The Elements of Innovation Discovered

(604) stories found containing 'in its electric future'


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  • Large manganese particle seen by a scanning electron microscope.

    Manganese could bring down battery costs

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    Super-sized manganese particles might be able to cheaply and efficiently replace nickel and cobalt in battery cathodes. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory experts are developing a new process that could help make abundant (and cheap) manganese a contender to replace nickel and cobalt in energy storage for renewables, personal electronics, and electric vehicles. Nickel and cobalt are essential components in many clean energy technologies and are usually sourced from limited...

  • Hand using a magnifying glass to burn a spot on a globe showing Myanmar, China.

    Myanmar REE mining halts, prices soar

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    Half the world's heavy rare earth production grinds to a halt amidst civil war. Myanmar's top exports have long been oil and natural gas, followed by fruits and vegetables, wood, fish, clothing, and rubber. Its main export partnerships are with China, India, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Indonesia and Hong Kong. Today, this small country has found itself to be an essential source of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), vital ingredients for the magnets used in electric vehicles a...

  • Large mining truck with a load of dirt in the Arizona desert.

    Newmont receives battery mining truck

    Shane Lasley, Metal Tech News|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    A 240-metric-ton Early Learner Cat 793 XE delivered to Colorado gold mine – batteries included ... some assembly required. Marking a major milestone along the path to achieving the net-zero-carbon-emissions targets set by Newmont Corp. and the wider mining sector, the world's largest gold mining company has received its first battery-electric large mining truck at the Cripple Creek and Victor (CC&V) mine in Colorado. "As we look toward the future, our focus remains on creating...

  • SoHyCal plant rendering with three electrolysis units and a tube-trailer truck.

    Building North America's largest H2 plant

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    California's SoHyCal project will be the largest hydrogen generator driven completely by North American renewable energy. Nearly all hydrogen refueling stations in the continental U.S. are situated in California, the only state with hydrogen infrastructure. However, a fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) sales slump hit hard this year, with less than 100 hydrogen-powered cars sold countrywide in the second quarter compared to 1,094 in the same period last year – a 91% d...

  • A puck-shaped Clean Earth Magnet with Niron logo.

    Minnesota permanent magnets minus the REEs

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    World's first manufacturing plant for rare-earth-free magnets opening in Minneapolis. Approximately 90% of the world's industrial permanent magnets are produced in China, leaving the supply chain open to significant disruption with environmental, economic, or national security risks. Permanent magnets containing neodymium and other rare earth elements are essential components in a wide variety of technologies and industries, including MRI machines, electric vehicles, wind...

  • Up close picture of a Rio Tinto hard hat on the job site.

    Rio Tinto to buy lithium producer Arcadium

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    The proposed $6.7 billion purchase indicates that the global mining giant foresees a lithium market rebound. On Oct. 9, Rio Tinto announced plans to acquire lithium producer Arcadium, boosting Arcadium's value and enhancing Rio Tinto's lithium market exposure, crucial for electric vehicle growth. What does this investment say about the future outlook for the lithium market? Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm has maintained an attitude of "cautious optimism" in interviews,...

  • Samples of 3D-printed superalloys to be scanned with a neutron beam.

    Subatomic insights improve superalloys

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    Researchers use subatomic particles to examine and improve 3D-printed superalloys for nuclear, aerospace, automotive, and other industries. As industries push for stronger materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions, researchers are turning to advanced metal 3D printing and atomic-level analysis to create superalloys designed to endure the harsh environments that future technologies may find themselves in. Alloys are created by blending two or more metals to achieve...

  • Rendering of engine eating space rocks and converting them to blue flames.

    Asteroid-eating infinite thruster

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    Built and deployed in space, new plasma rockets that burn metals could power long-range spacecraft. The Super Magdrive – a seminal technology and namesake of its British-based space tech startup, Magdrive, can use any metal, including iron, as a fuel source to power long-range spacecraft farther for longer. These new bullet-shaped thrusters can technically be infinitely refueled on the go by the metals from mining asteroids, comets, and other space resources. The new t...

  • Night shot of BHP’s Escondida Mine in Chile, one of the largest copper mines.

    Demand and deficit drive up copper price

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    BHP projects copper demand to rise by 1 million tons annually, lining pockets with high prices, but will a short-term deficit hurt mining in the long run? Copper has enjoyed rising prices since 2020, all while miners face rising operating costs and declining ore quality. With new mine construction requiring at minimum a capital-intensive ten-year commitment and existing operations in key copper-producing countries – Latin America, Australia, and Africa – aging, the gre...

