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1) Experts caution that the global energy transition's demand for critical minerals is set to soar, potentially outstripping supply unless alternative sourcing methods are implemented. Analysts at DBRS Morningstar highlight potential credit risks due to various facets, such as government roles in de-risking mining investments and critical metals' price stability. They foresee challenges arising from the energy shift that might actually accelerate depletion, impacting mining cost structures and business risk portfolios. To counter these issues, experts advocate for innovative approaches and collaborations reshaping mining practices to meet escalating demand. Alternative solutions involve extracting critical minerals from used products like electronics and mine tailings. Ahmed Ghahreman, CEO of Cyclic Materials, advocates recycling as a sustainable solution to meet rising mineral demand, reducing reliance on conventional mining. he underscores the necessity of environmentally friendly alternatives as his company is working on a circular approach, recovering and recycling critical minerals from discarded batteries and waste streams. Challenges persist in sourcing recycled materials, particularly end-of-life magnets and e-waste, but Ghahreman expects these hurdles ot ease with increased EV sales ans expanding regulations, such as the US Inflation Reduction Act. The International Energy Agency estimates that by 2040, and the Worldwide Wildlife Fund says that recycled materials could contribute significantly to meeting mineral demand, potentially providing up to 20% by 2050.
2) Orica, a mining solutions partner, and Caterpillar have joined forces through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to revolutionize mining operations. The collaboration aims to develop integrated workflows throughout the mining value chain, offering customers enhanced intelligence for informed decision-making and operational optimization. Initially focusing on merging Orica's BlastIQ, Rhino, FRAGTrack, and Cat MineStar Terrain Technologies, where the partnership aims to leverage insights from both companies' domains. Caterpillar's technology and global sales support vice-president, Sean McGinnis, highlighted the drive to optimize productivity and safety in mining and processing operations through this collaboration. Orica emphasized that these integrated workflows would provide detailed rock property information, facilitating improvements in on-bench safety, drilling precision, blasting program accuracy and overall productivity.