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☆ Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang gushes over Meta's new 'Orion' prototype glasses
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-25 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewNvidia CEO Jensen Huang was one of several big names to try out Meta's new "Orion" prototype glasses at Meta's Connect event on Wednesday — and he appeared to be a fan. The Nvidia CEO, who was one of the testers, referred to the glasses' 100-gram weight as "a big deal" and complimented various aspects of the technology. AdvertisementThe "Orion" glasses are the first prototype of full holographic augmented reality, and Zuckerberg referred to them as the "most advanced glasses the world has ever seen." The Meta CEO named several of the challenges with building the glasses, like the need for a wide field of view while keeping them light. The Meta CEO has bragged about stockpiling GPUs to build a "massive amount of infrastructure" to further the company's AI efforts.

Persons: —, Jensen Huang, Mark Zuckerberg, Huang, Zuckerberg, it's Organizations: Service, Business, Nvidia, Meta

☆ A Gen Z data scientist says AI jobs require more than coding — and don't expect to be a loner at work
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-11 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewThere's more to an AI job than simply writing code. She's been developing an AI tool that provides employees with insights into their work patterns, such as meeting trends and work routines. Parse said about 70% of her job is data science, which requires reviewing and analyzing data sets. AI roles are often highly collaborativeSoftware engineers have been known to be loners, but don't count on solitude if you're working in AI. Related storiesWhile some engineering roles tend to be independent, Parse said, "AI projects are rarely done solo."

Persons: —, it's, It's Organizations: Service, Autodesk, Business, Software

☆ Analysis, fits for all 58 NBA Draft picks from John Hollinger and Sam Vecenie
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-26 | by ( John Hollinger | Sam Vecenie | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +109 min

He’s going to be a killer rebounder, monster screener and will consistently establish his position even against some of the stronger NBA players. I’m done doubting Edey, even as an NBA player. As an enormous ballhandler with serious touch and incredible vision as a passer, Topić is clearly an NBA player, even if it doesn’t all translate. Shannon is an elite athlete, but the NBA game requires more nuance, especially if he continues to be an inconsistent shooter. However, I also think he’s more than just a floor spacer on offense in spot-up situations and potentially as an off-ball scorer.

