Unveiling the hidden costs: rethinking nickel reliance amid decarbonization efforts
Nickel's significance for decarbonization efforts is indisputable. Yet, its predominant production in Indonesia raises environmental alarms, marked by high carbon emissions and deforestation. How can we navigate nickel's role in the energy transition?
Spotlight: International Round Table on Materials Criticality (IRTC)
Hool, Alessandra and Schrijvers, Dieuwertje, 2024. "Spotlight: International Round Table on Materials Criticality (IRTC)." Mineral Economics.
Northvolt’s new sodium-ion battery offers a European alternative to lithium batteries
With its new sodium-ion battery, Northvolt, a Swedish battery developer and manufacturer, is taking a step towards a future of lithium-free batteries. The new battery has an energy density of more than 160 Wh/kg, and first sample cells will be available for selected customers starting in 2024. According to Northvolt, the battery has been designed for electricity storage plants but could also be used in electric vehicles, like two-wheeled scooters, in the future.
We’ve updated the IRTC24 conference program!
Get informed about the 15-minute presentations by our selected speakers and join us at the IRTC24 conference in Torino to hear them... Read More
The Implications of China’s Graphite Restrictions on the Energy Transition
Four months after China restricted the export of germanium and gallium, it will be imposing similar restrictions on the export of graphite. These restrictions come at a time when the demand for graphite is increasing due to the mineral’s importance for the energy transition.
Abstract submission for IRTC24 is open
The abstract submission for IRTC24 in Torino is open from today!
New IRTC website online
The new IRTC website is online, including information on our next conference. Still under construction, more content will follow soon!
South Korea reduces import dependence and increases recycling rates for strategic minerals by 2030
IRTC Board Member Min-Ha Lee and IRTC Coordinator Alessandra Hool report on the new Korean strategies for securing critical raw materials.
Shifting minerals sands – a wind of change for minerals financing and education
IRTC training certification expert Gijsbert Wierink reflects on on the Green Industrial Plan.
The REE deposit in Kiruna, Sweden: a welcome opening for Europe but a long way to go
IRTC Industry Advisor Magnus Ericsson writes about the Rare Earth deposit discovery in Kiruna, Sweden.