CRITICAL MATERIAL
Consolidation push to continue as key raw material gets scarce: 11 small cap cement stocks which fit the bill and may see some action
In less than a month, two cement majors clearly showed their intent. The intent is to grow through an inorganic route. One by complete acquisition, the other by taking a large stake in the company. Another common thing, both of them are focussed on the southern part of India, where the cement companies have a history of being under pressure. So why are they looking toward southern India? The answer lies in something else. It is one of the key raw materials that have become scarce and that is what is leading to a situation where big players clearly know that if they have to grow their capacities they have to pick on companies which have access to that critical raw material. This aggressive consolidation is likely to continue and it is the smaller players which are likely to be targeted.
US, Japan, South Korea vow strategic cooperation to boost security, economies
Commerce and trade ministers from the U.S., Japan, and South Korea agreed to cooperate on AI safety, export controls, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of collaboration for global security. Japanese Minister Ken Saito and South Korean Minister Ahn Duk-geun also attended the inaugural meeting, initiated at a Camp David summit. The ministers aim to strengthen supply chain resilience, particularly in semiconductors and critical minerals, and enhance cooperation in cybersecurity and technical standards to counter China's dominance in critical mineral supply chains.
Five ways to transform your office into a greener, eco-friendly workspace
Creating an eco-friendly office environment is crucial as we spend a significant part of our lives at work. Sustainable office furniture made from recycled materials like bamboo and reclaimed wood can minimize environmental impact. Modular designs and biophilic elements enhance flexibility and employee well-being. Optimizing energy use and implementing furniture reuse programs further promote sustainability and reduce waste, benefiting both businesses and the planet.
Coal India exploring lithium assets in Argentina with U.S. company
Coal India Ltd, in collaboration with a U.S. firm, is exploring lithium blocks in Argentina to secure battery material supplies under the U.S.-led Minerals Security Partnership. This initiative aims to diversify critical minerals supply chains and reduce dependency on China, with preliminary studies currently underway.
India, US agree to step up cooperation on semiconductors, critical minerals
India and the US have deepened their cooperation on supply chain, semiconductors, and critical minerals during the iCET meeting in New Delhi. They launched a new strategic semiconductor partnership to co-develop processes for precision-guided ammunition. The partnership also aims to build India's semiconductor and ICT ecosystem. Additionally, they agreed to work together on ensuring a reliable supply of critical minerals, including co-investing in lithium and rare earths projects. Both countries are also establishing an Advanced Materials R&D Forum and exploring collaborations in technologies for critical minerals.
Elon Musk responds to claims about Amazon tribe's porn addiction from Starlink internet: What did SpaceX CEO say?
Elon Musk has addressed false claims suggesting that the Marubo tribe in the Amazon became addicted to pornography after gaining access to Starlink internet. These claims originated from a New York Times article, which described some tribe members sharing explicit content in private chat groups. The New York Times later clarified that their article had been misrepresented, stating that the tribe is not addicted to pornography
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Answer to India’s critical minerals requirement lie in India’s extended neighbourhood
India is exploring critical minerals in Latin America for EVs, but a solution may be closer in Kazakhstan. The country has reserves of critical minerals that can support India's clean energy goals.
India's Altmin in talks with Australia for lithium supplies
Indian battery materials producer Altmin is in discussions with the Australian government to secure lithium supplies as part of its expansion strategy to meet growing demand for the critical mineral. Altmin currently sources lithium carbonate from Brazil and Bolivia and aims to establish lithium refineries in Brazil and Australia. The company plans to set up a cathode active materials plant in India by 2025 and is raising funds for its expansion efforts.
How is the violent unrest in New Caledonia impacting global nickel prices?
Global nickel prices have surged following violent unrest in New Caledonia, a major nickel producer. Social unrest erupted over French constitutional changes allowing certain residents to vote in elections. New Caledonia holds significant nickel reserves, critical for electric vehicles and other industries. The turmoil has disrupted supplies, contributing to the price spike.
US FDA inspects Vishakhapatnam facility of Solara Active Pharma
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completes inspection of Solara Active Pharma Sciences' API manufacturing facility in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with no observations. Solara confirms compliance with FDA standards. The facility, dedicated to Ibuprofen API production, marks Solara's second successful FDA inspection. The company aims for global market expansion with FDA-approved facilities.
International Energy Agency warns of key energy mineral shortage risk
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported a sharp drop in prices for minerals essential for the green energy transition, indicating a shortage due to inadequate investment. The agency noted that prices for minerals key for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels fell back to pre-pandemic levels as supplies caught up with and surpassed demand. The IEA expressed concern that this may deter investment needed to meet demand, which is set to soar as many nations phase out sales of new internal combustion engine cars in the next decade.
