Magneco/Metrel announced the creation of a new research and development facility dedicated to the advancement of next-generation refractory products. The facility, named in memory of company founder Charles William Baldridge Connors and his wife Ann, will be based in Walnut, Ill. It will be headed by Dominic Pautler, vice president of advanced research and intellectual property.
The Purdue Energetics Research Center received approximately $7 million from the U.S. Department of Defense to modernize manufacturing processes for energetic materials—explosives, pyrotechnics and propellants. These new methods aim to help scale up production, reduce costs, and ensure safety and quality of materials.
Rare Earths Americas announced its formation and development and exploration plans for high-grade heavy rare earth mineral assets in the United States and Brazil following a successful A$25.0 million (US$16 million) private raise.
Google announced the first power purchase agreement between a U.S. utility and a Generation IV nuclear developer. Through the deal, the Tennessee Valley Authority will buy electricity from Kairos Power’s Hermes 2 demonstration plant in Oak Ridge, Tenn. The 50-megawatt reactor is expected to begin operations in 2030.
Lionstead Applied Materials acquired Ceramat Private Ltd. from Tata Steel Advanced Materials Ltd for ₹1 crore (~US$114,500). The acquisition strengthens Lionstead Ventures’ advanced materials portfolio and positions Ceramat as a dedicated platform for bioceramics.
The General Company for Cement and Building Materials (Omran) signed a landmark cooperation agreement with United Arab Emirates-based A³&Co, a consultancy specializing in the cement industry, to accelerate the modernization of Syria’s cement sector and reinforce its role in the nation’s reconstruction.
Mississippi State University and Korea Institute of Industrial Technology advanced their longstanding relationship with a renewed set of agreements designed to drive joint research, innovation, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing and industrial technology.
Japan and African nations agreed to work together to ensure a stable supply and responsible development of critical minerals amid growing global moves to ensure economic security, following the Tokyo International Conference on African Development. The three-day conference drew leaders and representatives from about 50 African nations.
China reportedly agreed to address India’s concerns over its export curbs on fertilizers, rare earth magnets and minerals, and tunnel boring machines. The move follows talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Chilean chemical company SQM says a lithium tie-up with state-owned Codelco is on track to be finalized well before the country’s next government takes power, easing concerns that the landmark deal could be upended.
Shares of U.S. solar energy companies experienced a notable increase following the Trump administration’s announcement on August 15 about new subsidy rules for clean energy projects, which were less stringent than anticipated by investors.
The Brick Industry Association extended the entry deadline for the 2025 Brick in Architecture Awards, the premier international design competition featuring fired-clay brick. Entries are now due by Thursday, Sept. 25.
As artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and 5G networks drive exponential growth in data processing, Asia’s data center hubs—Singapore, Japan, and the Republic of Korea—face a dual threat: strained energy grids and water scarcity.
For years Brazil and the United States have quietly discussed how U.S. investment and assistance could help the South American country unlock its vast reserves of rare earths. But the current diplomatic crisis between the Western Hemisphere’s two largest nations risks derailing years of U.S. efforts to secure access to Brazilian rare earths.
NUTEC Bickley developed a custom elevator kiln for a leading North American technical ceramics producer. The design features a stationary refractory-lined steel bell, with the entire kiln mounted on heavy-duty support legs. The loaded kiln car containing the product is raised and lowered to and from the kiln.