Persons: Read Sam Vecenie’s, Sam Vecenie, John Hollinger, Zaccharie Risacher, Zaccharie, Risacher, he’s, he’d, —, Saddiq Bey, De’Andre Hunter, Jalen Johnson, Dejounte Murray, Alexandre Sarr, Chet Holmgren, Victor Wembanyama, Myles Turner, Wembanyama, Holmgren, Nic Claxton, Kyle Kuzma, Flagg, Reed Sheppard, Sheppard, Sheppard isn’t, he’ll, Lonzo, Tyrese Haliburton, savants, Houston couldn’t, He’s, Donovan Clingan, Ron Holland, Holland, haven’t, don’t, Aaron Gordon, Cade Cunningham, Trajan Langdon, Tidjane, it’s, Mark Williams, Miles Bridges, Jarrett Allen, Deandre Ayton, Clingan, Ayton, Robert Dillingham, Dillingham, Tyrese Maxey —, Maxey, Trae Young, Ja Morant, Morant, Young, Dennis Schröder, Mike Conley, Zach Edey, Edey, I’m, Joel Embiid, Zach Kleiman, It’s, Devin Carter, Matas, Cody Williams, Williams, isn’t, We’re, Buzelis, Patrick Williams, Nikola Topić, Nikola Djurišić, Topić, “ Vasa, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, Carter, Carlton “ Bub ” Carrington, Bub Carrington, Carrington, White, Will, Kel’el Ware, Ware, doesn’t, Wood, There’s, Thomas Bryant, Orlando Robinson, Bam Adebayo, Philadelphia 76ers Jared McCain, Duke Vecenie’s, Jared McCain, McCain isn’t, Seth Curry, McCain, Dalton Knecht, He’ll, Knecht, Will Hardy, Erik Spoelstra, Tristan da Silva, Tristan da Silva’s, da Silva, Jett Howard, Da Silva, Johnny Furphy, Ja’Kobe Walter, Walter, Gary Trent Jr, Bruce Brown, Isaiah Collier, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Jaylon Tyson, Tyson, Yves Missi, Yves Missi’s, Clint Capela, Zion Williamson, Missi, Jonas Valančiūnas, Larry Nance Jr, DaRon Holmes, Holmes, Jaylin Williams, Zeke Nnaji, A.J, Johnson, Jackson, Giannis, Kyshawn George, Kyle Anderson, George, Washington, George ., Dadiet, evaluators, Tobias Harris, Harris, Dillon Jones, Jones, Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, Nikola, rebounder, Minnesota Timberwolves Terrence Shannon Jr, Terrence Shannon, Shannon, Bart Torvik’s, Buddy Hield, Jimmer Fredette, Chris Duarte, Ochai Agbaji, Matisse, Marshon Brooks, Quincy Pondexter, Lazar Hayward, Davon Reed, Carrick Felix, Orlando Johnson, Hield, Phoenix Suns Ryan Dunn, Ryan Dunn, I’ve, Herb Jones —, Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr, Herb Jones ’, Hollinger, Joanna Gaines, Utah Jazz Isaiah Collier, Collier, Kris Dunn, Baylor, Creighton Vecenie’s, Baylor Scheierman, closeouts, didn’t, Toronto Raptors Jonathan Mogbo, Francisco Vecenie’s, Jonathan Mogbo, Utah Jazz Kyle Filipowski, Kyle Filipowski, Kristaps, Nikola Jokić, Brook Lopez, Duke, Milwaukee Bucks Tyler Smith, Tyler Smith, Smith, let’s, AJ Johnson, Christian Wood, Bobby Portis, Tyler Kolek, Jalen Brunson, Antonio didn’t, Juan Núñez, Juan Núñez’s, Monte Morris, — Morris, McConnell, Sergio Rodriguez, Rodriguez, Núñez, Klintman, Ajay Mitchell, UC Santa Barbara Vecenie’s, Mitchell, Wells, wasn’t, Oso, Ighodaro, Nikola Vučević, Philadelphia 76ers Adem Bona, Adem Bona, Bona, Paul Reed’s, Charlotte Hornets K.J, Simpson, Simpson isn’t, AJ Griffin, Djurišić, Pelle Larsson, Pelle Larsson’s, Larsson, Duncan Robinson, Jamal Shead, Eric Bledsoe, Patrick Beverley, Shead, I’d, Kyle Lowry, Cam Christie, Christie, Nickeil Alexander, Walker, Max, Antonio Reeves, Reeves, He’d, Nate Duncan, hadn’t, That’s, Jordan Hawkins, San Antonio Spurs Harrison Ingram, Harrison Ingram, Ingram, Newton, Tristen Newton, . Indiana Pacers Enrique Freeman, Enrique Freeman, Paul, Millsap, Freeman, Melvin Ajinça, Quentin Vecenie’s, Ajinça, Trent, Cam Spencer, Spencer doesn’t, Spencer, Luke Kennard’s, Boston Celtics Anton Watson, Gonzaga Vecenie’s, Anton Watson, He’s switchable, Watson, James, Bronny James, that’s, Still, LeBron James, Kevin McCullar Jr, Kevin McCullar, Ulrich Chomche, Ariel Hukporti, Tristan Vukčević, Khalifa Diop, Karlo Matković, Marko Simonovic, Luke Hales Organizations: Hawks, Atlanta, Perth Wildcats, Defense, NBA, Wizards, Kentucky, Wildcats, UCLA, Tyrese, Iowa State, Stephon, Spurs, Ignite, League, Pistons, Deandre, Minnesota Timberwolves, 76ers, Dillingham, Purdue, IMG, intel, Grizzlies, Edey, Memphis, Colorado, Sunrise, Lithuanian GM, Bulls, Crvena Zvezda Vecenie’s, Mega, Red Star, doesn’t, Oklahoma City, Providence Vecenie’s, Sacramento, Kings, Washington Wizards, Blazers, Carlton, Pittsburgh, Indiana, Philadelphia 76ers, Duke, McCain, Philadelphia, Sixers, Tennessee, Lakers, NCAA Tournament, Baylor, Houston, Denver Nuggets, Suns, Dayton Vecenie’s, Nuggets, Denver, Ilawarra Hawks, Jackson, Bucks, Miami, New York Knicks, Ratiopharm Ulm, Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Weber State, Golden State Warriors, Illinois, Wolves, Phoenix Suns, Virginia Vecenie’s, Alabama, Mavericks, Dallas, Utah Jazz, USC, Trojans, Jazz, Baylor Scheierman, Celtics, Hoop, Toronto Raptors, Francisco, Raptors, Brook, Utah, Milwaukee Bucks, Marquette, Mikal Bridges, . Indiana Pacers, SAS, Kansas, San Antonio Spurs, today’s NBA, Ratiopharm, Detroit Pistons, Cairns, UC Santa Barbara, Belgian, Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, Washington, Washington State, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, G League, Rockets, Miami Heat, Arizona, SAC, Summer League, Minnesota, Pelicans, Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, North Carolina Vecenie’s, Stanford, Ingram, Pacers, UConn, Akron Vecenie’s, Louisiana Tech, MAC, Dallas Mavericks, Saint, Boston College Vecenie’s, Boston College, Boston Celtics, Gonzaga, Los Angeles Lakers, G, NBA Academy Africa, NBA Academy, Melbourne United Locations: Zaccharie, Indiana, Washington, Kentucky, Iowa, Haliburton, Sheppard, Connecticut, San Antonio, Detroit, Portland, Dillingham, Minnesota, Memphis, Colorado, Lithuanian, Chicago, Oregon, Miami, Philadelphia, Tennessee, Utah, California, Atlanta, Orleans, Oklahoma, Dayton, Denver, Fla, Swiss, Dadiet, New York, Shannon, Kansas, Alabama, Virginia, Collier, Boston, Oklahoma City, Milwaukee, Marquette, He’s, Europe, Spain, Spanish, Ratiopharm Ulm, Núñez, NY, OKC, Arizona, Philly, Charlotte, ORL, North, Newton, Akron, Ajinça, Africa, DAL, Cleveland

