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United States Ranks Next to Last in Development Time for New Mines that Produce Critical Minerals for Energy Transition, S&P Global Finds

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Development of a new U.S. mine—from discovery to production—takes nearly 29 years, on average

NEW YORK, July 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The United States has the second longest lead times in the world for developing a new mine for the critical minerals that are vital to the energy transition, according to new report by S&P Global.* The report, Mine Development Times: The U.S. in Perspective found that it takes an average of 29 years for such mines to go from discovery to production in the United States, longer than any other country except Zambia (34 years).

The long U.S. lead times stand in contrast to the country’s sizeable resource base. The U.S. copper endowment (more than 275 million metric tons in reserves and resources) is comparable to those of Canada and Australia combined and sufficient to satisfy domestic demand for the foreseeable future. The United States’ endowment of lithium (more than 43 million tons in reserves and resources) is more than twice that of Australia, which currently accounts for half of the world’s lithium production. 

“This new analysis underscores a fundamental challenge for the energy transition,” said Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman, S&P Global. “Building the new infrastructure and adopting new technologies in the pursuit of Net-zero 2050 goals will greatly depend on reconciling surging demand with long lead times and other challenges presently encountered in scaling up supply of critical materials.”

The report also shows that the United States receives strikingly less in mining exploration budgets relative to its advanced economy peers. Such investment has been 57% higher in Australia and 81% higher in Canada over the past 15 years. While Canada’s average lead time (27 years) was found to be only slightly better than the United States, greater certainty that a Canadian project will ultimately reach production may partly explain why it attracts significantly higher investment.

The report draws on the combined expertise of S&P Global’s Commodity Insights and Market Intelligence divisions, utilizing the proprietary Global Metals and Mining database. It is the latest addition to a body of research focused on the supply and demand for metals and critical minerals that are fundamental to the energy transition. Previous S&P Global studies found that global copper demand would have to nearly double over the next decade in order to deploy the technologies critical to achieving net-zero by 2050 goals and that U.S. energy transition-related demand for lithium, nickel and cobalt will be 23 times higher in 2035 than it was in 2021.

The new report examines 268 mines around the world to determine average development times from discovery to production. Most of these mines are operating. However, some are non-operating: they are still in development and not yet productive. For these non-operating mines, the report assumes a start-up date of 2030. This (optimistic) assumption provides some consistent basis on which to capture non-operating mines.

Capturing these non-operating mines provides a truer assessment of development times, the report says. Only three mines have come into production in the United States since 2002, while 10 additional non-operating projects have remained in development for decades—one having been in development since 1978.

“This latest research further illustrates that the United States has a vast reserve of critical minerals,” said Mohsen Bonakdarpour, Executive Director, S&P Global Market Intelligence. “Pre-production value of the 10 U.S. mines still in development, though not yet operating, represent a value of more than USD 100 billion worth of copper, gold, lithium and zinc.”

For more information on additional S&P Global studies, please visit Inflation Reduction Act: Impact on North America Metals and Minerals Market and The Future of Copper: Will the Looming Supply Gap Short-circuit the Energy Transition?

*The study included mines for cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, nickel, palladium, platinum, vanadium and zinc

About the Study:

Mine Development Times: The U.S. in Perspective is available at https://cdn.ihsmarkit.com/www/pdf/0724/SPGlobal_NMA_DevelopmentTimesUSinPerspective_June_2024.pdf

This study offers an independent and objective assessment of the time taken from first discovery to first production for mines. Its focus is the U.S. which is compared with peers Canada and Australia. It aims to provide a full perspective of development times by considering both mines that have come online and those still in development.

The study was supported by the National Mining Association of the US (NMA). The Association did not provide data or substantive input to the report. S&P Global is solely responsible for the analysis and conclusions in the report.

About S&P Global

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges, and accelerate progress for the world.

