Articles tagged with "critical-minerals"
Europe Pledges $600 Billion for Clean Energy Projects in Africa
The European Union has pledged $600 billion through its Global Gateway investment plan to support clean energy projects in Africa, aiming to address the continent’s critical energy deficit where nearly 600 million people lack electricity access. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that this clean energy transition would generate jobs, promote stability and growth, and help meet global climate goals. The initiative could create up to 38 million green jobs in Africa by 2030. Global Gateway, launched in 2021, focuses on infrastructure development worldwide but prioritizes Africa due to its vast deposits of critical minerals essential for technology and green energy, such as cobalt, lithium, copper, and manganese. The EU’s effort is partly a strategic response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which since 2013 has invested over $1.3 trillion globally in infrastructure, including significant energy investments in Africa. China’s involvement includes exporting large quantities of solar panels and securing influence through mining and infrastructure projects, positioning itself as a
energyclean-energyAfricaEuropean-UnionGlobal-Gatewaygreen-jobscritical-mineralsU.S. government takes stake in Canadian lithium miner and its Nevada mining project
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has secured a 5% equity stake in Canadian lithium miner Lithium Americas and a 5% stake in its Nevada mining joint venture with General Motors (GM) through a renegotiation of a federal loan. These stakes are acquired via no-cost warrants, serving as additional collateral to reduce taxpayer repayment risk. Lithium Americas is developing the Thacker Pass mine in Nevada, a project approved by President Trump in January 2021, which is expected to produce enough lithium to supply batteries for up to 800,000 electric vehicles annually in its first phase. GM holds a 38% stake in Lithium Americas, acquired last year for $625 million, granting it rights to lithium production sufficient for 1.6 million EVs over 20 years. This move aligns with the Trump administration’s broader strategy to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign sources. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized that despite the U.S. having large lithium
energylithium-miningelectric-vehiclesbattery-materialsU.S.-Department-of-Energycritical-mineralsdomestic-supply-chainHow Bill Gates’s fellowship program is adapting to global uncertainty
Bill Gates’s climate tech organization, Breakthrough Energy, is adapting its fellowship program to address growing global uncertainty, including economic challenges and shifting policy priorities. The program, which supports startups led by budding entrepreneurs, has announced a new cohort of 45 fellows across 22 startups, marking its most globally diverse group yet—with half of the teams based outside the U.S., including locations in Asia, Canada, Germany, the U.K., and South Africa. This international emphasis is partly driven by the opening of a new fellowship hub in Singapore in partnership with Temasek and Enterprise Singapore, reflecting the recognition that climate change solutions must be globally sourced and locally tailored. The new cohort focuses on areas such as hydrogen, circularity (recycling materials), critical minerals, agriculture, and grid modernization, with particular attention to regional priorities like Asia’s interest in hydrogen and recycling due to its manufacturing footprint. The fellowship’s curriculum has also evolved to emphasize techno-economic analysis, encouraging startups to rigorously assess the economic viability of
energyclimate-techhydrogen-economycircular-economycritical-mineralsgrid-modernizationstartup-innovation10 million EVs could be powered by lithium hidden in US mine waste
A recent study led by Elizabeth Holley of the Colorado School of Mines reveals that the United States could significantly boost its supply of critical minerals by recovering valuable elements from existing mine waste, currently treated as byproducts. Analyzing 54 active mines across 70 elements, the research estimates that just one year’s worth of U.S. mine waste contains enough lithium to power 10 million electric vehicles and enough manganese for 99 million, far exceeding current domestic demand and imports. Recovering even 1 percent of these byproducts could substantially reduce U.S. reliance on imports, while a 4 percent recovery of lithium alone could eliminate the need for lithium imports entirely. The study highlights specific mines with high potential for various minerals, such as germanium in Alaska’s Red Dog mine and nickel in Montana’s Stillwater and East Boulder mines. The authors argue that the fastest way to increase domestic mineral production is by optimizing existing mining operations through adding recovery circuits for byproducts, which could quickly bring needed minerals to
energylithiumelectric-vehiclesminingcritical-mineralsbattery-materialssustainable-energySeaweed could unlock new sources of rare minerals for EVs: US study
US researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have developed a novel approach to extract rare earth minerals and critical metals from seaweed, potentially unlocking a sustainable domestic source for materials essential to electric vehicles (EVs), electronics, and construction. Seaweed species, particularly Ulva (sea lettuce), have been found to bioaccumulate rare earth elements and metals like nickel at concentrations vastly higher than those in seawater. By cultivating various seaweed species at their Sequim campus, the team identified which types concentrate specific minerals, with Ulva showing the best overall potential for critical mineral accumulation. The extraction process involves grinding harvested seaweed into a paste and treating it with acidic liquids known as lixiviants, which dissolve the targeted minerals. This mixture is then subjected to high temperatures to break chemical bonds and release the minerals. Although achieving efficient extraction—aiming for at least 50% recovery—has been challenging, researchers have optimized the process by experimenting with different lixiviants, temperatures, and