☆ Biden administration set to revamp Trump’s tariff program after multi-year review, sources say
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Kayla Tausche | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Washington CNN —The Biden administration is set to unveil a sweeping restructuring of former President Donald Trump’s trademark tariffs on Chinese imports, according to sources familiar with the matter. “The Biden administration has neutralized China as a campaign issue,” said Hodge, now a managing director at Bully Pulpit International. Tariffs are essentially a tax on US businesses and consumers, adding to the cost of imported goods. More than half of the duties have been collected during the Biden administration. The Biden administration had planned to release the results of the review in advance of the Pittsburgh speech, the sources familiar with the matter said, but ended up delaying the release.

Persons: Washington CNN —, Biden, Donald Trump’s, Joe Biden refines, Trump, Adam Hodge, “, ”, Hodge, –, ” Biden, Janet Yellen, Antony Blinken, Clete Willems, Akin Gump, Willems Organizations: Washington CNN, US Trade Representative, Biden’s National Security Council, US Trade, Treasury, Commerce, Trump, US Customs, “ Steel, Seven, European Union, National Economic Council, EU, European Commission, Treasury Department Locations: China, Pittsburgh, Italy, Puglia

☆ Cars, sugar and cruises: How the Port of Baltimore closure could hurt the economy
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Mark Thompson | Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

The Port of Baltimore said in a post on X that vessel traffic was suspended until further notice, but trucks were still being processed at its terminals. It said it would discharge cargo destined for Baltimore in other ports nearby, but Maesrk warned customers that could mean delays. Closer to the Midwest than any other port on the East Coast, Baltimore is a major hub for vehicles, containers and commodities. Baltimore ranks first among US ports for autos and light trucks, handling a record 850,000 vehicles last year. While many of the 30,000 to 35,000 cars and trucks that used the Key Bridge daily can be rerouted through the two nearby tunnels, that will cause traffic delays.

