ScienceChina
China Discovers New Germanium Mineral in Sichuan
China's first independent germanate mineral, Wusiheite, discovered in Sichuan with 72% germanium oxide content, approved by international mineralogy body.
—5 min read
Tag
#Critical Minerals
12 articles
DefenseEconomy
US Firms Race to Break China's Grip on Weapons Minerals
US companies scale up rare earth production to break China's grip on critical minerals for weapons amid Iran war depletion and new Pentagon sourcing rules.
—7 min read
International Relations & TradeEconomy
US Defense Industry Decouples from China's Rare Earths
Trump's Executive Order 14415 mandates US defense contractors phase out Chinese rare earths by 2027, despite domestic supply gaps.
—6 min read
InternationalEconomy
Belgium, China, US Battle Over Congo's 'Snail Mountain'
Belgium's state guarantee for Umicore's germanium deal in Congo reveals a geopolitical struggle over critical minerals involving China and the US.
—6 min read
TechnologyEnvironment
EV Battery Recycling's Math Problem: Costs Exceed Value
Recycling EV batteries costs more than recovered materials are worth. Colorado leads with a new producer responsibility law.
—5 min read
EnvironmentTechnology
China Turns to Used EV Batteries to Cut Imported Metal Need
China ramps up EV battery recycling to reduce dependence on imported lithium, cobalt, and nickel as retired batteries surge toward 1 million tons in 2026.
—5 min read
International TradeGeopolitics
China Tightens Rare Earth Grip on US Firms in Trade War
China hits 10 US firms with export controls, targeting rare earth miners in retaliation for Pentagon's expanded military blacklist.
—5 min read
TradeEconomy
China Fines 11 Firms in Rare Earth Export Control Crackdown
China penalized at least 11 companies for illegally exporting rare earths and critical minerals, intensifying enforcement of strategic resource controls.
—5 min read
Economy & TradeGeopolitics
China Cracks Down on Rare Earth and Graphite Smuggling
Beijing penalizes 11 companies for illegal rare earth and graphite exports and launches an anti-smuggling task force in a major enforcement push.
—5 min read
EnvironmentBusiness
Deep-Sea Mining Rush Accelerates After Trump Executive Order
Nine companies race to begin deep-sea mining after Trump fast-tracked permits. Environmentalists warn of irreversible damage to ocean ecosystems.
—5 min read
EnvironmentPolitics
Deep-Sea Mining Rush: Trump Order Opens Ocean Floor to Firms
Companies rush into deep-sea mining after Trump's order fast-tracks permits. An investigation reveals uncertain economics and environmental risks.
—7 min read
EnvironmentBusiness
Companies Rush Into Deep-Sea Mining After Trump Order
At least nine companies are racing to mine the seabed after Trump's executive order, as regulators fast-track permits and environmental groups raise alarm.
—6 min read