We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com

Media Contacts:
Jeff Marn
S&P Global Commodity Insights
+1 202 463 8213
jeff.marn@spglobal.com 

Kate Smith
S&P Global Market Intelligence
+1 781 301 9311
katherine.smith@spglobal.com or press.mi@spglobal.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-states-ranks-next-to-last-in-development-time-for-new-mines-that-produce-critical-minerals-for-energy-transition-sp-global-finds-302199858.html

SOURCE S&P Global

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Axiado and Posiflex Group Unveil AI-Enabled Secure Control and Management Solution for Intel Servers at COMPUTEX 2025

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Live Computex Demo to Highlight AI-Driven Security, Power Efficiency, and Dynamic Thermal Management Intel Birch Stream and x86 Platforms

TAIPEI, May 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — COMPUTEX 2025 — Axiado Corporation, a leading AI-driven, hardware-anchored platform security solutions company, today announced a partnership with Posiflex Group to demonstrate a new Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) solution with integrated AI capabilities. The joint solution, built on Intel’s Birch Stream server platform, will be showcased at COMPUTEX 2025 in the Posiflex Group booth TaiNEX 1F, Hall 2, Booth P0506 from May 20-23, 2025.

The joint solution, co-developed by Portwell, Inc. and Kiosk Integrated Solutions, Inc., subsidiaries of the Posiflex Group, demonstrates how OpenBMC paired with Axiado’s AI-enabled DC-SCM 2.0 module can meet rising demands for secure, intelligent, and remotely manageable infrastructure.

“Axiado’s AI-driven technologies provide robust computing security and energy-saving benefits in connectivity-centric environment,” said Jackal Wu, Chief Technology Officer of Posiflex Group. “We’re proud to collaborate on this AI BMC initiative, which not only integrates seamlessly with the Intel server platform but also leverages Posiflex’s Remote Management System (RMS) to deliver secure, enterprise-grade remote management.”

This partnership brings together Axiado’s Trusted Control/Compute Unit (TCU) technology with OpenBMC software and Posiflex’s proprietary RMS, delivering an AI-enhanced platform security and control solution for x86-based servers. The integration delivers hardware-anchored protection, energy savings, and thermal efficiency, optimized for edge and enterprise deployments.

“This collaboration marks Axiado’s continued expansion into the Intel server ecosystem with a compelling, integrated AI BMC offering,” said Gopi Sirineni, CEO of Axiado. “We’ve already demonstrated the value of our technology in hyperscale AI infrastructure, and this partnership brings the same security and sustainability benefits to broader server and networking markets.”

The demo at COMPUTEX will highlight key features including AI-enhanced anomaly detection, dynamic thermal management, and root-of-trust-based security integrated directly into the silicon. This solution targets a range of applications including AIoT, edge servers, kiosks, and commercial embedded systems.

About Axiado
Axiado Corporation is an AI-driven platform security solutions company focused on protecting cloud data centers, 5G networks, and critical infrastructure against ransomware, supply chain, side-channel, and other cyberattacks. Axiado’s Trusted Control/Compute Unit (TCU) delivers real-time, pre-emptive threat detection and platform security, while its Dynamic Thermal Management (DTM) solution reduces energy consumption and operational costs in data centers, advancing the goal of carbon-net zero emissions. For more information, visit axiado.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About POSIFLEX Group
Posiflex Group is a global leading Commercial AIoT platform powered by smart Online-to-Offline (O2O) and Scenario-defined Embedded Appliance Solutions. Pillared by three brands, Posiflex Group consists of Posiflex as global top 5 brand in POS & Kiosk, Portwell as Embedded Foundry for AIoT Edge Compute, and KIOSK Information Systems (KIS) for managed self-service automation – together with a common mission to enable optimized productivity and superior customer journey across the connected world. For more information, go to posiflex.com, kiosk.com, portwell.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Axiado

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Firmable Launches the First Deeply Localised AI Sales Platform for New Zealand

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MELBOURNE, Australia, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Firmable, Australia’s leading AI-powered B2B sales intelligence platform, has officially launched into the New Zealand market. With a deep commitment to localised, accurate, and up-to-date B2B data, Firmable fills a significant gap left by global providers who have historically underserved the unique needs of Australian and New Zealand businesses.

