Updates in Mining
Report: Critical Minerals Demand to Quadruple by 2040
Accounting and professional services firm, BDO, released their Annual Mining Report. According to the firm’s findings, demand for critical minerals for use in clean energy technologies will almost triple in the next five years and quadruple by 2040. Read the report >>
British Columbia to Accelerate Resource Projects
British Columbia Premier David Eby’s office is planning to fast-track 18 resource projects to reduce the province’s reliance on U.S. trade in the face of potential tariffs. In 2023, 54% of B.C. exports went to the United States. “We’ve got to prepare for the worst-case scenario even though we hope for the best,” Eby said. Read more from CBC/Radio-Canada >>
Rhyolite Ridge Joint Venture Called Off
Sibanye-Stillwater has decided against a joint venture agreement with ioneer Ltd. to develop Rhyolite Ridge, a lithium-boron project in Nevada. The joint venture has been in the making since 2021. After careful review of new technical information, the Board decided that, among other things, the project did not meet the company’s investment hurdle rates at prudent pricing assumptions.
Trump Orders Probe into Copper Imports
President Trump has signed an order directing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to conduct a national security investigation into potential new tariffs on U.S. copper imports under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, according to Reuters. The move is aimed at countering China’s dominance in the global copper market.
BYD Secures Lithium in Brazil to Strengthen EV Supply Chain
Chinese EV maker BYD has secured lithium mining rights in Brazil’s Jequitinhonha Valley, reinforcing its long-term strategy of vertical integration to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for EV production. While production may take years to commence, the move strengthens economic ties between China and Brazil and positions Brazil as a key player in the global lithium market. Read more from Supply Chain Digital >>
Updates in Fertilizer
TFI Releases Annual Sustainability Report
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) has released its latest report on sustainability in the industry, which illustrates ongoing progress in several areas, including environmental impact, industry innovation, and energy efficiency. “The fertilizer industry is essential to feeding a growing global population, and sustainability remains at the core of our mission,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch.
USDA Swears in Brooke L. Rollins
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has sworn in its 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The Senate confirmed Brooke Rollins by a vote of 72-28 on February 13th, with Rollins commenting: “Every day, I will fight for American farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community. Together, we have an historic opportunity to revitalize rural America and to ensure that U.S. Agriculture remains the best in the world for generations to come.”
Updates in Chemical
ACC Applauds No IRIS Act
The American Chemistry Council has applauded the introduction of the No IRIS Act, a legislative initiative expected to improve American competitiveness and innovation in the chemical sector. Among other things, the Act will reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and ensure decisions are based on the best available science.
Study: Biomass Could Safely Meet 20% Carbon Demand for Chemicals
A new study conducted by the Renewable Carbon Initiative and Biobased Industries Consortium shows that biomass has the potential to meet 20% of global carbon demand in the chemical industry by 2050, without affecting food and feed supply. The industry is heavily dependent on carbon, the majority of which currently comes from fossil resources.
Progress in Automotive Plastics Circularity
A first-of-its-kind pilot aims to address the challenge of recycling plastics from End-of-Life Vehicles. The Global Impact Coalition has launched the world’s first Automotive Plastics Circularity pilot. “This collaboration represents a turning point for the industry,” said Charlie Tan, CEO of the Global Impact Coalition. “Recycling ELV plastics has long been a challenge, with less than 20 % of these materials recycled today. By uniting players from across the automotive value chain—from auto makers to dismantlers, sorters, recyclers and the chemical industry—we are connecting the links to close the loop on plastics.”
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