Updates in Mining
Investors Look at Argentina Copper
The ongoing surge in copper demand is finally seeing investors consider Argentina’s red metal resources more feasible, according to Financial Times. Despite neighboring Chile serving as the world’s largest copper producer, various challenges have largely kept investors from developing Argentina’s many greenfield projects, but the rising need for copper looks to be changing that.
Global Coal Demand to Reach All-Time High, Says IEA
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released findings that say 2024 will see an all-time high for global coal demand, landing at an expected 8.77 billion tons. The agency anticipates that 2024 electricity generation from coal will reach 10,700 terawatt-hours (TWh).
China Bans Export of Critical Minerals to U.S.
After another move by Washington to crack down on China’s chip sector, trade tensions continue to escalate, with China banning exports of critical minerals gallium, germanium, and antimony to the United States. These minerals are recognized for their essential role in military applications. Read more from Reuters >>
Western Australia Gives Lithium a Boost
Western Australia is looking to give lithium miners a boost with the government’s new Lithium Industry Support program. This will include the waiving of various fees associated with downstream processing, port charges, and more. “This package will provide important temporary and responsible support for WA’s fledgling lithium industry, taking into account the extremely challenging market conditions it is facing,” Premier Roger Cook said in a statement.
New Strategy on Critical Minerals Expected From the UK
The UK government is expected to publish a new strategy on critical minerals this spring, according to S&P Global. The new strategy considers the changing industrial landscape and the vital roles critical minerals will play in advancing the technologies of tomorrow. The new strategy is expected to differ from previous approaches in a few key ways.
Updates in Fertilizer
Nano Fertilizer Market Booming
The market for nano fertilizers, an up-and-coming category of products prized for their innovative approach to nutrient management, is expected to see major growth in the coming years. Global Market Insights released new data that anticipates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the category of 14.6% from 2025 to 2034.
Domestic Fertilizer Gets Another Boost, Courtesy of the USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $116 million in funding toward domestic fertilizer production through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP). The investment will help to fund eight projects across nine states in an effort to increase competition and lower fertilizer and food costs for Americans.
Updates in Chemical
U.S. DOE Backs Synthetic Graphite Production in Chattanooga
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) has announced a conditional commitment for a loan up to $754.8 million to a subsidiary of NOVONIX Limited. The funding will go toward building a synthetic graphite manufacturing facility in Tennessee. Synthetic graphite is pivotal to the production of EV batteries.
An Economic Approach to Managing Methane Emissions
Chemical engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a catalyst that could help in the fight against climate change. The catalyst, which is – critically – functional at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, can convert methane into polymers, opening the door to an economic way of managing methane at source points.
U.S. Plastics Pact Releases New Data
The U.S. Plastics Pact has released their 2023-24 Impact Report, which highlights both achievements and shortfalls to overcome. Among other things, the data revealed an increase from 47.7% to 50% in reusable, recyclable, or compostable plastic packaging.
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