Latest news with #GEM
India.com
3 hours ago
- Science
- India.com
Your Old Phone? Its A Gold Mine! Scientists Unveil Easiest Way To Extract Gold Sustainably And Its Going Viral
With the planet confronting a speeding expansion of electronic waste, researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery: an alternative, environmentally friendly, and safe way to extract gold from old phones, computers, and other devices. This breakthrough approach, outlined in a Nature Sustainability paper, offers a cleaner solution to the existing, frequently destructive, gold recuperation methods. The age of technology, driven by quick development of AI and internet technologies, is producing e-waste at a shocking pace. In its Global E-waste Monitor (GEM) 2024 report, the UN declared that an astonishing 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced worldwide in 2022, up 82% on 2010. By 2030, the level is set to increase by a further 32% to 82 million tonnes. This mounting mountain of thrown-away electronics destroys the environment while also valuing billions of dollars worth of valuable resources lost forever, with just 1% of world rare earth element demand being fulfilled through recycling of e-waste. A Greener Method Of Gold Recovery The new method provides a potential solution, bypassing harsh chemicals common in conventional gold recovery and minimizing the health and environmental hazards of small-scale gold mining. The process, proven on electronic waste, natural ores, and other gold-bearing materials, consists of three critical steps: Gold Dissolution: Gold is dissolved initially with trichloroisocyanuric acid, a chemical most commonly used as a disinfectant in swimming pools, and activated with a halide catalyst to oxidize the gold in the e-waste. Gold Binding: The newly created polysulfide polymer sorbent is then added. This novel polymer selectively absorbs dissolved gold from the solution. Gold Recovery: The trapped gold is retrieved in very high purity using either pyrolysis (heating) or depolymerization of the gold-bound polymer. The polymer can also be recyclable for reuse, making the technique even more sustainable. This method is an important development towards greener primary and recycled production. Its potential for industrial-scale use could turn waste electronics into valuable material, fostering responsible global e-waste recycling. With the sheer volume of e-waste generated each year still booming—comparable to 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks lined up around the equator—this scientific advancement presents a glimmer of hope, converting erstwhile trash into a precious, recoverable treasure.
NDTV
5 hours ago
- Science
- NDTV
How To Extract Gold From Old Phones And Laptops: Scientists Reveal Simple New Method
As the digital age accelerates, the world is facing a mounting challenge: electronic waste. Driven by rapid advancements in AI and internet-based technologies, discarded phones, laptops, and other devices are piling up at an alarming rate. According to the UN's Global E-waste Monitor (GEM), e-waste is growing five times faster than it is being properly recycled. In 2022 alone, a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated-an 82% increase since 2010. This volume is expected to rise another 32%, reaching 82 million tonnes by 2030. The discarded devices not only contribute to environmental harm but also represent billions of dollars in lost rare and valuable resources. Shockingly, just 1% of global rare earth element demand is currently met through e-waste recycling. However, scientists have now developed a promising solution. A new, safe, and sustainable method for extracting gold from electronic waste has been published in Nature Sustainability. The technique offers a cleaner alternative to current practices and could also reduce the health and environmental risks linked to small-scale gold mining. The authors of the study offer insight into the method. Here's how it works: Step 1: Gold Dissolution - Gold is first dissolved using trichloroisocyanuric acid, which is activated by a halide catalyst to oxidize gold from e-waste materials. Step 2: Gold Binding - A specially developed polysulfide polymer sorbent is introduced to selectively bind the dissolved gold from the leach solution. Step 3: Gold Recovery - The gold is then recovered in high purity by either pyrolyzing or depolymerizing the polymer that captured it. The newly validated process has proven effective on electronic waste, natural ores, and other gold-containing materials. Unlike traditional mining methods, it avoids the use of harsh chemicals, making it a more environmentally friendly and safer alternative. This technique presents a sustainable solution for gold extraction, supporting greener production from both primary and recycled sources. With significant potential for large-scale application, it transforms discarded electronics into valuable resources, promoting responsible e-waste recycling. As e-waste continues to surge-equivalent to 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks forming a line around the equator-this breakthrough offers hope. By turning trash into treasure, the method could play a crucial role in global recycling efforts and resource recovery.
