apr 16, 2023

    With another C$3 million in funding, but this time from the Government of Canada's Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration program, Geomega Resources Inc. is well-financed to continue construction of its magnet recycling demonstration plant to help power the ongoing energy transition. Over a month since it received a C$3 million grant from Canada's Technoclimat Program, Geomega says funding is welcome considering the additional costs arising from the various...