Latest Sustainable Supply Chains News

PMET Resources has identified a promising pathway to refine spodumene concentrate into battery-grade lithium carbonate directly at its Shaakichiuwaanaan site in Quebec, using Primero’s ALi® atmospheric leach process. Bench-scale tests produced 99.8% pure lithium carbonate, suggesting potential logistics and carbon footprint advantages.

Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) has launched a detailed development program to commercialise a novel hydrometallurgical process for extracting gold and copper from electronic waste, aiming to disrupt traditional smelting with a more sustainable, low-energy method.

Viridis Mining has secured a non-binding Letter of Intent with Solvay to supply Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate from its Colossus Project, aiming for commercial production by 2028 and advancing Western-aligned rare earth supply chains.

Ionic Rare Earths (ASX: IXR) has secured binding agreements to supply critical rare earth oxides to US-based Advanced Magnet Lab, supporting domestic production of permanent magnets for defence applications under a US Defense Logistics Agency contract.

Ionic Rare Earths’ subsidiary Ionic Technologies has led a pioneering UK project demonstrating a fully circular supply chain for electric vehicle magnets using 100% recycled rare earth oxides, achieving performance parity with primary materials and advancing UK critical minerals goals.

Ionic Rare Earths (ASX: IXR) has secured a £12 million UK government grant offer for its Belfast rare earth magnet recycling facility and is progressing its Brazilian JV and Ugandan heavy rare earths project, reinforcing its role in ex-China supply chains.

6K Additive has secured a $3.9 million U.S. defense contract modification to expand domestic production of strategic tungsten and niobium powders, reinforcing supply chain resilience amid geopolitical risks.

Metallium Limited’s US subsidiary has inked a decade-long off-take agreement with Indium Corporation, setting a firm commercial foundation for supplying critical metals like gallium and germanium recovered through innovative recycling technology.

Fortuna Metals Limited (ASX:FUN) reports a major high-grade rutile discovery at its Mkanda project in Malawi, positioning itself to meet rising demand from aerospace and emerging robotics sectors amid a tightening global titanium market.

Sarytogan Graphite Limited has received over $2 million from key investor Dias Sarsenov, advancing its share placement strategy and preparing for a pivotal board appointment. Meanwhile, a significant top-up investment from the EBRD awaits shareholder approval.

6K Additive has secured a US$1.95 million Phase II contract from a U.S. defense agency to develop domestic recycling of critical strategic metals into high-value powders, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign imports.

Advanced Energy Minerals has completed upgrades at its Quebec facility to produce ultra-low alpha High Purity Alumina, targeting the semiconductor sector with initial supply to Asian customers underway.