Persons: Dali, Judah Levine, ” Maersk, “, VW, Oren Klachkin, Levine, Mark Zandi, ”, Zandi, Wes Moore, Joe Biden, Francis Scott Key, Tasos Katopodis, — Moore, Emily Stausbøll, Matt Lupoli, Hanna Ziady, Peter Valdes, Rob North, Sugam Pokharel Organizations: New York CNN, Baltimore, Atlantic, Nationwide Financial, US, Moody’s, Maryland Gov, Rebuilding, Francis Scott Key Bridge, Domino, Company, Royal Caribbean, Cruises, Cruise, Cruise Lines International Association, Royal Locations: London, New York, Port, Baltimore, East Coast, Singapore, East Coast , Baltimore, Philadelphia, Norfolk, of New York, New Jersey, Asia, Africa, Suez, Maryland, Patapsco, Rebuilding Baltimore, Baltimore , Maryland, Tasos, “, Norway, Royal Caribbean

☆ South Korea and US begin large annual military drills with eye on North Korea
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Brad Lendon | Gawon Bae | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Seoul, South Korea CNN —South Korea and the United States began their annual Freedom Shield joint military drills on Monday to bolster readiness against North Korea. The 11-day drills will integrate elements of “live exercises” with constructive simulations, according to United States Forces Korea (USFK) and South Korea’s Defense Ministry. North Korea has previously condemned US and South Korea joint military drills, but it has not yet made any official comment or response to the current exercises. In January, Kim called the South the North’s “primary foe and invariable principal enemy” and ordered a reunification monument in the North Korean capital to be demolished. Meanwhile, North Korea has fostered closer ties with Russia, providing Moscow with arms for its war in Ukraine.

Persons: Seoul’s, Lee Sung, jun, USFK, Kim Jong, Kim, ” Organizations: South Korea CNN, United States, North, United States Forces, Korea’s Defense Ministry, Chiefs, Staff, South, CNN North Korean Locations: Seoul, South Korea, North Korea, United States Forces Korea, Northeast Asia, Korea, Russia, Moscow, Ukraine, East Asia, United States

☆ Zero-carbon energy generated a record 41% of US power in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Catherine Boudreau | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A record amount of renewable energy, led by solar, was added to the grid. It was the opposite story for wind power. They generated a record 41% of US power in 2023. Rowlands-Rees said that falling gas prices made it the cheapest form of energy in 2023. The power sector, as recently as 2016, was the top emitter.

Persons: BloombergNEF, Tom Rowlands, Rees, BloombergNEF's, Rowlands, —, Biden, Jeannie Salo Organizations: Service, Investments, Business, Companies, Industry, Schneider Electric, Toyota Locations: China, America, Japan, Southeast Asia, Coast, New York, Massachusetts, Georgia, North Carolina, Business

☆ Russia’s Putin to visit North Korea soon, state media says
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Brad Lendon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Seoul, South Korea CNN —Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to visit Kim Jong Un soon, North Korean state media reported Sunday, the latest sign of increasing cooperation between the two authoritarian leaders as war rages in Ukraine and military tensions increase in East Asia. Putin thanked Kim for an invitation to visit Pyongyang and pledged to go there “at an early date,” the report from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the dates for Putin’s visit to North Korea were still being discussed through diplomatic channels and would be announced later, Russian state-run news agency TASS reported. During that visit, Kim praised Russia for standing up to “hegemonic forces” with its war in Ukraine, while Putin signaled a willingness to assist North Korea in developing its space and satellite programs. According to the US Defense Department, Russia has twice in the past month fired North Korean-made missiles at targets in Ukraine.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, Putin, Kim, Dmitry Peskov, Choe Son Hui, Sergey Lavrov, ” KCNA, Kim Jong, ” Organizations: South Korea CNN —, Korean Central News Agency, North Korean Foreign, Russian, TASS, CNN, North Korean, US Defense Department, South, US, People’s Assembly Locations: Seoul, South Korea, North Korean, Ukraine, East Asia, Pyongyang, North Korea, Russian, Moscow, Northeast Asia, Russia, Korea, United States

☆ Here’s how activist Elliott could build shareholder value amicably at Phillips 66
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-02 | by ( Kenneth Squire | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Business: Phillips 66 is an energy manufacturing and logistics company. Percentage Ownership: n/a Average Cost: n/a Activist Commentary: Elliott is a very successful and astute activist investor. On Wednesday, Elliott sent a letter to Phillips 66, announcing that it has taken a $1 billion stake and is seeking up to two board seats. While we do not generalize like that, it is hard to imagine a more amicable and constructive activist campaign than what Elliott is proposing at Phillips 66. When implemented, Phillips 66 saw costs increase relative to peers, burning shareholders' confidence in the management team's ability to achieve its goals.

