Critical minerals are absolutely vital for the energy transition. Without nickel, copper, lithium, cobalt and other rare earth elements, we simply cannot produce the solar modules, wind turbines, batteries and other technologies necessary to decarbonize the global economy. It’s no surprise then that demand for these critical minerals is expected to almost triple by 2030. 

But mining, processing and incorporating these critical minerals into manufacturing processes can itself result in far too many emissions. In addition, the concentration of related supply chains in just a few – sometimes authoritarian – countries exposes the United States in particular to unacceptable geopolitical risks. 

In this episode, Guy Van Syckle and Chad Reed chat with Coleman Adams, CFO of Nth Cycle – an industry leader in critical metal refining. Coleman discusses the climate and supply chain benefits of Nth Cycle’s first-of-a-kind (FOAK) Oyster facility in Fairfield, Ohio, which produces from recycled materials a critical input needed to manufacture batteries. 

Links

Nth Cycle

Nth Cycle Begins Operations of First Domestic Commercial-Scale Nickel and Cobalt Scrap Refining System in Fairfield, Ohio

Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) Program

Episode recorded October 30, 2024

Email your feedback to Chad, Gil, Hilary, and Guy at climatepositive@hasi.com.