energyrare-earth-mineralsseaweedelectric-vehiclescritical-mineralssustainable-miningPacific-Northwest-National-LaboratoryU.S. Energy Department Supports Critical Minerals & Materials Supply Chain - CleanTechnica
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has made significant strides in bolstering the critical minerals and materials supply chains, a priority advanced under President Biden and supported by Democrats in Congress. Despite initial delays and uncertainties, the Trump administration has continued backing this sector, recognizing its importance for future technology and economic growth. Recently, the DOE issued nearly $1 billion in notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) aimed at advancing mining, processing, and manufacturing technologies across key stages of these supply chains. Key initiatives include the Critical Minerals and Materials (CMM) Accelerator program, which focuses on maturing technologies to enable domestic commercialization in areas such as rare-earth magnet supply chains, semiconductor materials, and lithium extraction. The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management plans to allocate about $250 million to pilot recovery of valuable mineral byproducts at American industrial facilities. Additionally, the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) aims to enhance domestic rare earth element (REE) supply chains by supporting
energycritical-mineralsmaterials-supply-chainrare-earth-elementsmining-technologymanufacturing-technologieslithium-extractionUS, India, Japan, Australia unite to cut China’s mineral dominance
The United States, India, Japan, and Australia, collectively known as the Quad, have launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative aimed at reducing global dependence on China for critical minerals essential to modern technologies like electric vehicles, batteries, and semiconductors. The initiative seeks to secure and diversify supply chains amid concerns over China’s dominant position in key minerals, particularly graphite, which is vital for electric vehicle batteries. The announcement coincides with a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in Washington hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signaling a strategic pivot toward Asia by the U.S. administration and emphasizing the need for supply chain diversification to counter economic coercion and supply disruptions. While the Quad’s joint statement did not explicitly name China, it expressed serious concerns about provocative actions in the South and East China Seas that threaten regional peace and stability, underscoring the group’s commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stressed the importance of regional autonomy and freedom
critical-mineralssupply-chain-diversificationelectric-vehicle-batteriesQuad-alliancematerials-securityenergy-materialssemiconductor-materialsRussia captures Europe’s richest lithium site spanning 100 acres
Russian forces have seized control of a significant lithium-rich site near the village of Shevchenko in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. Spanning about 100 acres, this site is among Europe’s largest lithium reserves, a mineral critical for electric vehicle batteries, aerospace alloys, energy storage, and electronics. Despite the village’s limited tactical value, the subsurface lithium resources hold growing strategic importance amid rising global demand driven by decarbonization and military modernization. The capture strengthens Russia’s hold over Ukraine’s natural resources and fits a broader pattern of targeting key industrial assets to undermine Ukraine’s economic recovery and future investment prospects. The seizure directly challenges a recent US-Ukraine bilateral agreement aimed at fostering investment in Ukraine’s critical mineral sector, including the Shevchenko deposit. This move complicates Western efforts to develop resilient, non-Chinese supply chains for battery-grade lithium and other essential minerals, which are vital for energy transition, defense manufacturing, and economic stability. By controlling this resource corridor, Russia enhances its
lithiumenergy-storageelectric-vehicle-batteriescritical-mineralsresource-controlindustrial-supply-chainsenergy-materialsClean recycling breakthrough turns dead batteries into power for US
The article highlights a significant breakthrough by the US startup Nth Cycle, which has developed an innovative, environmentally friendly method to refine critical industrial metals from battery scrap and electronic waste. Currently, about 85% of global refining of essential minerals like cobalt, nickel, lithium, and rare Earth elements occurs in China, creating a strategic vulnerability for the US in producing electric vehicle batteries, defense equipment, and other advanced technologies. Nth Cycle’s modular, electrically powered refining platform called “The Oyster” uses electro-extraction—a process that replaces traditional high-heat, chemical-intensive refining with electricity and filtration—enabling smaller-scale, localized, and low-emission metal recovery operations across the US and Europe. Nth Cycle’s first commercial unit in Fairfield, Ohio, processes over 3,000 metric tons of scrap annually, producing cobalt and nickel while reducing reliance on foreign refining. The company’s approach, described as “refining as a service,” allows customers to maintain ownership of recovered metals while Nth Cycle operates
