Articles tagged with "critical-minerals"
In a 1st, China pulls 99.9% ultra-pure rubidium from salt lake brine
Chinese scientists at the Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes (ISL), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed a novel method to extract ultra-pure rubidium chloride (99.9% purity) from brine containing extremely low rubidium concentrations (0.001%). This breakthrough enables China to tap into its abundant but previously commercially unviable rubidium resources found primarily in salt lake brines of Qinghai province and Tibet. The new process involves a comprehensive approach including ore washing, leaching, enrichment, solvent extraction, and purification, and was successfully tested on potassium chloride from the Qarhan Salt Lake. This advancement significantly reduces China’s reliance on foreign rubidium imports, which currently stand at over 66%, mainly from Canada and Zimbabwe. Rubidium is a strategically important alkali metal used in atomic clocks, aerospace systems, perovskite solar cells, specialized glass, and medical imaging. China’s previous challenge was that over 97% of its rubidium reserves are locked in
materialsrubidium-extractioncritical-mineralsultra-pure-metalsChina-technologystrategic-metalsresource-securityOntario budget sees some wins for the clean economy but misses opportunities for long-term affordability and economic security - Clean Energy Canada
The Ontario 2025 budget includes strategic investments aimed at preparing the province’s economy for the future, with some notable wins for the clean economy. Clean Energy Canada welcomed the $92 million boost to the ChargeON program, which supports the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, having already facilitated over 1,300 charge points. This investment is seen as crucial for promoting EV adoption, reducing reliance on imported gasoline, and enhancing energy security by using locally generated electricity. However, the organization urged the government to extend support for EV chargers in multi-unit residential buildings to ensure equitable access to convenient home charging for all Ontarians. Additionally, the budget allocates $500 million to a critical minerals processing fund, aiming to refine minerals mined in Ontario locally. This move leverages Canada’s rich mineral resources to strengthen the EV battery supply chain, attract investment, and increase competitiveness on the global stage, particularly against countries like China. The budget also includes $50 million for the Ontario Together Trade Fund to boost interprovincial trade infrastructure, supporting the vision of a unified Canadian economy. Despite these positive steps, Clean Energy Canada expressed concern over proposed changes in Bill 17 that could undermine municipal authority on Green Development Standards, potentially compromising energy efficiency and long-term affordability in housing development. Overall, while the budget takes important steps toward economic growth, supply chain resilience, and clean energy leadership, Clean Energy Canada emphasizes the need for more comprehensive support for clean growth sectors and stronger provincial standards to ensure sustainable, affordable development. Thoughtful implementation of these initiatives is deemed essential to protect households, support workers, and secure Ontario’s economic future.
energyclean-energyelectric-vehiclesEV-charging-infrastructurecritical-mineralsbattery-supply-chainenergy-efficiencyTrump administration to claw back $3.7B in clean energy and manufacturing awards
energyclean-energymanufacturinglow-carbon-materialscritical-mineralscement-productionnatural-gasTrump administration may sell deep-sea mining leases at startup’s urging
robotdeep-sea-miningautonomous-vehiclescritical-mineralsenvironmental-impactunderwater-technologyresource-extractionCritical Minerals Bottleneck Unblocked By Weed (Seaweed, That Is)
critical-mineralsseaweedphytominingrare-earth-elementssustainable-energymarine-resourcesindustrial-farmingThe Geopolitics Of Critical Minerals: China’s Grip & The West’s Response
energycritical-mineralsdecarbonizationrenewable-energyindustrial-policiesgreen-hydrogenbattery-technologies