November 2023 Metallurgy Blog
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November 2, 2023
US Department of Defense Boosts Titanium Powder Production for Defense Supply Chains
US Department of Defense Boosts Titanium Powder Production for Defense Supply Chains
The US Department of Defense awarded IperionX Technology LLC with a $12.7 million grant. Facilitated through the Defense Production Act Investment Program(DPAI), the grant will increase titanium powder production for domestic defense supply chains. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale noted that “Robust and resilient defense supply chains are critical to the Warfighting capability of the United States” and that “Domestic titanium production is a top priority for the DoD’s industrial base programs.” Specifically, the award will aid IperionX in upgrading their Virginia facility into a demonstration plant, and thereby boosting the company’s titanium powder production to 125 metric tons annually. Within the next five years the company hopes to produce 10,000 metric tons of titanium metal powder each year. IperionX is a known producer of titanium alloys, which are derived from either titanium minerals or 100% recycled materials. Learn more here.
November 18, 2023
India to Provide Funding for Innovative Mining Firms
India to Provide Funding for Innovative Mining Firms
The Ministry of Mines in India has recently started encouraging startups and enterprises of all sizes to submit proposals that promote research and innovation in the metallurgy, mining, mineral processing, and recycling sectors. Apparently, the ministry is eager to accept feasible proposals that emphasize applied and sustainable aspects of mining and industrial applications. If a proposal is accepted the program will provide funding, mentorship, incubation support, and technical assistance throughout the project development period. The financial and technical assistance may last for up to two years. The program is especially focused on translating research into technology. The ministry hopes that the project will drive the development of innovative new products and processes that will be available for demonstration and pilot tests. Practical outcomes will be the main priority over publication or patenting. The project comes in the wake of India discovering significant lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir. Today lithium is highly sought after because of its use in lithium-ion batteries which among many uses are utilized to make EV batteries. Currently, the EV sector is booming and thus this could present an important economic opportunity for India if the country is able to extract the precious element. It is estimated that commercial mining in the region is still almost a decade way, but domestic funding and R&D in the sector could lead to an earlier than expected start. Learn more here.
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