The Market Online
a day ago
- Business
- The Market Online
Black Swan Graphene secures distribution in India
Black Swan Graphene (TSXV:SWAN) signed a non-exclusive distribution and sales agreement with METCO Resources, a top supplier of specialty materials and polymers in India Black Swan is pursuing large-scale production of patented high-performance graphene products for strategic industries Black Swan Graphene stock has given back 20.19 per cent year-over-year Black Swan Graphene (TSXV:SWAN) signed a non-exclusive distribution and sales agreement with METCO Resources, a top supplier of specialty materials and polymers in India. Black Swan will provide its graphene-enhanced masterbatches (GEM) for numerous polymer applications. The product is designed to enhance the weight, processing and conductivity of materials for a wide variety of industrial clients, seamlessly integrating into existing supply chains while potentially reducing additive costs. METCO Resources, for its part, will distribute and promote Black Swan's graphene nanoplatelets and GEM masterbatch products to customers in India's industrial, packaging, automotive and construction industries. According to Friday's news release, the agreement 'marks a significant step in expanding Black Swan's global footprint and accelerating the adoption of graphene-based solutions in one of the fastest-growing markets in the world.' The global graphene market hit US$570.3 million in 2024 and is expected to surpass US$5.1 billion by 2032, posting a staggering compound annual growth rate of 31.8 per cent. Leadership insights 'This partnership with METCO aligns with our strategy to collaborate with experienced regional players who understand the local market needs and have strong technical and commercial capabilities,' Michael Edwards, Black Swan Graphene's chief operating officer, said in a statement. 'India is a rapidly growing market for advanced materials, and we are excited to introduce our graphene-enhanced solutions to a broader audience through this collaboration .' 'We are proud to partner with Black Swan, a recognized innovator in advanced materials,' added Jitendra Mehta, managing director of METCO. 'Their graphene-enhanced masterbatches offer tremendous potential to improve performance and sustainability in polymer applications. Our team is eager to bring these next-generation materials to Indian manufacturers seeking to gain a competitive edge.' About Black Swan Graphene Black Swan Graphene is pursuing large-scale production of patented high-performance graphene products for strategic industries. The company has launched seven products since 2024, all of which are currently being tested by numerous international clients. Black Swan Graphene stock (TSXV:SWAN) last traded at C$0.83. The stock has given back 20.19 per cent year-over-year. Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about this graphene stock on the Black Swan Graphene Inc. Bullboard and check out the rest of Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here.
Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Abandoned coal mines could power South Africa's solar future
File photo A bright new future is being touted for Mpumalanga's degraded and scarred coal mining Researchers from the These sites in the country's largest coal-producing province, either on closed mines or those expected to close in this decade, are within 5km of the electricity grid. They could produce nearly 13 gigawatts (GW) of Worldwide, coal mines that have been abandoned or will close by the end of this decade hold enough potential photovoltaic (PV) solar capacity to power a country the size of Germany for a year. 'We identified 18 South African coal mines for our report, noting that most of those in Mpumalanga were close to a grid connection, making them easier to get online as solar farms,' said Ryan Driskell Tate, an associate director at GEM. But that's just the 'speartip of possibility', he said, noting that the country has a far bigger potential for coal mine to solar repurposing. 'South Africa has about 400 old coal mines. Many of those are now considered Given the number of abandoned mines, South Africa would have been featured more prominently in GEM's report, 'but there's been a On top of that, South Africa has 153 surface coal mines currently in operation — the seventh-most in the world. 'When those operations close, either because they've exhausted the life of the mine or for other retirement commitments, that opens the possibility for alternative uses,' Tate said. Given the problem of hundreds of derelict mines and the world-class solar potential in South Africa, this is a 'potential win-win', he argued. 'These projects spare local communities land-use conflicts, and put people to work preparing the old sites and installing the solar. With the right incentives, solar developers could create jobs, clean up the mess at derelict mines, and provide the next generation of power.' 'Buried sunshine' In 2024, the world installed a record-breaking 599GW of solar capacity while more than 2 000GW of utility-scale solar projects are being developed, according to GEM. But that requires widespread land use and developers often struggle to secure prime locations that aren't already in use or off limits. 