Adam Johnson’s Post

A good summary paper that is easily digestible, worth a read!

Beneficiation infrastructure for critical minerals plays a pivotal role in transforming raw mineral resources into high-value products, and it is critical for fostering long-term economic growth and resilience in developing countries. Many developing countries remain heavily dependent on the export of unprocessed minerals, which generate limited economic returns. By establishing beneficiation infrastructure, nations can move from the sale of raw materials to the production of refined, value-added products. The establishment of beneficiation infrastructure is not just a strategic economic decision, but also a key driver of job creation, industrial growth, investment attraction, and environmental sustainability. At Nalule Energy & Minerals Consultants (NEM Energy), we are available to offer consultancies, executive training and tailored research in the mining sector. Visit our website, www.nemenergyco.com

“An inquiry into the secure supply of domestic American critical mineral processing must precede any capacity build-out plan, which is currently based on projections from bureaucrats and consultants lacking real-world experience. The Western OEM automotive industry’s massive investments in EV batteries and critical minerals show a lack of due diligence, driven by misguided policy rather than market forces, risking a decline in the American standard of living.” — Jack Lifton An inquiry into the status of a secure supply of domestic American critical mineral processing capability surely must precede any capacity build-out plan, itself based on the projections of bureaucrats, academics, and elected officials, who, in turn, get their data not from life experience but from paid “expert” consultants whose knowledge of human behavior comes from the statistics gathered and analyzed for them by their favorite “data analytics” vendors of SI, synthetic intelligence. A case of the pure waste of capital in point is the lack of due diligence and forward planning common sense by the Western OEM automotive industry, which has thrown enormous amounts of capital into preparing for high volume manufacturing of the batteries for EVs and, for the purposes of this discussion, into the secure domestic supply of some of the critical minerals required for such a build-out, without any regard whatsoever for an investigation of the capability or capacity of contemporary domestic American chemical engineering to the job at the required scale. It’s important to note that all of this ‘investment’ is not a result of market forces, but rather a response to predicted future demand for EVs. This prediction is based on the continued beliefs of policymakers who see the total disruption of the lowest-cost production of affordable fossil-fueled vehicles not only as the planet’s salvation but as the salvation of the ordinary American’s standard of living. In reality, the only threat to be overcome is to the re-election of those who champion this misguided approach to a sharp decline in our standard of living and quality of life.. https://lnkd.in/dk7bjdCX

The #Importance of Minerals Processing Engineering in Resource #Conservation In a world facing ever-increasing demand for raw materials, Minerals Processing Engineering plays a critical role in conserving natural resources and promoting sustainable development. This field is not just about extracting metals and minerals—it's about doing so efficiently, responsibly, and with minimal environmental impact.    💡 Why is Minerals Processing Engineering vital for resource conservation?   Ø Maximizing Recovery: Advanced processing techniques ensure that valuable minerals are efficiently recovered, minimizing waste and reducing the need for new mining operations.  Ø Recycling and Reuse: Processing innovations enable the recovery of metals from secondary sources, like electronic waste, reducing pressure on primary resources.  Ø Eco-Friendly Practices: Developing and applying green reagents and energy-efficient technologies help reduce the carbon footprint of mining activities.  Ø Tailings Management: Proper treatment and repurposing of tailings not only mitigate environmental risks but also recover additional resources from what was once considered waste.    As a Minerals Processing Engineer, I am passionate about creating solutions that balance industrial needs with environmental stewardship. By optimizing flotation processes, exploring novel reagents, and leveraging advanced analytical techniques, we can make mining more sustainable and efficient.    Together, we can ensure that the resources we depend on are available not just for today, but for generations to come. 💪🌱    #Sustainability #Mineral_Processing  #Resource_Conservation #Engineering_Innovation  #Mining_For_The_Future

The Critical Minerals Equipment Hub was founded in 2023 when the Camborne School of Mines (part of the University of Exeter) secured an impressive £3.5 million in funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This substantial financial boost enabled the Hub to embark on a 1.5-year long mission to acquire key pieces of equipment in the field of critical minerals processing, to benefit not only the University, but anyone with a commercial or research interest in the area. The funding will enable a variety of projects, ranging from external commercial business contracts to entrepreneurial endeavours, as well as RD&I proposals, feasibility studies and educational support initiatives. Core Partners The Hub is comprised of four core partners—The Camborne School of Mines, Paterson & Cooke, Bluecap Resources, and Petrolab— each play a pivotal role in its success. All partners will host and share equipment secured with Hub funding with the wider industry (at standard market value rates), along with their combined specialist knowledge. This collaboration aims to enhance the sector’s capabilities and foster a spirit of innovation and cooperation. A Hub of Opportunities As a new resource for the Geo-Resources sector, the Hub is due for completion in Spring 2025 and is set to become a beacon of innovation and learning. It will provide access to state-of-the-art equipment, as well as expert CPD (Continuing Professional Development) opportunities to businesses and entrepreneurs, including manufacturers, consultancies, and producers. One of the standout topics covered will be ‘Mineral Processing Theory for Lab Technicians,’ aimed at helping local technicians up-skill and gain recognition for their learning. Elevating Technical Support Staff Training programs being developed by the Hub are designed to target enterprise members with the specific goal of enhancing performance. By focusing on lower-level technical support staff, the Hub aims to improve their job performance and open up pathways to higher-level roles. This targeted training will not only benefit the individuals but also their companies, leading to overall sector growth. Further training and CPD offerings are planned to be developed and promoted in 2025, showing the Hub’s commitment to continual learning and development. Building Networks and Collaborations The Hub is dedicated to fostering growth within the sector by leveraging existing business and growth networks. Through organising and attending networking and knowledge-exchange events, it seeks to create collaborative opportunities and share sustainable solutions with the mineral processing community. This funding and the subsequent projects underscore the Hub’s pivotal role in advancing the mineral processing sector while nurturing local talent and fostering business relationships. Stay tuned for more updates as the Critical Minerals Equipment Hub continues to make strides in innovation and education.

𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮: 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 by Lian S., @Neil M. Coe Australia is experiencing a rapid escalation in exploration for, and #extraction and #processing of, #criticalminerals. This new boom is driven by changing #geopolitics and global #demand for #lowcarbon #technologies. This is arguably the biggest economic #opportunity since the mining boom of the 2000s, driving the biggest #transformation of the extractive #industries in #Australia since the #development of offshore gas in the 1970s. Against this backdrop, Australian #governments at all levels are implementing #strategies to upgrade the domestic extraction and processing of critical minerals. In this paper the #authors conduct a comparative #analysis of 17 #strategies specifically targeting critical minerals – or the cognate categories of ‘#strategic #rawmaterials’ and ‘high-tech metals’. Based on a close reading and comparison of these strategies, the analysis finds far more #commonalities than #differences. Together they chart an approach typified by the facilitation of #trade and #investment, efforts to de-risk individual #projects, and the streamlining of investment through regional #hubs with common-#infrastructure and #planning. At the same time, they also exhibit concerning similarities in terms of the limited attention paid to improving #environmental and #social #regulation or First Nations’ rights. Instead, ‘#ESG’ is presented as a competitive advantage in global #markets. This analysis is significant in identifying an emerging Australian mode of ‘green #developmentalism’ that, while committing significant #publicfunds to developing the mineral processing industry in the context of #decarbonisation, keeps private capital firmly in the centre of its vision. This contrasts with more extensively studied modes of green developmentalism in other #resource-rich countries. It is important to emphasise that ‘#criticalminerals’ are a political-economic #construction, sharing few #physical, #chemical, or #geological properties. Each #country maintains its own, slightly different list of minerals depending on their own #security, #economic and #political rationales. What is common is two defining #criteria: ➡️ Minerals that are central to contemporary #industries and #technologies, including but not limited to: 🔸 Clean energy transitions – batteries and magnets for renewables and electric vehicles (EVs) 🔸 Electronics 🔸 Advanced alloys for defence and aerospace ➡️ Minerals that have vulnerable #supplychains. That #vulnerability may be caused by: 🔸 Geographic concentration of extraction or production 🔸 Control of extraction or processing by a few countries or corporations 🔸 Production as a by-product of other metals 🔸 A lack of substitutes and recycling

Estimating the total costs for manganese nodule extraction, from micro-scale to large-scale operations, involves considering various factors including technological development, environmental mitigation, operational logistics, and regulatory compliance. Here is a breakdown of the potential costs associated with each scale: Micro-Scale Operations Definition: Small-scale pilot projects designed to test and develop extraction technologies and methodologies. These projects typically involve limited areas and shorter durations. Cost Components: 1. Technology Development: * Development of specialized mining equipment. * Research and development for environmental impact mitigation technologies. * Initial testing and validation phases. 2. Operational Costs: * Vessel and crew costs. * Fuel and logistics. * Limited-scale processing and handling facilities. 3. Regulatory Compliance: * Permitting and licensing fees. * Environmental impact assessments. * Monitoring and reporting requirements. Estimated Costs: * Technology Development: $10 million - $50 million * Operational Costs: $5 million - $20 million per year * Regulatory Compliance: $1 million - $5 million * Total Estimated Costs: $16 million - $75 million (initial phase, 1-3 years) Mid-Scale Operations Definition: Intermediate-scale operations that expand on successful pilot projects, extracting nodules over larger areas with more extensive infrastructure and longer operational periods. Cost Components: 1. Technology Scaling: * Scaling up of mining and processing technologies. * Advanced environmental monitoring and mitigation systems. * Integration of automation and remote operation technologies. 2. Operational Costs: * Larger vessels and more extensive crew. * Increased fuel, logistics, and supply chain costs. * More comprehensive processing facilities. 3. Regulatory Compliance: * Extensive permitting and licensing. * Detailed environmental impact assessments and mitigation strategies. * Ongoing environmental monitoring and compliance reporting. Estimated Costs: * Technology Scaling: $50 million - $150 million * Operational Costs: $20 million - $50 million per year * Regulatory Compliance: $5 million - $15 million * Total Estimated Costs: $75 million - $215 million (initial phase, 3-5 years) 1/2

