The Elements of Innovation Discovered

Articles from the August 9, 2023 edition


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  • A series of square brine-filled holes in the Salinas Grandes salt flats.

    Is a lithium triangle alliance coming?

    K. Warner, For Metal Tech News|Updated Aug 17, 2023

    Latin American countries collectively hold over 50% of the world's identified raw lithium. These resource-rich nations have begun asserting that they will no longer accept extractive international trade relationships-hoping to leverage this natural wealth of a suddenly in-demand mineral to bolster the region's development and encourage the growth of specialized industries and clean energy infrastructure. "We don't want to sell lithium to Europe ... we want to sell lithium vehi...

  • Rendering of molecules floating in outer space.

    Graphene is abundant and useful in space

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

    Long put forward as a wonder material, graphene undeniably has astounding properties – stronger than steel, a better electrical conductor than copper, and lighter than almost anything else with similar properties – and while it has been partially adopted into space-faring technologies, many theoretical uses remain where a pure form of the material could dramatically benefit a future in the stars. To detail those opportunities, a group of scientists from the Italian Space Age...

  • A rendering of layered molecules absorbing a ray of light.

    Near-perfect light absorption by UMN team

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

    Utilizing the bizarre capabilities of two-dimensional materials, researchers from the University of Minnesota, for the first time, have engineered an atomically thin material made from layers of molybdenum disulfide and graphene that can absorb nearly 100% light at room temperature, a discovery that could prove efficacious for a wide range of applications from optical communications to stealth technology. The scientists detailed their finding in "Achieving near-perfect light...

  • An EV motor with casing partially cutaway to show the internal parts.

    Rare earth supply for USA magnet plant

    Shane Lasley, Metal Tech News|Updated Aug 16, 2023

    USA Rare Earth has entered a deal with Australian Strategic Materials to supply magnet rare earths for Oklahoma plant. With its sights set on producing rare earth magnets at its new Oklahoma plant next year, USA Rare Earth LLC has entered into a multi-year supply agreement with Australian Strategic Materials Ltd., a producer of metals for clean energy and high-tech devices. "Having a supply agreement in place with ASM plays a critical role in delivering on our vision of...

  • A rock pump house and smoke stack on the picturesque Cornish coast.

    A $67 million boost for Cornish Lithium

    Shane Lasley, Metal Tech News|Updated Aug 16, 2023

    Large investment aims to reinvent historic Cornwall mining region as a lithium hub to power the UK's net-zero future. In support of domestic sources of lithium that will help power the United Kingdom's green industrial revolution, the UK Infrastructure Bank led a US$67 million (53.6 million British pounds) investment in Cornish Lithium plc. "Our investment in Cornish Lithium perfectly encapsulates a key part of our mission – to drive forward new and emerging markets that t...

  • A mining haul truck used to carry thousands of tons a day.

    Mines researcher champions clean mining

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Aug 9, 2023
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    Seeking ways to mitigate and reduce carbon emissions, a doctoral postgraduate of mining engineering and management from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has taken it upon herself to explore a next-generation clean energy strategy at what may seem to many as an unlikely place – a Wyoming coal mine. Recently completing her doctorate at South Dakota Mines, Amy McBrayer held a background in natural resources and management before pursuing the much-esteemed degree. McBra... Full story