'What looks ideal on a solar map can prove impractical on the ground. However, vast tracts of scarred landscapes already sit idle in much of the world waiting for a second act — abandoned coal mines.' The researchers found that the world's largest coal producers — Australia, Indonesia, the US and India — hold some of the greatest potential for solar redevelopment on mine lands. Still, 28 countries, including South Africa, with recently abandoned surface coal mines, are suitable for repurposing, representing potential solar capacity of 288GW. Idled, degraded Drawing on data in the The analysis further identified 3 731km2²of mine land that may be abandoned by operators before the end of 2030 because coal reserves have been depleted and the reported life of the mine. If those operations close, they could site an additional 185GW of solar power capacity. In total, an estimated 446 coal mines and 5 820km2 of abandoned mine lands could be suitable for solar repurposing. With development, those projects could harbour nearly 300GW of PV solar potential, equivalent to 15% of the globally installed solar capacity. Some of these projects are already under way. According to the report, GEM's new data on coal-to-solar projects showed that China has 90 operational coal mine-to-solar conversions, with a capacity of 14GW, and 46 more projects, with 9GW, in planning. Coal-to-solar transition The GEM report noted that the coal-to-solar transition offers a 'rare chance' to repair the environmental hazards and eyesores of open pits. It could generate an estimated 259 700 permanent jobs at coal-to-solar transition sites in manufacturing, wholesale trade and distribution, and professional services. During construction, these projects would create 317 500 temporary construction jobs, which together is more than the number of workers that the coal industry is Although the number of permanent jobs is not nearly enough to offset mining job losses, particularly in China and India, they can 'provide a lifeline to communities sorely in need of a just transition', according to the report It noted that constructing solar on upheaved lands isn't only land reclamation but a chance to align land restoration, clean energy goals, and local job creation. Although recent closures are the likeliest candidates for new development, many other closed mines may still be in suitable condition. Since 2010, the world has closed more than 6 000 coal mines. 'The earlier closures happened, the harder it is for developers to trace ownership tenures and infrastructural changes that could impede future repurposing, though it is still possible to scrutinise project viability on a site-by-site basis,' the report said. Since 2020, the coal industry's decline has closed more than 700 underground and surface operations. 'With phaseouts in motion, government climate goals, and economic unviability, coal mine closures will keep mounting in the years ahead,' the report noted. Presently, 3 800 coal mines produce 95% of the world's coal. With national commitments to phase out coal in 33 countries, the industry will leave behind hundreds of abandoned mines — and eventually thousands 'once mega producers China and India chip away at the industry'. Although no agency publishes figures on the number of square kilometres 'eaten by coal mining', a team of academics at Vienna University used satellite imagery and machine learning to report that the world has more than 101 583km2 of These sites include long-abandoned operations and sites ill-suited for repurposing. 'But coal contributed over half of all mineral fuels extracted in 2023, producing over eight billion tonnes. 'The open pit mines alone are only part of the problem: the coal mine industry also disturbs the vicinity around mines for processing, transportation, sludge storage, and power,' the report said. Cleaning the mess Reclamation and cleaning up the mess after mining is not a standard routine in much of the world. 'Without a profit motive to remediate, and weak government enforcement, many companies simply walk away — leaving behind unstable land and unmet obligations. As such, old mining sites have become prone to hazards and accidents,' the report said. A common hurdle to building solar projects on former coal mines is identifying landowners. 'When coal operations close, companies often unload properties to junior firms or file for bankruptcy. The change in ownership makes it difficult to track control of land titles over time,' the report noted. The coal mines identified for repurposing from 2020 to 2030 offer a wide spectrum of solar opportunities. About a third of the 438 coal mine sites are suitable for community-scale solar projects, while most are capable of supporting larger, utility-scale solar developments. In most cases, abandoned coal mines are near grid infrastructure such as transmission lines and substations. For recently closed mines, 96% are within 10km of the grid and 91% are within 10km of a grid connection such as a substation. For operating mines expected to close before the end of 2030, 87% are within 10km of the grid and 76% are within 10km of a grid connection. 'These mines are so close to the grid that renewable developers have even investigated the locations for large-scale battery storage. Some sites have also been explored for green hydrogen production. The proximity to the grid can make these coal-to-solar projects more cost-competitive,' the report said. It noted that when coal mines are repurposed for solar, the results can range from small community arrays to large utility-scale projects. The size of the buildout influences the cost, complexity and political landscape. Smaller projects of one to five megawatts (MW) 'can be quick wins', plugging into local distribution lines to power neighbourhoods, often with strong local support. 