Persons: Phillips, Elliott, Mark Lashier, Ken Squire Organizations: Phillips, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Valero Energy, Marathon Petroleum, Valero, 13D Locations: Chevron, U.S, Europe, COOs

☆ Western lithium, graphite miners boost prices for ESG-friendly supply
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Ernest Scheyder | Thomson Reuters | Ernest Scheyder Is An Award-Winning Senior Correspondent Covering The Green Energy Transition | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsLOS ANGELES, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Western lithium and graphite miners have started charging the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain higher prices for their material, meeting demand for environmentally-friendly and consistent supply that is not linked to China. Lithium, the lightest metal, is used to make a battery's positively charged cathode and prized for its ability to store energy. Miners say the surcharges make investors more comfortable financing new projects, especially as Chinese rivals have been known to sell metals below prevailing market rates. Brazil's Sigma Lithium (SGML.V) has already begun selling its production at prices it says reflects its sustainability. The surcharge talk comes despite recent plunges in a range of lithium prices.

Persons: Ivan Alvarado, Patrice Boulanger, Shaun Verner, Amanda Hall, surcharges, Hugues Jacquemin, Ernest Scheyder, David Gregorio Our Organizations: REUTERS, Washington, China, EV, Panasonic Energy, Miners, Syrah Resources, Department of Energy, Tesla, ESG, Summit, Thomson Locations: Antofagasta region, Chile, China, Los Angeles, Brussels, Beijing, North America, United States, Louisiana, North, South America, Quebec

[1/2] Graphite powder, used for battery paste, is pictured in a Volkswagen pilot line for battery cell production in Salzgitter, Germany, May 18, 2022. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 20 (Reuters) - As China moved to control some exports of key battery mineral graphite on Friday, miners elsewhere face a race against time to bring new projects to fruition to secure supplies for the next generation of electric vehicles. To stay ahead in a fast-changing industry, carmakers have been investing directly in mining projects to ensure future supplies of the battery inputs. "We see China's move as a potential catalyst to highlight the urgency of improving domestic graphite supply," said John DeMaio, president of Graphex's graphene division. "We've aligned ourselves with several graphite miners outside of China.

Persons: Fabian Bimmer, Hugues Jacquemin, China's, John DeMaio, DeMaio, Stefan Bernstein, Graphite's Jacquemin, Shishir Poddar, Nelson Banya, Clara Denina, Divya Rajagopal, Ernest Scheyder, Veronica Brown, Elaine Hardcastle Organizations: Volkswagen, REUTERS, Graphex, HK, EV, GreenRoc, Thomson Locations: Salzgitter, Germany, China, Warren , Michigan, Greenland, Northern, Tirupati, Madagascar, Mozambique

China's decision may escalate trade disputes globally and spur other countries to prioritize research into alternative sources and materials, industry executives said. "We see China's move as a potential catalyst to highlight the urgency of improving (U.S.) graphite supply," said John DeMaio, president of Graphex Group's (6128.HK) graphene division. It has graphite supply deals with Syrah Resources (SYR.AX) and is looking for other sources, DeMaio said. Synthetic graphite could account for nearly two-thirds of the EV battery anode market by 2025, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence estimates. Chief Operating Officer Hans Erik Vatne told Reuters recently that developing synthetic graphite production is costly, but that is the price to pay to reduce reliance on China.

Persons: Fabian Bimmer, John DeMaio, Graphex Group's, DeMaio, Tesla, Hans Erik Vatne, Rob Anstey, Alvin Liu, Akash Sriram, Ernest SCheyder, Nick Carey, Christina Amann, Marie Mannes, Gilles Guillaume, Ilona Wissenbach, Ben Klayman, Josie Kao Organizations: Volkswagen, REUTERS, Syrah Resources, Magnis Energy Technologies, Mineral Intelligence, Reuters, EVs, BMO Capital Markets, BMW, Volvo, Renault, General Motors, Ford, Thomson Locations: Salzgitter, Germany, China, Warren , Michigan, West, U.S, Europe, Oslo, Norway, Bengaluru, Houston, London, Berlin, Stockholm, Paris, Frankfurt

☆ China curbs graphite exports in latest critical minerals squeeze
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Here are key details on graphite and China's limits on exports of strategic minerals. That's about double the amount of lithium in an EV battery. China also refines more than 90% of the world's graphite into material used in virtually all EV battery anodes. Top buyers of graphite from China include Japan, the U.S., India and South Korea, according to Chinese customs data. OTHER CHINESE MINERAL EXPORT CURBSIn July, China announced export restrictions on eight gallium and six germanium products starting on Aug. 1.