  • Scientist examining an experiment in a specialized chamber.

    Core breakthrough for sodium-ion batteries

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    Argonne National Lab scientists discover method to prevent cracks in sodium-ion battery cathodes, increasing lifespan. A breakthrough from Argonne National Laboratory may have paved the way for a new era of affordable, sustainable sodium-ion batteries. As the global push for clean energy accelerates, batteries have become essential for powering electric vehicles and storing renewable energy. While lithium-ion batteries remain the standard due to their high energy density and m...

  • White, yellow, black, and grey piles of powdered rare earth elements.

    Wyoming rare earth plant back on track

    Shane Lasley, Metal Tech News|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    Rare Element Resources receives federal authorization and funding to proceed with first-of-its-kind rare earth separation plant. Following a few months of slowed progress due to inflationary pressures pushing the costs to build its rare earths processing and separation demonstration plant above budget, Rare Element Resources Ltd. says the critical minerals facility being installed just outside of Upton, Wyoming, is on track to begin operations by the end of the year. Last...

  • 26 Peruvian business leaders on the trade show floor at MINExpo.

    Peru poised to deliver clean energy metals

    Alvaro Silva-Santisteban|Updated Nov 22, 2024

    The largest Peruvian business delegation in U.S. history shows steps towards a greener future. Just a few short months ago, a record-breaking delegation of over 300 Peruvian business leaders attended MINExpo 2024, the premier mining conference hosted by the National Mining Association in Las Vegas. This marked the largest Peruvian delegation ever to attend the event, underscoring the growing importance of our partnership with the U.S. in the mining sector. But why has the...

  • Photo of a Cadillac Lyriq plugged into a charger in a colorful photo setting.

    GM buys JV stake in Nevada lithium mine

    Shane Lasley, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 16, 2024

    Automaker to invest $625 million for 38% JV interest in Lithium America's Thacker Pass. To help ensure that it has a reliable and Inflation Reduction Act-compliant source of the lithium needed for its growing line of electric vehicles, General Motors has agreed to invest an additional $625 million to acquire a 38% joint venture interest in Lithium Americas Corp.'s Thacker Pass mine and processing plant in northern Nevada. "We're pleased with the significant progress Lithium...

  • A burned container being hoisted onto a trailer by a crane.

    Redwood recycles natural disaster batteries

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 15, 2024

    From natural disaster recovery to sustainable solutions, Redwood leads the charge in active battery recycling. As natural disasters and major accidents become more frequent, Redwood Materials Inc. steps in to ensure that lithium-ion batteries, often damaged in these events, are safely recovered and recycled, preventing further harm to affected communities and the environment. In just a few short years, Redwood has grown from a small recycling startup into a critical player in...

  • Panoramic view of a large iron ore industrial complex in Australia.

    Fortescue has a problem with net-zero

    Shane Lasley, Mining News|Updated Oct 15, 2024

    Sets higher goal of Real Zero by 2030, challenges colleagues to adopt aggressive climate targets. Most mining companies do not lead their climate goals page with "We're part of the problem." Australia-based iron ore producer Fortescue is not like most mining companies when it comes to admitting it is "a heavy emitter" or setting carbon dioxide reduction targets that are much more aggressive than their peers or even those outlined in the Paris Agreement. While most major...

  • A large Hitachi mining haul truck inside the Las Vegas Convention Center.

    Hitachi zeros in on sustainable mining

    Shane Lasley, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 8, 2024

    Heavy equipment manufacturer showcases Zero Emissions, Zero Downtime, and Zero Entry mines strategy at MINExpo 2024. Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas' 25,500-square-foot booth at MINExpo 2024 featured equipment and innovation focused on addressing its mining customers' top priorities – reducing carbon emissions, increasing productivity, and improving safety. During the world's largest mining show, the Japanese heavy equipment manufacturer provided insights into a t...

  • Toyota pickup provides scale of large hill of lithium mineralization.

    Major step forward for Rhyolite Ridge

    Shane Lasley, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 2, 2024

    With final FEIS from BLM, Nevada lithium mine is 30 days away from completion of federal permitting process. With the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's issuance of a final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Rhyolite Ridge mine project about 150 miles southeast of Reno, Nevada, Ioneer Ltd. takes another large step toward its goal of producing enough lithium for nearly 370,000 electric vehicles per year by 2028. As the namesake ingredient in the batteries powering EVs...