The impact is already clear for businesses targeting New Zealand, as Matt Evlampieff, Head of Sales for NZ at Solutions Plus Partnership, explains “Firmable is a key tool in our technology stack to drive sales growth for both us and our customers. Accessing accurate B2B data in New Zealand has always been tough – but Firmable’s depth and precision is now powering our outreach and helping us scale faster in this market.”

With over 211,000 New Zealand businesses and 1.22 million decision-makers, Firmable delivers the most comprehensive and precise B2B dataset in the market. From hyper-targeted contact lists to outreach-ready sales leads, the platform helps businesses find and convert more of their ideal customers, faster.

Co-founded by seasoned tech entrepreneurs Leigh Jasper, Paul Perrett and Karthik Venkatasubramanian – the team behind Aconex (acquired by Oracle for $1.6 billion) –  Firmable is on a mission to take the guesswork out of B2B sales and marketing.

“Sales and marketing teams in New Zealand face the same challenge we see in Australia – a lack of reliable, compliant, and local data that actually reflects the companies they’re trying to reach,” said Paul Perrett, Co-CEO. “With Firmable, we’re bringing a new level of accuracy and accessibility to B2B data in New Zealand, leveraging AI to power insights that drive smarter, more effective sales teams by building better contact lists and uncovering more valuable leads.”

Leigh Jasper, Co-CEO, added, “The explosion of data and the rapidly growing impact of AI is a massive technology disruption. Recognising a clear gap in the market for reliable business data, we saw an opportunity to deliver data-driven insights and build another ANZ-led global technology success story.”

Firmable’s New Zealand offering includes:

Data on over 211,000 New Zealand businesses1.22 million verified decision-maker records with email addresses and mobile numbersRegionally specific business data such as local council areas and NZBNsLocally curated business registers including NZSX listed companies, start-ups, financial institutions, schools, hospitality businesses, and moreDedicated local New Zealand and Australian-based team

Firmable’s New Zealand launch marks a significant step in its mission to provide better, more reliable B2B data across the region. By delivering unmatched accuracy, local expertise, and region-specific insights, Firmable is empowering B2B teams to sell smarter and scale faster. The launch coincides with NZ Techweek – a national celebration of innovation and technology – with Firmable hosting a launch party and events throughout the week to connect with local businesses and celebrate the expansion.

Firmable is now available for trial or purchase at https://firmable.com for companies looking to accelerate their growth through better business data.

About Firmable

Firmable is ANZ’s leading AI–powered B2B sales intelligence platform, providing sales and marketing teams with accurate, localised, and up-to-date business intelligence. With a focus on deep regional insights, Firmable helps companies prospect more effectively, personalise outreach, and accelerate growth across Australia and New Zealand.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/firmable-launches-the-first-deeply-localised-ai-sales-platform-for-new-zealand-302458409.html

SOURCE Firmable Pty Ltd.

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Sustainable and safer aviation sealant and adhesive: Filipino inventor Mark Kennedy Bantugon in top 10 innovators for the Young Inventors Prize 2025

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Filipino aeronautical engineer Mark Kennedy Bantugon has developed a sustainable aircraft sealant and adhesive made from agricultural waste of Pili tree resinSealants and adhesives are commonly used in planes, but traditional solutions usually contain harmful chemical components Bantugon is one of ten innovators for the Young Inventors Prize, to be awarded by the European Patent Office (EPO) on 18 June 2025

MUNICH, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The aviation industry depends on sealants to prevent fuel leaks, but conventional options usually contain toxic chemicals that may pose health risks and must be treated as hazardous waste. Filipino aeronautical engineer Mark Kennedy Bantugon (26) has developed Pili Seal®, a bio-based alternative derived from the agricultural waste of Pili tree resin. The material, an aircraft sealant and adhesive, aims to improve workplace safety in the aviation industry and reduce environmental impact while offering a locally sourced, biodegradable option. Bantugon’s innovation has earned him a place as one of the ten global innovators in the Young Inventors Prize 2025, known as Tomorrow Shapers. They were selected from 450 candidates by an independent jury.