Persons: Tony Munroe, Amy Lv, Christian Schmollinger Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, . Geological Survey, EV, Mercedes, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Thomson Locations: Qingdao, Shandong province, China, Rights SINGAPORE, Mozambique, Madagascar, Brazil, Japan, U.S, India, South Korea

☆ China, world's top graphite producer, to curb exports of key battery material
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Reuters Staff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

FILE PHOTO: Trucks travel past containers at the Yangshan Deep Water Port in Shanghai, China January 13, 2022. It also refines more than 90% of the world’s graphite into material used in virtually all EV battery anodes. China is enacting the curbs at the same time that foreign governments are increasing their pressure on its companies over their industrial practices. Under the new restrictions announced on Friday, China will require exporters of two types graphite to apply for permits, including high-purity, high-hardness and high intensity synthetic graphite material, and natural flake graphite and its products. Top buyers of graphite from China include Japan, India and South Korea, according to Chinese customs data.

Persons: Aly Organizations: REUTERS, . Geological Survey, EV, European, Nvidia Locations: BEIJING, China, Port, Shanghai, U.S, United States, Europe, Japan, India, South Korea

☆ China restricts exports of graphite as it escalates a global tech war
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Juliana Liu | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

“At the moment both China and Western countries are engaged in a tit for tat, highlighting how protectionist measures often spread. China, which dominates the world’s production and processing of graphite, says export permits will be needed, starting in December, for synthetic graphite material — including high-purity, high-strength and high-density versions — as well as for natural flake graphite. China was the world’s leading graphite producer last year, accounting for an estimated 65% of global production, it said. Gallium, germanium restrictionsThe export curbs were announced as China faces pressure from multiple governments over its commercial and trade practices. In July, Beijing imposed export restrictions on gallium and germanium, two minerals essential for making semiconductors.

Persons: ”, Stefan Legge, carmakers, Ivan Lam Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Ministry of Commerce, Administration, Customs, “, University of St, Institute for Energy Research, EV, International Energy Agency, Geological Survey, Counterpoint Research, US Department of Energy Locations: China, Hong Kong, United States, University of St Gallen, Switzerland, Washington, DC, Europe, Asia, Beijing, Russia, Ukraine

☆ China’s graphite curbs send green warning shot
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Lisa Jucca | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Global demand for graphite, seen at 770,000 tonnes this year, is expected to treble by 2033, according to estimates by Fastmarkets graphite analyst Georgi Georgiev. China currently accounts for 64% of the global production of natural graphite and more than half of the artificial equivalent. More importantly, the People’s Republic refines more than 90% of the graphite into high-purity material used in EV batteries. This echoes the approach China used earlier this year to restrict exports of gallium and germanium, two metals used in chips and fibre optic cables, triggering a fall in international shipments. Mining graphite in Europe, which wants to lead in EV adoption, is simply more expensive, says Aiden Lavelle, CEO of miner European Green Metals.

Persons: Georgi Georgiev, Aiden Lavelle, Carmakers, Una Galani, Streisand Neto Organizations: Reuters, People’s, EV, Shanghai Putailai, Energy Technology, Metals, Volkswagen, Thomson Locations: HONG KONG, China, Republic, Shanghai, Finland, Sweden, Beijing, Western, Europe, U.S

The focus is shifting to a new front: Synthetic graphite, an element developed in the late 19th century, but only redirected toward EVs in the past decade. Synthetic graphite could account for nearly two-thirds of the EV battery anode market by 2025, estimates Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. "It’s easier to set up a synthetic graphite production facility than it is to commission new mining sites for natural graphite” because producers can take advantage of incentives in last year's U.S. Inflation Reduction Act to build synthetic graphite capacity in the U.S. or Free Trade Agreement partners, she said. Other experts note synthetic graphite is generally higher purity and offers better and more predictable performance than natural graphite. Still, the construction of new production facilities for synthetic graphite, even with federal incentives, requires a staggering investment, said Novonix's Burns.

