Key developments: China’s 2025 export curbs on heavy rare earths and a pending U.S. defense rule banning Chinese‑origin rare‑earth metals and magnets from 2027 have spurred a wave of investment in non‑Chinese sources. MP Materials has scaled up,…
Continue reading US and Allies Accelerate Rare‑Earth Supply Chain Build‑out Ahead of 2027 Defense BanKey developments: 2025 saw China tighten export controls on heavy rare earths, prompting the United States and its allies to accelerate alternative sourcing. Australia sealed a critical minerals deal with the United States on 21 October 2025, while the United…
Continue reading Global Race to Secure Rare‑Earth Supply Chains Intensifies Ahead of 2027 U.S. Defense BanKey developments: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation is moving from loan‑only financing to direct equity stakes in African mining, having already pledged over $3 billion for critical‑mineral projects and eyeing a stake in Mozambique’s Syrah Resources graphite operation.…
Continue reading U.S., Europe and Greenland Accelerate Critical‑Mineral Projects to Counter China’s DominanceThe Trump administration is boosting its critical‑mineral strategy on two fronts. In Africa, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation is moving from loan‑only financing to direct ownership stakes, having already pledged over $14 billion to the continent, with more…
Continue reading U.S. and Trump Administration Ramp Up Critical Mineral Investments in Africa and Home‑Ground MappingKey developments: On Oct 12 2026 lithium prices in China dropped to 115,400 CNY/tonne, a 5.7% daily fall and a 16.8% decline over the past month, though they remain 57.9% above a year earlier. The dip follows a fresh low‑year‑to‑date level…
Continue reading Lithium Prices Slip to Near 10‑Month Low as Supply Expansions AccelerateKey developments: A methodology change by the Chinese industry group SMM added 175,000 tonnes to reported Chinese lithium inventories, doubling previous estimates and prompting a sharp pull‑back in prices – lithium fell to 115,400 CNY/T on Oct 12, a 5.68%…
Continue reading Chinese stockpile revision fuels price dip as Australian mine restarts boost supply outlookKey developments are rapidly closing the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and commercial deployment of solid‑state batteries. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute identified how soft lithium dendrites penetrate and fracture stiff ceramic electrolytes, a flaw that caused short…
Continue reading Breakthroughs Accelerate Solid‑State Battery Path to MarketKey developments this week show solid‑state batteries moving from lab breakthroughs to pilot‑scale production and clear commercial roadmaps. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute identified how soft lithium dendrites fracture ceramic electrolytes, a finding that explains long‑standing failure modes…
Continue reading Breakthroughs Accelerate Solid‑State Battery Path to MarketA fluorine‑free, water‑based binder developed by UC San Diego and Toyota replaces toxic solvents, allowing electrode films to detach in plain water and cutting manufacturing waste and energy use. Laboratory tests showed the binder matches conventional lithium‑ion performance,…
Continue reading New Water‑Soluble Battery Binder Boosts Recycling and Sparks Industry PilotsA fluorine‑free, water‑soluble polymer binder developed by UC San Diego and Toyota Research Institute can replace toxic solvents in lithium‑ion battery manufacturing, cutting energy use and hazardous waste. Laboratory tests show cells built with the binder match the…
Continue reading New Water‑Soluble Battery Binder Promises Greener Production and Easier Recycling
