Enchem Files Patent for Water-Based Single-Wall CNT Conductive Material

U.S. Strategic Metals (USSM) and Virtus Minerals signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The two parties reached a strategic cooperation in critical minerals between North America and Africa. Under the agreement, cobalt, copper and other products produced at Virtus’ Chemaf project will be supplied directly to the United States, with priority given to processing at USSM’s multi-metallic hydrometallurgical plant in Fredericktown, Missouri. The facility is capable of processing critical minerals including cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements. The partnership will strengthen America’s independent supply chain and reduce reliance on other adversary-controlled sources.

Samsung SDI said on the 15th that it is focusing on battery development for robotics and urban air mobility (UAM) applications. Speaking at the SNE Research Global Battery Conference NGBS 2026 in Seoul, a senior vice president from the company’s advanced development and technology strategy teams emphasized that batteries will play a key role in connecting AI and human-centered environments as AI converges with humanoid robotics. The company also confirmed that it is internally preparing mass production plans for sodium-ion batteries and may make an official announcement by the end of this year or next year.

LG Energy Solution said on the 15th that it has completed development of an NCMA battery with more than 95% nickel content and is currently applying it to customer projects. Speaking at the SNE Research Global Battery Conference NGBS 2026 held in Seoul, a senior executive from the company’s advanced cell development group stated that this marks the first official confirmation of real-world deployment for a battery exceeding 95% nickel content. LG Energy Solution is already supplying ultra high-nickel batteries with over 94% nickel content to global automakers, and the new product represents a further step toward higher energy density.