Ceramic and glass business news of the week for October 17, 2022

PLANTS, CENTERS, AND FACILITIES

NSF to create new education center at Arecibo Observatory

The U.S. National Science Foundation issued a solicitation October 13 for a new multidisciplinary, world-class educational center at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico that aims to serve as a hub for STEM education and outreach. The new center is expected to open in 2023.

In Idaho, the US’s first, and only, cobalt mine in decades is opening

The first—and only—cobalt mine in the United States in decades opened in Idaho amid rising demand for the unique metal, a key component in electric vehicle batteries and battery storage. The opening of Australia-based Jervois Global’s Idaho facility is near the site of a defunct cobalt open pit mine, which shuttered in 1982.

Australian miner bails on Quebec rare earth projects amid First Nation resistance

Australia’s Vital Metals Ltd. walked away from two Quebec-based projects due to objections from the Kebaowek First Nation, the latest evidence that maximizing Canada’s potential to be a player in the energy transition will require a more sophisticated relationship with Indigenous communities.

Sparkz announces location for battery manufacturing plant

Next-generation battery manufacturer Sparkz signed an agreement to begin manufacturing its zero-cobalt battery in Taylor County, West Virginia. The facility was originally a glass plant that ceased production in 2009.

ACQUISITIONS AND COLLABORATIONS

Hastings acquires stake in Neo Performance Materials for $97m

Australian mining company Hastings Technology Metals closed its acquisition of a 19.9% stake in Neo Performance Materials for C$134.6m (US$97m). Neo is engaged in the downstream processing of rare earth elements and the production of advanced materials, including permanent magnets.

TricorBraun to acquire glass packaging distributor

TricorBraun signed an agreement to acquire German glass packaging distributor Gläser & Flaschen GmbH. All Gläser & Flaschen team members will remain with TricorBraun and continue to work out of the company’s existing location.

Zignago Vetro acquires Italian mold producer

Zignago Vetro finalized the acquisition of the entire share capital of Italian Glass Moulds (IGM) based in Portogruaro. IGM has its headquarters and factory in Portogruaro, and specializes in the production and sale of molds for the glass container industry.

Enphase Energy completes acquisition of GreenCom Networks

Enphase Energy, Inc., a global energy technology company and supplier of micro inverter-based solar and battery systems, completed the previously disclosed acquisition of GreenCom Networks AG. GreenCom provides Internet of Things software solutions to connect and manage a wide range of distributed energy devices within the home.

Holcim invests in COBOD International

Switzerland-based Holcim made an investment in 3D concrete printer supplier COBOD International. Holcim hopes the investment will help it to further expand its TectorPrint 3D printing ink range.

Maker’s Mark crushing glass for community gardens in Kentucky

Kentucky distillery Maker’s Mark is piloting an innovative, new initiative to upcycle glass bottles with the help of multiple beverage retailers in the Louisville and Lexington areas. The program, called Glass to Garden, uses pulverizer machines to crush glass into a sand-like substance with many opportunities for reuse.

OTHER STORIES

CoorsTek announces new chief commercial officer

CoorsTek announced that Kevin Ressler is joining the company’s executive leadership team in the role of chief commercial officer. Kevin joined CoorsTek from MKS Instruments, where he served most recently as vice president of pressure and flow measurement and control.

Key senior appointments at Xaar

Xaar, an inkjet printing technology group, strengthened its capability and experience with the appointment to a senior leadership team of Sue LaVerne as chief people officer and Karl Forbes as group R&D director.

SINTX announces subscriptions of approximately $4.7 million from its rights offering

SINTX Technologies, Inc. announced the preliminary results of its rights offering, which expired on October 12. SINTX estimates that the rights offering will result in total subscriptions of approximately $4.7 million.

How a new ‘Battery Data Genome’ project will use vast amounts of info to build better EVs

The Battery Data Genome, a new initiative led by Argonne National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory, will collect information from every part of the battery life cycle, from basic data like the materials used and charging/discharging cycles to effects of additional variables like temperature and driving speed.

MARKET TRENDS

Cement and concrete industry making ‘good progress’ one year into net zero roadmap

The Global Cement and Concrete Association says the industry is making “good progress and is on track to play its part in the sustainable world of tomorrow” one year on from the launch of its 2050 Net Zero Roadmap. Cement industry data from 2020 shows a 22% reduction in CO₂ per tonne of cementitious material since 1990.

Historic homes may prove to be more resilient against floods

An emerging movement in the U.S. aims to prove the resilience of older homes as more fall under the threat of rising seas and intensifying storms due to climate change. They hope their research can convince more government officials and building contractors that historic building materials often need cleaning—not replacing—after a flood.

First crop of space mining companies didn’t work out, but a new generation is trying again

Space mining is a long-term undertaking and one that investors do not necessarily have the patience to support. However, some companies are pursuing the possibility, as detailed by a CNBC article.

Europe’s energy crisis sets its sights on another victim: Car manufacturing

Europe’s mounting energy crisis—sparked by Russia clamping down on gas flows earlier this year—is already affecting a number of manufacturing industries that rely on energy-intensive processes, including glass and steelmaking. Now, a global auto industry forecaster is saying that the energy crisis could curtail new car production by the millions.

NEW PRODUCTS

Rotary grinding/lapping tables from Roto Tech

Roto Tech Inc. offers a complete line of precision rotary grinding/ lapping tables from 7” to 24” diameter in either standard, low profile, or heavy-duty configuration. These rotary grinding/lapping tables can be custom built to your requirements.

World’s first carbon-eating concrete blocks are weeks away from commercial use

CarbiCrete is producing an alternative concrete that absorbs carbon dioxide instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. The carbon-tech company is set to increase manufacturing to 25,000 units per day thanks to a partnership with Quebec-based concrete manufacturer Patio Drummond.