Persons: Simon Dawson, ”, Victoria Hugill, It's, Chris Burns, Norway's, Vianode, Hans Erik Vatne, Vatne, Bob Galyen, China’s CATL, Novonix's Burns, “, Fastmarkets, Burns, Paul Lienert, Nick Carey, Timothy Gardner Organizations: REUTERS, Mineral Intelligence, EV, U.S, Trade, Infrastructure Investment, Jobs Act, Norsk Hydro, Hydro, Galyen Energy, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, United States, Europe, China, U.S, Bainbridge , Georgia, Chattanooga , Tennessee, North America, Detroit

☆ There are 5 things the West could do to put even more pressure on Russia's struggling economy, think tank says
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Russia's economy is crumbling - but the West needs to put more pressure on Moscow, researchers say. There are five things the West could do to up the ante on Moscow's economy, according to one think tank. But Russia has also gotten better at evading sanctions, researchers said, giving the economy an unexpected buffer. That suggests stronger price controls are needed for Russian oil, considering that crude is one of Moscow's main revenue sources. That means the West could enforce a full embargo on Russia's financial sector, researchers said, isolating Russia even further from the rest of the global economy.

Persons: crimp, Vladimir Putin's, Putin Organizations: Service, Atlantic Council, US, Justice Department, Kremlin Locations: Moscow, Russia, Wall, Silicon, Ukraine

☆ Pinterest says its search results will now be more inclusive of body types
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Pinterest on Thursday said it has harnessed AI to develop technology that would deliver greater representation of diverse body types in its search results. Using shape, size and form to identify body types in images, the new body-type technology lets people search results that show bodies like their own, including plus sizes, via the algorithm. Instead, a wider variety of body types will show automatically, beginning with initial search results. For example, if a user searches for date night outfit inspiration, they will see results inclusive of various body types and skin tone ranges in those results, the company said. Then in 2021, Pinterest rolled out its hair pattern search feature that refines search results by choosing from six different hair types – protective, straight, wavy, coily, curly and shaved/bald.

Persons: Pinterest, Sabrina Ellis Organizations: New, New York CNN Locations: New York

REUTERS/Steve Marcus/File photoAug 2 (Reuters) - Refining rare earths for the green energy transition is hard. "The (rare earths) commissioning process is painstaking, with stops and starts," Jim Litinsky, MP's CEO and largest shareholder, told investors in May. Rare earths magnets turn power into motion and are the essential components in an electric vehicle's motor. Rare earths refining "is not really being addressed even by those who are developing magnet capacity," said Ryan Castilloux, a minerals consultant at Adamas Intelligence. American Rare Earths is working with U.S. government scientists at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory to develop bacteria that could process rare earths.

Persons: Steve Marcus, Lockheed Martin's, Lynas, Jim Litinsky, Kray Luxbacker, they've, Allan Walton, Ryan Castilloux, Castilloux, refines, Dysprosium, Tesla, Melissa Sanderson, Nathan Picarsic, Ernest Scheyder, Eric Onstad, Nick Carey, Melanie Burton, Veronica Brown, Susan Heavey Organizations: REUTERS, Lockheed, International Energy Agency, General Motors, University of, University of Birmingham, Adamas Intelligence, Trump, Reuters, Pentagon, Blue, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Edge, Sweden's, U.S, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, Horizon Advisory, Thomson Locations: Pass , California, U.S, China, Apple's, Beijing, Texas, Western Australia, COVID, California, Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia, Kuala Lumpur, United States, San Antonio , Texas, Sweden, South Africa, Karr

☆ Student-loan borrowers can now apply to lower their monthly payments with 'the most affordable repayment plan yet,' Biden's Education Department says
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The new plan, known as the SAVE Plan, will fully launch in August. Borrowers who apply during this period will not need to reapply after the official launch. Borrowers can learn more about whether they need to apply for new plan, and how to do it, at this link. Since that process could take time, the department recommends borrowers look into the SAVE Plan should they find they cannot afford payments without broad relief. "No President has fought harder for student borrowers, and the SAVE plan will give millions of borrowers breathing room on their monthly bills now and for years to come."

