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Minerals

All articles tagged with #minerals

energy-policy13 days ago

Trump’s mineral plan quietly powers the EV supply chain

Despite years of anti-EV rhetoric, the Trump administration unveils about $3 billion for domestic mineral projects (graphite, magnets, silicon anode material) and related loans/stakes to strengthen U.S. battery supply chains, a move officials frame as national security-driven and beneficial to EV makers and defense tech. The initiative complements existing programs with commitments to companies like Westwater Resources, Sila Nanotechnologies, Lithium Americas, and Niron Magnetics, and could accelerate domestic EV production as mineral independence becomes a policy focus.

via Politico|
#batteries#electric-vehicles#energy-policy
Chang'e-5 Moon Samples Uncover Rare-Earth Lunar Minerals
space4 months ago

Chang'e-5 Moon Samples Uncover Rare-Earth Lunar Minerals

Chinese scientists have identified two previously unknown lunar minerals, magnesiochangesite-(Y) and changesite-(Ce), from Chang'e-5 samples. Both belong to the merrillite group and were officially approved by the International Mineralogical Association, marking a continuation of China’s lunar mineral discoveries. The ultra-rare, micrometer-scale crystals—found in Oceanus Procellarum material and a lunar meteorite—reveal unique crystal structures not seen on Earth and offer new insights into the Moon’s magmatic history and potential rare-earth resources for future in-situ utilization. Scientists used a suite of advanced instruments to confirm the minerals’ composition and structure, underscoring the complexity of lunar soil and its geological diversity.

via Global Times|
#change-5#lunar#merrillite
Mars May Reveal a Brand-New Mineral Formed by Heat and Water
space5 months ago

Mars May Reveal a Brand-New Mineral Formed by Heat and Water

Scientists analyzing Martian sulfate deposits near Valles Marineris combined laboratory heating experiments with orbital data to identify ferric hydroxysulfate, a potentially new mineral that forms when hydrated ferrous sulfates are heated in the presence of oxygen; its spectral signatures and layered occurrence imply past warmer, wetter conditions and geothermal activity on Mars, though Earth verification is needed to officially recognize it as a new mineral.

via ScienceDaily|
#crism#ferric-hydroxysulfate#mars
Iran Crisis in a Renewables World: Fewer Oil Shocks, New Mineral Chokepoints
world5 months ago

Iran Crisis in a Renewables World: Fewer Oil Shocks, New Mineral Chokepoints

A thought experiment imagines the US–Israel–Iran crisis unfolding in a world powered largely by wind, solar and batteries. In this renewables-dominated system, energy is more domestically produced, transportation is electric, and heating relies on local renewables, muting the oil-price spike and inflation seen today. The immediate macro shock would be weaker, with oil still traded but less central to daily energy use; electricity would largely continue, and household bills would be more stable. Geopolitics would shift from controlling oil chokepoints to managing diversified, distributed grids and supply chains for minerals like lithium, cobalt and rare earths, which could create new chokepoints in processing hubs and semiconductor plants. Community consent and stronger environmental standards would give local actors greater leverage over projects. Overall, decarbonisation could yield greater energy resilience and geopolitical stability, but energy security would still be contested, now around minerals and domestic grid resilience rather than a single strait like Hormuz.

via The Conversation|
#decarbonisation#energy-security#geopolitics
Female Caribou Chew Shed Antlers to Stock Mineral Pantry for Calves
science5 months ago

Female Caribou Chew Shed Antlers to Stock Mineral Pantry for Calves

A Nautilus study of shed caribou antlers and bones from Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge found that about 86% of the 1,567 shed antlers bore gnaw marks, mostly by caribou themselves, while 44% of bones showed gnaw marks by carnivores or rodents. The researchers conclude that female caribou chew antlers to access minerals such as calcium and phosphorus to support pregnancy, nursing, and the winter, effectively seeding essential nutrients at calving grounds and across their migratory landscape.

via Yahoo|
#antlers#calving#caribou
Black sesame rises in the US, offering minerals and flavor with health caveats
health6 months ago

Black sesame rises in the US, offering minerals and flavor with health caveats

Black sesame is becoming popular in the US, praised for minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc that support bone, heart, and immune health. A 2025 review hinted that about 10 g daily for eight weeks may modestly improve blood sugar and cholesterol, but benefits aren’t guaranteed. Calories vary by form (about 60 cal per tablespoon for whole seeds; tahini ~90 cal), and black sesame tends to have more minerals and fiber than lighter varieties. It’s generally safe in a balanced diet, but can affect blood pressure meds or anticoagulants, and sesame allergies are relatively common in the US. Oxalates/phytates can affect digestibility, so soaking seeds can help. Also note that lignans in sesame are phytoestrogens with modest, uncertain effects on menopause or cancer risk. Use by grinding or toasting and sprinkling on foods; remember to enjoy sesame as part of a diverse mix of seeds rather than a miracle superfood.

via The Guardian|
#allergies#black-sesame#health
US Pushes Allies to Cut China's Grip on Rare Earths Amid Market Risk
world7 months ago

US Pushes Allies to Cut China's Grip on Rare Earths Amid Market Risk

The United States is pressing its G7 partners and other major economies to accelerate cutting reliance on China for rare earths and other critical minerals, citing strategic and market risks. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent plans to push the issue with finance leaders, while China’s grip has already seen export restrictions that heighten Western supply concerns. A recent Australia deal aims to ease Beijing’s control via an $8.5 billion project pipeline, but there is currently no joint action expected, with progress described as ongoing but not solved.

via TipRanks|
#australia#minerals#rare-earths
Trump Clashes with Australian Officials Over Past Comments
world10 months ago

Trump Clashes with Australian Officials Over Past Comments

During a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Albanese, Donald Trump had a tense exchange after learning he was sitting near Australia's ambassador, Kevin Rudd, who had previously called him a 'village idiot.' The discussion focused on strengthening US-Australia cooperation on critical minerals amid China's increasing control over rare earth supply chains, with Trump threatening tariffs and export controls on China.

via Irish Star|
#australia#china#minerals
U.S. and UK Compete for Greenland's Critical Minerals Amid Trump Administration's Strategic Moves
world10 months ago

U.S. and UK Compete for Greenland's Critical Minerals Amid Trump Administration's Strategic Moves

The US is considering converting a $50 million Defense Production Act grant into an equity stake in Critical Metals Corp to secure access to Greenland's large rare earth deposit, Tanbreez, as part of its strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled mineral supplies, with discussions ongoing and potential investments in other critical minerals projects.

via Yahoo Finance|
#critical-metals#greenland#minerals