Despite Western pressure, China in no hurry to reduce Russia support
China supports Moscow in the Ukraine war despite Western pressure. Beijing backs President Vladimir Putin, exporting essential dual-use products monthly. Western sanctions target Russia's struggle to sustain the assault without Beijing's support.
Why it’s so hard to track the fashion industry’s emissions
The fashion industry, responsible for 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, struggles to reduce its carbon footprint.
Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy wants your kid to read this brilliant physics book
Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy endorses "Conceptual Physics" by Paul G. Hewitt as essential reading for Indian youth nationwide. Murthy highlights its effectiveness in teaching physics to high school students. He urges translation into various Indian languages for wider accessibility, aiming to enhance STEM education and empower students across cultural backgrounds. Murthy's advocacy reflects a commitment to inclusive learning and educational excellence in India.
Does Article 39(b) allow government to take over your property?
The 18th Lok Sabha elections spark a debate on inequality in India as Congress proposes a caste census, countered by BJP's accusations. The Supreme Court is re-evaluating Article 39(b) in a property dispute case, which could impact Parliament's ability to enact laws related to wealth distribution.
IIT Guwahati develops high-performance materials for supercapacitors
IIT Guwahati researchers led by Prof. Uday Narayan Maiti developed materials improving supercapacitor performance, published in 'Small'. The study introduces novel methods to tackle challenges, offering promise for energy storage applications in various industries.
From entrepreneurs to innovators, why creativity and critical thinking is important in children
Creating an environment that encourages exploration, imagination, and inquiry empowers young minds to think critically, solve problems creatively, and adapt to an ever-changing world.
Graphite miners lobby US govt to impose levy on China-sourced EV material
The US government is set to decide in May whether to bring graphite into the list of minerals that attract the higher Section 301 tariff.
India reaches out to critical mineral producers for processing technology
According to a Niti Aayog estimate, India's advanced chemistry cell manufacturing industry annually needs 193 thousand tons of cathode active material to produce 100 GW hour annum of batteries by 2030. Critical minerals and their active materials used in the production of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) account for approximately 33%-48% of the overall pack cost.
Automakers embrace sustainability: Shift towards recycled materials, biodegradable parts for new models
Corporate-run scrap yards are coming up, creating a new industry of sorts of recyclable parts, while component manufacturers are replacing metal and plastic with innovative biodegradable material. Take Gurgaon-based Paracoat Products, which makes parts that dampen noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in automobiles. Typically, such parts are made of plastic or wood. Now, the company is experimenting with jute sticks.
Pharma raw material makers in race to tank up on CXO talent
Some of these PE-owned platform companies include Advent International-led Cohance Lifesciences / Suven Pharma, PAG and CX Partners-funded Sekhmet Pharmaventures, and Carlyle-backed Viyash Lifesciences and Sequent Scientific (animal API manufacturer).
India, US NSAs explore ICET meet before Lok Sabha polls
India and the US plan to review the Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). The Quad members are considering an in-person summit in India after the US elections. Discussions have focused on collaborations in various fields to boost industry competitiveness.
Debate emerges over iron ore export ban amidst clashes between steelmakers
Steelmakers without captive mines seek a ban on iron ore exports to safeguard their industry, while iron ore producers oppose this move. Primary steel producers advocate for import restrictions on finished steel products to protect domestic steel production. The Indian Steel Association emphasises the need to curb imports to maintain self-sufficiency in steel.
Incentives, investments in tech, infra must for developing India's critical mineral sector: GTRI
A report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) emphasized the need for fiscal incentives, technological investments, infrastructure development, and a supportive regulatory environment to boost India's critical mineral sector. India, currently reliant on imports, aims to develop a domestic supply chain for minerals crucial in high-tech and renewable energy technologies.
EU, US to align global minerals push against China’s supply grip
The new initiative, known broadly as a “minerals security partnership forum,” is expected to align outreach efforts to buyers in developed countries and resource-rich nations to cooperate on projects and policies.
Pentagon plans AI-based programme to estimate prices for critical minerals
The programme, which received little attention after it was announced on a Pentagon website in October, is part of Washington's broader efforts to jumpstart US production of critical minerals used in weapons manufacturing and the energy transition.
Tata Steel CEO says job cuts in Britain "least bad option," will continue talks
Tata Steel's planned job cuts in Britain are seen as the "least bad option" by CEO T V Narendran, who hopes to reach a conclusion with unions in the next two months. The company will close two blast furnaces, resulting in up to 2,800 job losses. Trade unions have rejected the plan and are considering industrial action.
China, world's top graphite producer, tightens exports of key battery material
China is the world's top graphite producer and exporter. It also refines more than 90% of the world's graphite into the material that is used in virtually all EV battery anodes, which is the negatively charged portion of a battery.
India gets EU invite for critical materials club
India has been invited to join the European Union's (EU) Critical Materials Club to work on supply chains for battery and green technology-related "critical materials." Preliminary discussions have already begun, and the idea is mainly to reduce dependency on China.
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