'They carry higher costs per megawatt and usually need creative financing such as bundling multiple sites into a single portfolio. But small projects have a considerably better chance of progressing in areas where big projects will never break ground. The mid-sized solar projects (five to 50MW) mix ambition with feasibility — big enough to attract corporate buyers and competitive investment but still small enough to tap into existing grid infrastructure without major upgrades. 'Mega projects over 100MW often require transmission buildout, vast land preparation, and serious patience. But for coal communities looking to make an energy transition once and for all, these large utility-scale projects can radically transform communities into clean energy hubs,' the report said. 'Avoid more Komatis' Bringing a coal mine back from ruin is no easy task. 'As with many derelict landscapes, clearing debris, scrap materials or remnants of past industrial activity is required before work can safely begin. 'With deep surface mines, slopes are often unstable and prone to erosion and collapse. Pits can fill with toxic runoff and coal ash, and other industrial wastes can leach into nearby waterways.' Sinkholes The researchers said abandoned mines have led to dangerous conditions, including Reclamation helps make the land safer for solar industry workers and surrounding communities. These restoration processes can stabilise unsettled ground, mitigate hazardous zones, and restore healthier soil layers. Adding solar infrastructure on top reinforces that process, keeping the land in productive use while reducing the risk of erosion and runoff pollution. 'Instead of abandoned scars on the landscape, these sites become managed, monitored spaces, cutting down on environmental hazards and offering a safer footprint for the communities around them,' the report said. These transitions are especially crucial as abandoned mines become more common with the rundown in the coal market and phaseout of coal. Tate said that in Mpumalanga's case, as coal mines close, locals need to be included in decisions or offered retraining and support to avoid the kinds of 'The environmental damage from mining, including polluted water and soil, also require clean-up alongside solar development. That's important for the projects and the community. 'South Africa has national plans, of course, but communities in Mpumalanga — who've powered the country for generations — are still navigating this shift without some of the authority they need. Developers still lack clear incentives to build on degraded coal land, and the promised support for retraining and land rehabilitation has been slow to materialise,' Tate said. With real investment in community-led planning and public accountability, projects could begin on viable sites. 'While timelines vary, projects can get going in six to 18 months depending on the local circumstance,' he argued. The GEM report articulated how the legacy of coal is 'written into the land' — in open pits, buried seams, and abandoned sites that still shape local economies and environments. 'But that legacy does not have to define the future … Repurposing mine lands for solar development offers a rare chance to bring together land restoration, local job creation and clean energy deployment in a single strategy.' The world's largest coal-producing regions hold the greatest potential for solar development on disturbed lands, in those places where grid connections often already exist, where skilled labour forces stand ready, and where reclamation is urgently needed, according to the report. 'The transformation will require policy frameworks that prioritise renewable development on mine lands, investment strategies that recognise the value of linking reclamation with clean energy, and community engagement that puts local jobs and voices at the centre of the work.'
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Presale tickets for G.E.M. concert in Hong Kong gone in just over an hour
Presale tickets for Hong Kong singer Gloria Tang Tsz-kei were snapped up in just over an hour, with nearly 120,000 Hongkongers at one point vying to see the artist also known as G.E.M and dubbed 'China's Taylor Swift'. A Post reporter who visited the Klook app at Wednesday, when ticket sales opened, observed that there was a queue of over 24,000 people waiting to buy tickets to the second edition of Tang's 'I AM GLORIA' world tour. Less than five minutes later, the number of people waiting jumped to over 90,000, and shortly thereafter peaked at around 119,900. At around 12.40pm, the Post reporter was brought to the page to purchase tickets and given ten minutes to confirm the transaction. While some stand tickets and bundles were listed as available, the reporter was unable to progress to the payment option. 'Some tickets are on hold. If they are not paid for in time, they might become available again,' a notice on the Klook app said when the reporter tried to purchase a ticket. The reporter was then removed from the purchasing window and placed at the end of the queue. Shortly after 1pm, Klook said that all tickets for the event were sold out.
