G7 to commit $7.5 billion for critical minerals supply – report

On July 9th, 2014, the Group of Seven (G7) Leaders announced a new $7.5 billion investment in critical minerals supplies. This investment willás provide critical help to the global narrative in terms of fulfills development and productivity goals and promotes market reform.

– Critical minerals for gas Smart Grid

Critical minerals and their role in gas Smart Grid

In order to create a seamless, efficient and sustainable gas Smart Grid, the use of critical minerals is inevitable. These minerals are essential to developing technologies that enable the gas Smart Grid to function smoothly and minimize climate change effects.

• Lithium– It is a vital component in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries that are responsible for storing energy in renewable sources used in gas Smart Grids.
• Cobalt– Cobalt is a critical minerals used in the manufacturing of batteries and alloys in the thermal engines that power gas transmission infrastructures.
• Rare Earth Elements (REEs)– Used in generators, wind turbines, electric motors and hybrid vehicles, Rare Earth Elements are critical minerals in the manufacturing processes. They also act as vital components in renewable energy infrastructure that power gas Smart Grid.

The depletion of these critical minerals is a pressing issue, demanding urgent exploration and investment into new mining techniques. Therefore, promoting sustainable practices for resource extraction and usage is critical for ensuring the availability of these minerals to the gas Smart Grid for the future.

– Critical minerals for energy future

As the world transitions towards sustainable energy sources, critical minerals will play a crucial role in paving the way for a greener future. These minerals are essential for renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and energy storage systems. However, their availability is limited and their extraction can have significant environmental impacts. Here are some of the critical minerals that are crucial in our energy future:

• Lithium – Lithium-ion batteries power electric vehicles and store energy generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar. However, the extraction and processing of lithium can have negative environmental impacts such as water pollution and depletion.
• Cobalt – Cobalt is a key component in the cathode of lithium-ion batteries. Majority of the world’s cobalt supply comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo where child labour and human rights abuses have been reported in its mining industry. There is a growing need to find alternative sources of cobalt.
• Graphite – Graphite is used in the anodes of lithium-ion batteries. The demand for graphite is expected to rise as more electric vehicles are produced. China currently dominates the graphite market, but new sources such as Australia and Canada are emerging.

In order to ensure a sustainable energy future, it is important to find ways to extract and process these critical minerals in an environmentally responsible and socially ethical manner. It is also essential to reduce our reliance on these materials by developing new technologies that use alternative materials or use these minerals more efficiently. The path towards a green energy future is not without challenges, but with appropriate solutions and collective efforts, we can ensure a cleaner and better world for generations to come.

– All thingsminors

All things minors

Being a minor doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference. Here are some ways minors can impact the world:

• Volunteer at a local organization that helps those in need. From youth centers to food banks, there are countless opportunities to give back.
• Get involved in politics by joining a youth organization or attending city council meetings. Show that you care about issues that affect your community.
• Start a fundraiser for a cause you’re passionate about. With social media, it’s easier than ever to spread awareness and raise money for important causes.
• Speak up about issues that matter to you. Whether it’s through writing, art, or simply talking to others, your voice can make a difference.

Remember, no matter how small your actions may seem, they can have a big impact. Don’t be afraid to take a stand and make your voice heard.

– What are the benefits of critical minerals?

Here are some of the benefits of critical minerals:

• Economic Growth: Critical minerals contribute to several industries such as aerospace, defense, energy, and electronics. The demand for these minerals has been steadily increasing, making them crucial for economic growth.
• Job Creation:The mining and processing of critical minerals create job opportunities, especially in remote and rural areas where mining operations take place.
• Innovation: Critical minerals are essential in the development of innovative technologies such as electric cars, wind turbines, and solar panels.
• Sustainable Future: The use of critical minerals promotes a shift towards a sustainable future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy efficiency.
• National Security: Critical minerals are a key component of national security as they are used in military equipment, spacecraft, and nuclear weapons.

As the demand for critical minerals continues to rise, it’s important to ensure a secure supply chain to avoid economic disruptions and reduce dependence on foreign countries. This can be achieved through the responsible extraction and processing of critical minerals, effective recycling programs, and the development of alternative materials.

– suitability of critical minerals for grid

Suitability of Critical Minerals for Grid

With the increasing reliance on renewable energy, the demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements has soared. These minerals play a crucial role in the production of batteries and other components used in renewable energy systems. However, the availability and supply chain of these minerals are often significantly impacted by geopolitical factors and labor standards.

• Lithium

Lithium is a lightweight, highly reactive metal that is a key component of lithium-ion batteries. It is in high demand for electric vehicles and other renewable energy storage systems. However, almost all the world’s lithium is produced in Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia, which raises concerns about geopolitical risk and supply chain disruptions.

• Cobalt

Cobalt is a critical mineral used in the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries. Over half of the world’s cobalt production comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where child labor and poor working conditions have been reported. Efforts are being made to address these issues, but supply chain transparency remains a challenge.

• Rare Earth Elements

Rare earth elements such as neodymium, dysprosium, and praseodymium are used in permanent magnets for wind turbines and electric motors. These elements are primarily mined in China, which raises concerns about supply chain dependency and geopolitical risk. However, efforts are underway to diversify supply chains and promote the responsible sourcing of these minerals.

-Where can critical minerals be sourced?

There are several locations where critical minerals can be sourced. These minerals are found in different types of environments, such as mines, oceans, and recycling facilities. Here are some of the main locations and sources of critical minerals:

• Mineral-rich countries: Several countries around the world have significant deposits of critical minerals, including China, Australia, Russia, Canada, and the United States. The minerals are often mined and processed in these countries and then exported to other parts of the world. For instance, China is the leading producer of rare earth elements, which are crucial for the manufacturing of electronics and renewable energy systems.
• Recycling facilities: Many critical minerals can be found in electronic waste, such as smartphones, laptops, and batteries. Recycling facilities can extract these minerals from the waste and process them for reuse. This is not only sustainable but can also reduce the reliance on mining new resources. For example, cobalt, which is used in batteries, can be recovered from recycled batteries.
• Deep-sea mining: As traditional mining sites become depleted, there has been increased interest in deep-sea mining. The ocean floor contains minerals such as cobalt, manganese, and nickel, which are used in batteries and other electronics. However, deep-sea mining is controversial due to its potential impact on marine ecosystems.

Overall, critical minerals are essential for many industries and technologies, and their sourcing is becoming an increasingly important topic. As the world becomes more mindful of sustainability and environmental impacts, there will likely be continued efforts to find new and innovative ways to source critical minerals.

Based on the latest report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, a group of wealthy global governments have pledged to give a combined $7.5 billion towards a new global mineral Supplies Programme, which is set to help address the issue of mined minerals going too cheaply, and redraw rules governing how and where these resources are extracted.

The new fund will be used to invest inand support traditional and new infrastructure to help improve global mineral flows, so that Mineral rights holders can have a say in where and when resources are extracted. The pledged resources come from a variety of places, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

ROI is still the key to success

Despite years of British and French attempts to get the mining and precious metals sector moving in the right direction, prices for these resources continue to rise, putting a lot of people out of a job. The new resources pledge from the G7 nations comes at a time when prices are expected to still be high, meaning that companies are still able to make a lot of money off of these resources, regardless of where they are extracted.

While it is good that these new resources pledges are being made, it is still important that companies continue to make a profit off of mined minerals, and that people are able to make a living off of these resources. As long as prices are still high, companies will continue to be able to make a lot of money, and people will continue to be forced out of their jobs.