https://lnkd.in/ebTb-bV4 The Washington DC think tank, the Bipartisan Policy Center, last week published a report on: The Missing Midstream, Identifying Investment Challenges for American Critical Mineral Processing Projects, stating that the objective of the report is to 'illuminate the overlooked yet critical role of midstream processing in critical mineral supply chains'...: "As reliance on critical minerals has grown, the fact that China currently controls 80% of global capacity to process these minerals and an even larger share—nearly 90%—of global processing capacity for rare earth elements has drawn increasing alarm. Addressing this challenge has generated strong bipartisan support, both in efforts to diversify global supply chains and for increased investment to build up domestic processing capacity. Midstream processing, in particular, is recognized as a vital link in the value chain for critical minerals, because this is the step that adds significant value to the raw materials by enhancing their purity, functionality, and suitability for use in advanced technologies". Metalysis in its ongoing meetings with government stakeholders in the UK and US has repeatedly identified this overlooked yet strategically vital midstream sector - supporting and investing in western domestic midstream processors reduces the need to process materials beyond allied countries' supply chains - particularly when considering rare earth elements. Metalysis is a key midstream asset for the UK and Her allies - with our solid-state FFC electrolysis process applicable to 49 elements of the periodic table whilst being able to produce single element metal powders, metal alloys and lightweight refractory high entropy alloys with unique physical and chemical attributes. The technology is also feedstock agnostic - capable of processing refined oxides, mined ores or secondary materials. To find out more, get in touch: [email protected] #metalpowders #advancedmaterials #advancedmanufacturing #midstream

REVIEW OF LAST WEEKS NEWSMAKERS: Last week, secure critical mineral supply chains were on the agenda of governments around the globe: The U.S. is funding an Illinois project to extract rare earths from coal mine waste, while Canada invests in infrastructure to facilitate mining projects. Meanwhile, the Philippines and South Korea have elevated relations and will ramp up energy and critical minerals cooperation—the details in our roundup. CRITICAL MINERALS FROM COAL MINE WASTE: U.S. GOVERNMENT FUNDS ILLINOIS PROJECT - The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded funding to the Illinois Rare Earth Novel Extract & Supply (IRENES) project that plans to establish a supply chain for rare earths and other critical minerals located entirely within Illinois. The project will recover and concentrate raw materials from coal mine waste and convert other solid waste into building materials. ROADS AND ELECTRICITY: CANADA INVESTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CRITICAL MINERAL PROJECTS - Resource-rich Canada aims to become a leading producer of critical minerals for green and digital technologies. The government has now announced a multimillion-dollar investment to advance the necessary infrastructure. The funding will support several projects focused on extracting lithium and copper. UK GOVERNMENT AWARDS MILLIONS IN FUNDING TO BOOST DOMESTIC MINING - The United Kingdom aims to boost its domestic mining industry and improve the supply of raw materials for green and digital technologies. To this end, a new Green Economy Centre at the University of Exeter will be funded with roughly $6 million. Representatives from industry are also involved in the project. COOPERATION ON ENERGY, CRITICAL MINERALS: PHILIPPINES AND SOUTH KOREA UPGRADE TIES - The Philippines and South Korea agreed to upgrade their relations to a strategic partnership aiming to deepen cooperation in various high-tech fields, including energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, 5G, and the defense sector. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos signed the agreement in Manila. BATTERY RAW MATERIALS: ASSOCIATIONS CALL FOR STRENGTHENING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY - End-of-life batteries as a resource: To bolster the supply for the electric vehicle sector, the Association of German Metal Traders and Recyclers (VDM) and the Federal Association of German Steel Recycling and Disposal Companies (BDSV) call for improved conditions for the circular economy. Key points of a new position paper include embedding recyclability in product design, harmonizing regulations, reducing bureaucracy, and increasing processing capacity for Black Mass. SOURCE: partner rawmaterials.net

We have contributed to a recent report issued by Foresight Canada by providing details for a comparison between PMAP's technology and conventional mine water treatment methods. Analysis by external experts shows that for a new mine and an average tailings pond of 100,000 m³, PMAP's solution reduces treatment costs by 39 per cent over the mine’s lifetime. The question this report is trying to answer is exactly what you are thinking about now: Why don't mines adopt the superior technology while adopting the use of novel water treatment technology can result in significant cost savings over the mine's lifetime as well as reduce environmental impact risk? The response is provided based on a technology adoption framework that considers technological, environmental, and organizational factors. Download the report from this link to find out more. According to this report the way forward for major mining companies includes: 1- Acknowledge the risks of cleantech adoption, but understand that following the status quo is riskier. As the global economy shifts, buyers want green supply chains. An opportunity is ready to be taken. 2- Evaluate your capacity. Can the integration of a new technology be handled by internal staff, or do you need external advisors? 3- Evaluate your status on adoption factors: technological, organizational, and environmental. What barriers exist? What buy-in is needed? 4- Look for resources. Explore government funding or partnership opportunities. Let us know what you think about the ways in which PMAP can assist you in adopting an innovative and environmentally friendly technology for mine water treatment. Thanks to Nina Bader Tracy Lydiatt - BSc (Hons), MSc Alyssa Kelly Jochem Kamstra