Possible Implications of Trump’s Re-Election on Critical Raw Materials Dynamics
Donald Trump's re-election as President of the United States is likely to usher in a period fraught with new uncertainties for the critical raw materials sector. The combination of a rollback of climate initiatives, a more challenging trade environment, and a focus on national sovereignty in resource management creates a volatile landscape. Rising tensions between trading partners, potential retaliatory actions, and a slowing of the pace in the shift away from fossil fuel dependency could impact global supply chains. As the world grapples with the challenges of economic uncertainty, conflicts, and climate change, the policies Trump has proposed during his campaign are likely to exacerbate existing uncertainties. At the same time, the world needs increased sustainability, reliable markets, and deeper international cooperation in the raw materials sector.
Quantum Technology: the Next Supply Bottleneck?
The rapid advancement of quantum technology holds the potential for significant societal benefits, including breakthroughs in healthcare and innovations to combat climate change—provided the technology is applied responsibly. It could, for instance, accelerate drug discovery by efficiently simulating molecular interactions or open up the gates to personalized medicine and real-time monitoring of patients’ health. Furthermore, quantum simulation or hybrid quantum computing have the potential to aid the design of batteries and clean energies. And these are only a select few of quantum technology’s many possible applications.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Lost in statistics: the case of Korean tellurium
IRTC Coordinator Alessandra Hool and IRTC Board Member Min-Ha Lee share their thoughts on CRM data availability and international cooperation.
Canada in the race for circularity and energy transition
IRTC network Member Marianna Ottoni shares her thoughts on Canada’s recently published Critical Minerals Strategy : In the race for circularity and energy transition – Canada unveils critical minerals value chain strategy with the promise to drive green and digital economy.