The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is actively engaging with its member states to secure critical minerals needed for the expansion of solar energy infrastructure. This initiative aims to strengthen the global solar energy supply chain and promote energy independence.
American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) has appointed Steven Wu as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Wu brings extensive experience in scaling innovative technologies into high-volume manufacturing operations, a crucial skillset as ABTC progresses its commercialization efforts and builds a resilient battery metals supply chain for North America.
Perpetua Resources Corp. (PPTA) is making significant strides in developing its Stibnite Gold Project, fueled by the burgeoning global demand for critical minerals. The project, strategically positioned to provide a domestic source of antimony, a key element for clean energy technologies and national security, is attracting substantial investment and support. This news comes amidst a growing recognition of the critical minerals sector’s importance in driving the global transition to clean energy.
The Indian government has canceled the auction of three critical mineral blocks, including a lithium mine in Jammu and Kashmir, due to a lack of sufficient bidders. This decision comes as part of the government’s efforts to promote cleaner energy alternatives and reduce reliance on foreign mineral supplies. The auction was part of the third tranche of mineral sales, and the blocks in question included a lithium mine, a titanium and bauxite block, and a potash block. The government has also recently canceled auctions for other critical minerals due to low participation.
American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) has reached a major milestone by entering into a direct agreement for the purchase of its recycled black mass material from its lithium-ion battery recycling facility by a domestic strategic customer. This agreement emphasizes ABTC’s commitment to establishing a closed-loop circular battery metals supply chain within North America. The company’s first-of-kind recycling facility utilizes a de-manufacturing approach combined with a selective hydrometallurgical process, allowing it to process a variety of lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap. The company is currently implementing the second phase of its integrated recycling system, which will further refine the recycled materials into battery-grade nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate, manganese sulfate, and lithium hydroxide.
Coal India Ltd is exploring lithium blocks in Argentina with a U.S. company under the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), aiming to secure battery material supplies and diversify critical mineral supply chains. This collaboration aligns with India’s zero-carbon goals and efforts to reduce dependence on China for lithium processing. Alongside the lithium project, India and the U.S. are also co-investing in a rare earths deposit in Africa.
The Indian government is set to auction approximately 20 critical mineral blocks in June following the general elections. This fourth round of auctions aims to meet the growing demand for minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements, which play a crucial role in clean energy technologies. The government has already auctioned 38 blocks and plans to auction over 100 more in the future. The mines secretary emphasized the importance of these minerals in the transition to clean energy and invited the industry to participate in the bidding process.