  • Electra's facility focused on cobalt refining and battery recycling.

    Electra, Three Fires form recycling company

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 2, 2024

    New venture aims to recover critical minerals from lithium-ion batteries, reducing waste and carbon emissions while supporting sustainable development in Ontario. In a strategic move to tackle the environmental and supply chain challenges posed by battery waste, Electra Battery Materials Corp. and Indigenous-owned Three Fires Group have launched Aki Battery Recycling, a joint venture focused on producing black mass through responsible recycling of lithium-ion battery scrap....

  • Six petri dishes representing various colors of rare earth powder.

    NioCorp to mine, recycle REEs in Nebraska

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 2, 2024

    Underground mineral source coupled with environmentally responsible processing presents sustainable solution for domestic rare earth production. NioCorp Developments Ltd. plans to recycle post-consumer rare earth permanent magnets and produce commercial-grade magnetic rare earth oxides at its proposed Elk Creek critical minerals project in Nebraska. All of the minerals to be produced at Elk Creek are officially designated as critical to the United States and are essential to...

  • Overhead view of trees in the shape of a battery.

    DOE and Michigan fund Mitra Chem cathodes

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 2, 2024

    Federal grant and state support Inflation Reduction Act-compliant EV battery material production. Mitra Chem, a leading innovator in battery materials, has been selected by the state of Michigan's Competitiveness Fund and U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) for up to $125 million in awarded funds to establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Muskegon, Michigan. MESC plays a critical role in catalyzing investments...

  • A red-hot ladle pours molten metal into an ingot mold.

    SRC pours rare earth metal in Canada

    Shane Lasley, Metal Tech news|Updated Oct 2, 2024

    Milestone event forges Saskatchewan's link in North America's rare earths supply chain. In a milestone event that firmly establishes Saskatchewan as a major link in North America's burgeoning rare earths supply chain, Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) has poured the first rare earth metals at its processing facility in Saskatoon, Sask. "The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support SRC's Rare Earth Processing Facility, making Saskatchewan the first and only...

  • Gloved hand sprinkles white lithium powder into a barrel.

    Arkansas taps into its lithium riches

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 2, 2024

    U.S. lithium production is ready to tap a massive aquifer that crosses six southern state lines. Global lithium consumption reached 180,000 metric tons in 2023, according to the United States Geological Survey, but the U.S. produces less than 1% of the world's supply. While most of the world's lithium still comes from countries like Australia, Chile, and China, the future of lithium production in the U.S. is ramping up in California, Nevada, and now Arkansas as companies like...

  • GM electric cars, trucks, and SUVs with city skyline in the background.

    Hyundai and GM joint product development

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 2, 2024

    Automakers sign agreement to collaborate on vehicles, supply chain and clean energy tech. Two leading automotive companies have joined forces to target improved efficiencies and increased competitiveness through collaboration along lines of manufacturing and clean energy technologies. General Motors and Hyundai Motor Company have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore future collaboration across these key strategic areas as leading global OEMs – leveraging t...

  • Closeup of an alternator being driven by a serpentine belt in an ICE vehicle.

    Tellurium-enhanced alternator alternative

    Shane Lasley, Metal Tech News|Updated Sep 20, 2024

    PyroDelta's thermoelectric device could significantly improve ICE vehicle fuel efficiency by transforming engine heat into electricity. First Tellurium Corp. subsidiary PyroDelta Energy is moving forward with a tellurium-enhanced thermoelectric generator that could significantly improve the gas mileage of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles – a technology that could also be used to increase the range of hybrid cars and EVs. Thermoelectric generators are solid-state devic...

  • Dark-skinned boy with dirty clothes holding up a muddy hand.

    AI connects Li-ion to human rights abuses

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Sep 17, 2024

    AI-driven assessment estimates that 75% of the global lithium-ion battery supply chain is tainted by human rights violations. An AI-driven supply chain risk assessment platform by Infyos has discovered evidence that many of the world's largest automotive, energy storage, consumer electronics, and heavy industry companies are using lithium-ion batteries tainted by human rights abuses in one or more areas of their supply chain. Infyos has been working with some of the world's...

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