Updates in Mining & Minerals
Aluminum Emissions Down
The International Aluminum Institute (IAI) has released new findings showing that despite the industry’s continued growth, greenhouse gas emissions declined in 2022. According to the data, aluminum production rose by 3.9%, while the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions declined slightly. The data is welcome news as the industry faces rising demand and increasing pressure to improve its carbon footprint.
Federal Support for Deep Sea Mining Needed
A new bill calls for federal agencies to provide various forms of support for deep sea mining. Known as the Responsible Use of Seafloor Resources Act of 2024, the bill was introduced by Rep. Carol Miller (R., W.Va) and Rep. John Joyce (R., Pa), with the aim of reducing vulnerabilities in supply chains for critical minerals and reducing dependence on China, according to the Wall Street Journal.
DOE to Help Fund Thacker Pass
Lithium Americas is set to receive a $2.26 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy to bring the Thacker Pass project, located in Nevada, to fruition. Full-capacity production is expected in 2028. The mine will serve as a key supplier to General Motors in the race to electrification. Read more from Reuters >>
Reviving Uranium Mines
Shuttered uranium mines are getting a new lease on life as demand for the nuclear fuel continues to surge, according to Bloomberg News. At least five producers in the United States are looking to bring operations back online to meet demand.
Updates in Fertilizer
Bill Would Add Potash, Phosphate to Critical Minerals List
A new bi-partisan bill would see phosphate and potash fertilizers added to the Department of the Interior’s list of critical minerals. The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is applauding the action, with President Corey Rosenbusch commenting in a statement:
“By adding phosphate and potash to the Critical Minerals list, we can take a significant stride towards securing our own future and sending the clear message that safeguarding our nation’s food supply is not only an economic imperative, but a strategic priority that ensures our well-being.”
Gene Discovery Improves Nutrient Uptake in Rice
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have made an important discovery in nutrient use efficiency in rice, with potentially wider implications. The team uncovered the OsbZIP1 gene, which, when modified, improves nutrient uptake and utilization. Their findings were published in The Plant Journal.
Updates in Chemical
New EPA Rules Raise Concerns
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released new rules aimed at improving the safety of communities around chemical facilities. Called the Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Rule, the new rules make changes to the Risk Management Program. While the rules were set with good intentions, critics say the new rules are unfounded and will put an unnecessary and significant financial burden on the chemical industry. Read more from Chemical Processing >>
Decarbonizing Industry in the U.S.
The United States Department of Energy announced $6 billion in funding for 33 projects aimed at decarbonizing energy-intensive industries. The move is the largest investment in industrial decarbonization in United States history and is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
Funding Clean Energy
Similarly, the Biden-Harris Administration has also announced up to $475 million in funding for five projects that would accelerate clean energy deployment on current or former mine land. The projects are located in Arizona, Kentucky, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
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