energybattery-recyclingcritical-mineralselectro-extractionsustainable-refiningcobalt-recoverynickel-recoveryUS: World-first lithium plant uses oilfield water with 97% recovery
A US company, Gradiant, through its lithium-focused subsidiary alkaLi, has launched the world’s first fully integrated lithium production facility that extracts lithium from oilfield produced water in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale Formation. Expected to begin commercial operations by early 2026, this facility uses an innovative extract, concentrate, and convert (EC²) process that achieves up to 97% lithium recovery and 99.5% purity, surpassing industry standards. The plant is designed to supply up to 50% of the US lithium demand, addressing the growing need for domestic lithium amid rising electric vehicle and energy storage markets. AlkaLi’s vertically integrated model bypasses lengthy permitting processes, enabling faster deployment of battery-grade lithium production with lower capital and operating costs. The EC² platform combines Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) with concentration and conversion in a streamlined system that uses less water, energy, and produces less waste, enhancing both economic and environmental sustainability. The company has secured a
lithium-productionenergy-storagebattery-grade-lithiumsustainable-miningcritical-mineralselectric-vehiclesresource-recoveryIn a 1st, China pulls 99.9% ultra-pure rubidium from salt lake brine
Chinese scientists at the Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes (ISL), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed a novel method to extract ultra-pure rubidium chloride (99.9% purity) from brine containing extremely low rubidium concentrations (0.001%). This breakthrough enables China to tap into its abundant but previously commercially unviable rubidium resources found primarily in salt lake brines of Qinghai province and Tibet. The new process involves a comprehensive approach including ore washing, leaching, enrichment, solvent extraction, and purification, and was successfully tested on potassium chloride from the Qarhan Salt Lake. This advancement significantly reduces China’s reliance on foreign rubidium imports, which currently stand at over 66%, mainly from Canada and Zimbabwe. Rubidium is a strategically important alkali metal used in atomic clocks, aerospace systems, perovskite solar cells, specialized glass, and medical imaging. China’s previous challenge was that over 97% of its rubidium reserves are locked in
materialsrubidium-extractioncritical-mineralsultra-pure-metalsChina-technologystrategic-metalsresource-securityOntario budget sees some wins for the clean economy but misses opportunities for long-term affordability and economic security - Clean Energy Canada
The Ontario 2025 budget includes strategic investments aimed at preparing the province’s economy for the future, with some notable wins for the clean economy. Clean Energy Canada welcomed the $92 million boost to the ChargeON program, which supports the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, having already facilitated over 1,300 charge points. This investment is seen as crucial for promoting EV adoption, reducing reliance on imported gasoline, and enhancing energy security by using locally generated electricity. However, the organization urged the government to extend support for EV chargers in multi-unit residential buildings to ensure equitable access to convenient home charging for all Ontarians. Additionally, the budget allocates $500 million to a critical minerals processing fund, aiming to refine minerals mined in Ontario locally. This move leverages Canada’s rich mineral resources to strengthen the EV battery supply chain, attract investment, and increase competitiveness on the global stage, particularly against countries like China. The budget also includes $50 million for the Ontario Together Trade Fund to boost interprovincial trade infrastructure, supporting the vision of a unified Canadian economy. Despite these positive steps, Clean Energy Canada expressed concern over proposed changes in Bill 17 that could undermine municipal authority on Green Development Standards, potentially compromising energy efficiency and long-term affordability in housing development. Overall, while the budget takes important steps toward economic growth, supply chain resilience, and clean energy leadership, Clean Energy Canada emphasizes the need for more comprehensive support for clean growth sectors and stronger provincial standards to ensure sustainable, affordable development. Thoughtful implementation of these initiatives is deemed essential to protect households, support workers, and secure Ontario’s economic future.
energyclean-energyelectric-vehiclesEV-charging-infrastructurecritical-mineralsbattery-supply-chainenergy-efficiencyTrump administration to claw back $3.7B in clean energy and manufacturing awards
energyclean-energymanufacturinglow-carbon-materialscritical-mineralscement-productionnatural-gasTrump administration may sell deep-sea mining leases at startup’s urging
robotdeep-sea-miningautonomous-vehiclescritical-mineralsenvironmental-impactunderwater-technologyresource-extractionCritical Minerals Bottleneck Unblocked By Weed (Seaweed, That Is)
critical-mineralsseaweedphytominingrare-earth-elementssustainable-energymarine-resourcesindustrial-farmingThe Geopolitics Of Critical Minerals: China’s Grip & The West’s Response
energycritical-mineralsdecarbonizationrenewable-energyindustrial-policiesgreen-hydrogenbattery-technologies