All articles tagged with #nickel
New research suggests that the delayed rise of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere was controlled by the levels of nickel and urea, which initially limited cyanobacterial growth. As these compounds declined, cyanobacteria proliferated, releasing oxygen and triggering the Great Oxidation Event, a key step in making Earth habitable and providing insights for life beyond Earth.
A recent study of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS revealed unusual chemical signatures, including the presence of nickel without iron and cyanide, which are atypical for natural comets and suggest possible technological origins. The object exhibits a steep increase in mass loss rates as it approaches the Sun, and its characteristics raise questions about its true nature, whether a natural comet or an alien artifact. Ongoing observations and analyses aim to clarify its origin and implications for extraterrestrial intelligence.
Aluminium and nickel prices surged following the imposition of sanctions on Russian supply, as concerns over disruptions to the global supply chain intensified. The sanctions, imposed in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have raised fears of potential shortages and supply chain disruptions, leading to a sharp increase in commodity prices.
Aluminum and nickel prices soared on the London Metal Exchange following the imposition of US and UK sanctions prohibiting the delivery of Russian metal produced after midnight on Friday. The sanctions, designed to limit President Putin's military funding, have introduced significant uncertainties into the metals market, which has already been affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
BHP, the world's largest mining company, has expressed doubts about the Australian government's support being enough to save the country's struggling nickel industry. Despite the government's efforts to aid the industry, BHP believes that additional measures may be necessary to ensure the sustainability of nickel mining in Australia.
The recent nickel price drop has revealed the lack of long-term planning by Western miners and governments, particularly in Australia, where taxpayer incentives are being offered as a belated response to the industry's challenges. However, these measures, such as royalty rebates and critical minerals funding, are seen as insufficient to address the significant cost disparities and may not be enough to reverse recent project closures. The situation highlights the need for better strategic planning and investment in the face of market volatility.
Glencore, a major mining company, has announced plans to sell its stake in the lossmaking nickel operations in New Caledonia, as part of its strategy to focus on core commodities. The company has been facing challenges in the nickel market, and the decision to divest from the New Caledonia operations reflects its efforts to streamline its portfolio and improve financial performance.
Researchers studying "teenage" galaxies, which formed in the first 3 billion years after the Big Bang, have made surprising discoveries. These galaxies contain heavy metal elements like nickel, which is rarely observed even in nearby galaxies. The galaxies also have higher temperatures, with hot pockets reaching over 13,350 degrees Celsius. The observations were conducted as part of the CECILIA Survey using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), aiming to understand the differences in galaxy evolution and the physics behind them. The study pays homage to Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, a pioneer in studying the chemical makeup of stars.
The United States and Indonesia are set to discuss the potential for a minerals partnership focused on stimulating the trade of nickel, a key component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Indonesian President Joko Widodo will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday to discuss next steps towards formal negotiations. The Biden administration is concerned about environmental and social standards in Indonesia and plans to consult with lawmakers and labor groups. The discussions aim to ensure that any potential nickel supply is produced with minimal environmental impact. Indonesia, which holds the world's largest nickel reserves, is keen to develop an EV supply chain using its vast nickel reserves.
The United States and Indonesia are discussing a potential minerals partnership focused on stimulating the trade of nickel, a crucial metal for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Indonesian President Joko Widodo will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss next steps towards formal negotiations. The Biden administration is concerned about environmental and social standards in Indonesia and plans to consult with lawmakers and labor groups. Indonesia, which has the world's largest nickel ore reserves, aims to develop an EV supply chain using its vast nickel reserves. The discussions also focus on ensuring environmentally responsible nickel production. The U.S. has requirements for critical minerals in EV batteries to be produced in North America or a free trade partner, which Indonesia does not have. The Biden administration is also considering excluding nickel processed in China from receiving certain credits.
The United States and Indonesia are set to discuss the potential for a minerals partnership focused on stimulating the trade of nickel, a key metal used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Indonesian President Joko Widodo will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss next steps towards formal negotiations on the partnership. The Biden administration is concerned about environmental and social standards in Indonesia and plans to consult with lawmakers and labor groups. The discussions aim to ensure that any nickel supply from Indonesia is produced with minimal environmental impact. Indonesia, which has the world's largest nickel ore reserves, is keen to develop an EV supply chain using its vast nickel reserves. The U.S. is also exploring ways to exclude nickel processed in China from receiving certain tax credits.
Scientists have discovered the inner workings of the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, one of the oldest chemical reactions on Earth, which harnesses carbon dioxide (CO2) in the absence of oxygen. The researchers confirmed that nickel plays a key role in the pathway, specifically in the enzyme acetyl-CoA synthase (ACS), which catalyzes the conversion of CO2 into energy and structural carbon. Understanding this process could lead to improved carbon capture techniques for climate change mitigation and the development of chemical feedstocks and fuels.
Scientists at the University of California, Irvine have developed a new way to use nickel in lithium-ion batteries, reducing or eliminating the need for cobalt, which is often mined using child labor. The team spent three years devising a process called "complex concentrated doping" that enables the scientists to alter the key chemical formula in lithium-ion batteries. The doping process eliminates the need for cobalt in commercial components critical for lithium-ion battery functioning and replaces it with nickel, making it a more attractive alternative to cobalt-based batteries.
The demand for crude oil is expected to peak before the end of the decade as electric vehicle adoption surges and developed nations transition to cleaner sources of energy. This shift is expected to slow the rising demand for crude oil to a trickle within five years. Nickel, an essential component of electric vehicle batteries, is heavily mined and processed in Indonesia, resulting in significant environmental costs.
Engineers at the University of Texas at El Paso have developed a low-cost, nickel-based material as a catalyst to help split water more cheaply and efficiently, inspired by the prickly pear cactus. The process of splitting water into hydrogen, called electrolysis, remains unperfected and current techniques rely heavily on platinum as a catalyst, which is expensive. The team designed a 3D nickel-based catalyst in the shape of the prickly pear cactus, which accommodates more electrochemical reactions, creating more hydrogen than nickel typically can. The process needs further refinement, but it's a step in the right direction towards eliminating carbon footprint.