The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
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Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential building blocks for the world's electronics and a host of developing energy transition technologies. Found in smartphones, computers, screens, and batteries, they are essential in everything from smartwatches to wind turbines. This suite of 15 elements, however, are notoriously challenging to separate. Conventional processes are often chemical-heavy and energy-intensive, requiring multiple extraction and purification steps, which are sl...
Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund invests in recycling REEs from hard drives. Signaling its commitment to a circular economy, Microsoft has made a notable endorsement by strategically investing in Cyclic Materials, a promising startup in advanced metals recycling. Announced July 16, this move by Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund highlights the tech giant's interest in sustainable innovation, particularly in recycling rare earth elements (REEs) from computer hard drives....
Low Earth orbit satellites connect modern remote mining operations, especially in the northern hemisphere. A revolutionary connectivity solution by SpaceX is gaining popularity with remote mining and exploration operations from North America to the UK and beyond. The Starlink satellite constellation is a highly anticipated update to today's modern mine connectivity, offering an effective alternative to fiberoptic or satellite broadband when you're out in the middle of...
The ongoing war is running out of bullets, provoking worldwide munitions manufacturers to ramp up production. Russia's war with Ukraine, ongoing since 2022, is driving an increased demand for copper. Most munitions contain copper in some way, with bullet cartridges also being made of brass, a copper-zinc alloy. "War is good for the metals business," Fastmarkets analyst Andy Farida said. "And part of the reason copper prices have been resilient, while the other base metals...
Decades-long clash continues over Colorado's uranium mines with implications for economy and national security. Mining near the Grand Canyon has been an embattled topic for decades, with an outcome that has implications for American jobs, the future of green energy, the economy, and national security. Uranium fuels nuclear power, a sustainable, efficient, plentiful and practically carbon-free energy. Miners like Colorado-based Energy Fuels Resources Inc. and the current...
US Department of Defense recognizes potential of critical energy metal; National Science Foundation offers First Tellurium grant opportunity. Tellurium is a rare element with some powerful properties that are being leveraged in American-made solar panels, solid-state batteries that could significantly extend the range of electric vehicles, and thermoelectric generators that convert temperature variations into clean electricity. Recognizing tellurium's criticality to clean ener...
$14 million initiative will establish more than 1,000 collection points for recycling batteries and electronic devices across the U.S. In an effort to enhance the sustainability of domestic supply chains and reduce e-waste, the U.S. Department of Energy has launched a $14 million initiative to establish more than 1,000 battery recycling collection points for used batteries at Batteries Plus and Staples stores across the nation. "At DOE we're excited to help create a circular,...
Brazil-based miner is working with Komatsu and Cummins to develop dual-fuel engines that are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 70%. In a move that is expected to significantly lower the carbon dioxide emissions from the large mining trucks at its mines and strengthen the biofuel industry, Brazil-based mining giant Vale has partnered with Komatsu and Cummins to develop engines that burn a mix of ethanol and diesel. Under this Dual Fuel Program, the partners will focus on...
Mining school adds a two-part program to prepare students to tackle domestic critical mineral challenges and help fill the nation's massive mining workforce shortage. Looking to help bolster the domestic production of minerals and metals essential to clean energy, high-tech, and everyday living, South Dakota Mines is offering two new minors that will prepare students to tackle critical mineral challenges. "We have a need in the United States for these materials. If it can't...
Discover how small, innovative companies are transforming mining safety with cutting-edge technologies. In the ever-evolving mining industry, advanced technologies are revolutionizing safety and operational efficiency. Discover 10 new mining safety innovations and the companies behind them as they lead the way in setting new standards for worker protection. Advanced technologies are transforming mining safety and operational efficiency in remarkable ways. These key...
