Updates in Mining
DOE Puts More Funding Toward Critical Minerals
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for up to $500 million in an effort to expand domestic critical mineral and materials processing, as well as battery manufacturing and recycling. The NOFO is the latest in a series of efforts aimed at establishing secure critical minerals and battery supply chains.
U.S. and Japan Work Together on Key Goals
The U.S. and Japan will expand collaboration around energy and critical minerals projects after a summit at the White House, according to Reuters. The two nations announced plans for energy projects in Tennessee, Alabama, and Pennsylvania, alongside an action plan for developing alternative critical mineral resources to reduce reliance on China. In addition, the countries shared their intent to collaborate on advancing deep-sea mineral resource development.
No New Coal Mines, New South Wales Says
The government of New South Wales (NSW) will not be permitting any new standalone greenfield coal mines, according to new policy. While expansions that can meet emissions requirements will still be considered, the government has made clear in their NSW Coal Industry 2026-2050 Strategy that new greenfield mines will not be considered. The strategy aims to make progress toward net-zero targets while maintaining energy security and job opportunities.
Wood Mackenzie Warns of Lithium Supply Shortage
Wood Mackenzie released their latest Energy Transition Outlook for Lithium, warning that demand for the metal could lead to supply deficits starting as early as 2028 without sufficient investment. The firm notes that demand could exceed 13 million tons by 2050 under an accelerated energy transition, more than double base case projections.
Updates in Fertilizer
CFIAโs Bulk Labelling Compliance Pushed Out
Fertilizer Canada is applauding the pause in bulk labelling requirements by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The industry will now have until July 2027 to comply with CFIAโs modernized Fertilizer Regulations, opening a window for further collaboration between industry players and regulators. Proposed bulk labelling guidelines aim to increase transparency and traceability, with bilingual (English/French) labels and specific lot numbers, among other changes.
Canada Focused on Healthy Soils
The Canadian government, along with the Soil Conservation Council of Canada (SCCC), will develop a “National Agricultural Soil Health Strategy,” according to an announcement reported by RealAgriculture. โHealthy soils are the foundation of a strong and sustainable agriculture sector. Building on the important work already underway, including Senator Blackโs efforts in this area, the Government of Canada will continue working with partners across Canada, such as the Soil Conservation Council of Canada, to collaborate on the development of the National Agricultural Soil Health Strategy and protect this essential resource,” said Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald.
Updates in Chemical
A Catalyst for PFAS Breakdown
Researchers from several universities have developed a prototype catalyst that uses sunlight to break down โforever chemicals.โ Their work, published in the journal RSC Advances, goes on to explain how, in addition to breaking down PFAS, the technology holds potential to be used in sensors for detecting the chemicals, something which is currently very difficult and costly to do. Read more from Chemical Online >>.
New Aluminum an Alternative to Precious Metal Catalysts
Scientists at Kingโs College of London have developed an aluminum that could offer a much-needed alternative to precious metals in catalysis applications, being significantly less costly and more sustainable. In developing the new form of aluminum, researchers also uncovered previously unseen molecular structures, opening a door to potential new kinds of reactivity. Their work was published in Nature Communications.
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