Persons: Joe Biden's, Biden's Organizations: SAVE, Service, Joe Biden's Education Department, CNN, Federal, Aid, Department, Federal Student Aid, Education Department Locations: Wall, Silicon

☆ Japan signed a critical minerals deal with the U.S. — but it's still losing the global EV race
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Tokyo in March signed the U.S.-Japan Critical Minerals Agreement, securing both countries' commitment to strengthen supply chains and promote EV battery technologies. Notably, the deal allows minerals from Japan to meet sourcing requirements for U.S. electric vehicle tax credits, unlocking up to $7,500 per vehicle. The critical minerals agreement was "negotiated in warp-speed time" when similar deals "usually take years," David Boling, Eurasia Group director for Japan and Asian trade, told CNBC. Hybrid EVs still account for 96.8% of new EV sales in the country, according to the Japan Automobile Dealers Association. EV supply chain strainJapan depends on China for critical minerals essential to the production of EV components.

Persons: Yasuhide Mizuno, Kiyoshi Ota, David Boling, Boling, Eurasia's, BEV, China's, Kristin Vekasi Organizations: Sony Honda Mobility, Sony, Bloomberg, Getty, Japan, U.S, U.S ., EV, Eurasia Group, CNBC, U.S . Trade, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Japan Automobile Dealers Association, International Energy Agency, Argonne National Laboratory, IEA, University of Maine, Hitachi Metals, Nikkei Locations: Tokyo, Japan, U.S, China, Nikkei Asia

☆ Catalytic cracking unit at Venezuela's Cardon refinery shut down
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

CARACAS, June 2 (Reuters) - The catalytic cracking unit at Venezuela's Cardon refinery, the country's second-biggest, has broken down and paused operations since the middle of the week, four people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday. Venezuela's refining network has the capacity to process 1.3-million-barrels per day but it suffers frequent production problems. The fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) plant refines oil into other products with greater commercial value, such as gasoline. The refinery restarted one distillation unit on Friday after a failure, while a second unit remains shutdown. The catalytic cracking unit at Amuay, Venezuela's largest refinery, has been shutdown for repairs since March, impacting production of gasoline.

Persons: PDVSA, Deisy, Oliver Griffin, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Reuters, Paraguana Refining, Thomson Locations: CARACAS, Cardon, Venezuela's, Amuay, Caracas

☆ Analysis: Mexico's gasoline independence dream sinks in dirty fuel oil glut
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-31 | by ( Ana Isabel Martinez | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/3] A general view shows Mexican state oil firm Pemex's Cadereyta refinery in Cadereyta, on the outskirts of Monterrey, Mexico, August 27, 2021. The push to increase Pemex's output, however, has ramped up fuel oil production, due mostly to its refineries' struggle to efficiently process the heavy crude Mexican oil fields pump. CORE PROBLEMSPemex fuel oil is a sludge-like product, especially bad for air quality when burnt to generate electricity due to its high sulfur content, which has diminished its market value. Most refiners seek to minimize production of fuel oil by using coking plants to extract higher value fuels like gasoline and diesel from heavy crude. For now, Pemex's motor fuel production is still eclipsed by what it buys abroad, or around 353,000 bpd of gasoline imports this year through April.

Persons: Daniel Becerril, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Lopez Obrador's, Pemex, Lopez Obrador, Lopez, Ana Isabel Martinez, David Alire Garcia, Dave Graham, Marguerita Choy Organizations: REUTERS, MEXICO CITY, Reuters, Pemex, Comision Federal, Thomson Locations: Cadereyta, Monterrey, Mexico, MEXICO, wean, U.S

☆ Can the World Make an Electric Car Battery Without China?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Agnes Chang | Keith Bradsher | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +10 min

China controls 6% of the world’s nickel 78% of graphite 5% of manganese China controls 6% of the world’s nickel 78% of graphite 5% of manganese Source: CRU Group, U.S.G.S. China makes 73% of NMC cathodes 99% of LFP cathodes China makes 73% of NMC cathodes 99% of LFP cathodes Source: CRU Group Note: Data for “NMC cathodes” category includes NMC, NCA, NMCA; “LFP cathodes” includes LFP, LMFP. China makes 66% of the world’s battery cells 2.8” Cathode Each car has thousands of cells. China makes 54% of the world’s electric cars China makes 54% of the world’s electric cars Source: IEA Note: Data for 2021American investors remain wary about putting money into electric vehicles. Electric car buyers in China get tax rebates, cheaper vehicle registration, preferential parking and access to an extensive charging network.

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