Using waste for a safer and cleaner world

For over fifty years, polysulfide-based sealants have been the industry standard for preventing fuel leaks in aircraft. However, they may cause skin and respiratory irritation, and their disposal poses an environmental challenge, especially when heated or burned. The European Chemicals Agency has identified substances commonly found in adhesives and sealants as hazardous, highlighting the need for careful handling and disposal.

Pili Seal® offers a safer alternative to some toxic petrochemical derived sealants and adhesives, using a by-product of the perfume industry. This two-part sealant and adhesive combines the agricultural waste Pili tree resin with a solvent and hardening agent, providing both sealing and adhesive properties. It withstands fuel exposure, heat and pressure, making it suitable for aircraft fuel tanks and other high-performance applications. The sealant has been thoroughly tested, with four formulations passing industry-standard flammability tests.

Beyond aviation, this invention has the potential to be used in construction, automotive, marine and defence industries, contributing to a circular economy by repurposing 155 million kilograms of agricultural Pili Tree resin waste generated annually in the Philippines, primarily from the perfume and food industries.

Inspired by necessity, built for the future

Bantugon’s early exposure to farm life in Batangas (Philippines) played a crucial role in his innovation journey. As a child, he and his siblings patched leaky roofs using chewing gum, sparking his curiosity about adhesives and sealants. This interest continued into his aeronautical engineering studies, where an internship at Lufthansa Technik Philippines exposed him to the hazards of conventional sealants and adhesives.

Determined to develop a safer and more sustainable alternative, Bantugon experimented with resins from six different trees before selecting Pili tree resin.  The resin’s natural stickiness offers ideal adhesive properties, while its fragrant odour makes it easy to work with, especially in confined spaces. Overcoming multiple challenges, he refined 84 different formulations before achieving the final composition. To commercialise his sealant, Bantugon founded Pili AdheSeal Inc. in 2024.

“My mother, a public-school teacher, helped me understand the value of a strong and well-rounded education. My father, as a farmer, introduced me to the farm as a training ground—a place where I learned about different plants, animals, trees, and, most importantly, the potential in waste materials,” Bantugon explained.

The Young Inventors Prize celebrates worldwide innovators 30 and under using technology to address global challenges posed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By transforming agricultural waste into a high-performance sealant, Mark Kennedy Bantugon is directly contributing to UN SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure).

The prizes of the 2025 edition will be announced during a ceremony livestreamed from Iceland on 18 June 2025. 

Find more information about the invention’s impact, the technology and the inventor’s story here.

About the Young Inventors Prize

Aimed at individuals 30 and under, the Young Inventors Prize showcases the transformative power of youth-driven solutions and recognises the remarkable young people paving the way to a more sustainable future. Established in 2022, trophies were first handed out during the European Inventor Award ceremony. From 2025 onwards, the Prize will move up a gear with its own dedicated event, held separately from the Award. Among the 10 Tomorrow Shapers selected for each edition, three will be awarded a special prize: World Builders, Community Healers, and Nature Guardians. In addition, a People’s Choice winner, voted by the public online, will be revealed. Each Tomorrow Shaper will receive EUR 5 000, the three special prize winners will each receive an extra EUR 15 000. The People’s Choice winner will be awarded an additional EUR 5 000. Read more on the Young Inventors Prize eligibility and selection criteria.

About the EPO

With 6,300 staff members, the European Patent Office (EPO) is one of the largest public service institutions in Europe. Headquartered in Munich with offices in Berlin, Brussels, The Hague and Vienna, the EPO was founded with the aim of strengthening co-operation on patents in Europe. Through the EPO’s centralised patent granting procedure, inventors are able to obtain high-quality patent protection in up to 46 countries, covering a market of some 700 million people. The EPO is also the world’s leading authority in patent information and patent searching.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sustainable-and-safer-aviation-sealant-and-adhesive-filipino-inventor-mark-kennedy-bantugon-in-top-10-innovators-for-the-young-inventors-prize-2025-302458470.html

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