SIGMA Lithium Resources Corporation (Sigma) is pleased to announce the signing of a term sheet for a US$45 million senior secured project finance facility to be led by Societe Generale. The Bank Project Finance Facility will be used for the construction and development of the Company's world-class and green Li Grota do Cirilo project in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

In order to protect and rationally develop rare earth and tungsten mines, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China announce that China will implement total mining control on rare earth ore (REO) and tungsten concentrates in 2020. The total mining control index for rare-earth minerals in China will be 140,000 tons in 2020. China's total tungsten-concentrate mining control index is 105,000 tons.

Lithium extraction from seawater may address the growing demand for lithium of the booming electric vehicle sales in the future. However, lithium, the light metal, which is essential for making power-packed rechargeable batteries, isn't abundant in land, while in marine water is plenty. To address the resource issue, scholars report a major step toward tapping a virtually limitless lithium supply: pulling it straight out of saltwater.

Analysis of latest tungsten market from Chinatungsten Online

The tungsten carbide powder and cesium tungsten bronze prices in China keep stable in the week began on Monday July 20 when the whole market is weak under the pressure from the effects of Covid-19. Most insiders are waiting for the new guide prices from tungsten institutions and listed companies. 

At present, tungsten trioxide nanoparticles, which are relatively reasonably priced and relatively loose in spot supply, may accelerate the production process of cobalt-free batteries.

The US rare earths miner MP Materials will merge with a private equity-backed "blank check" company to be publicly listed at $1.47 billion, underscoring Wall Street's rising interest in efforts to boost production of the strategic minerals. According to a Reuters report.

Sticky bits make better lithium batteries. Rice University's scientific research team used tape as an entry point and combined with some advanced laser technology, developed a promising new electrode material. This material can overcome the long-standing problems of current lithium batteries and is expected to greatly improve the performance of the battery.

Analysis of latest tungsten market from Chinatungsten Online

China tungsten price was in the upward trend in the week ended on Friday July 17, 2020 in the wake of boosted market confidence and good expectation for the supply and de sides. However, considering the instability in the economy and relatively weak demand, deals are hard to increase in the short term. 

Rare earth market quotation in China: terbium oxide price climbs slightly while lanthanum oxide and praseodymium oxide prices remain stable in late July. Under the influence of many uncertain factors, both the supply and demand sides are weak. Participants mostly maintain cautious operations and focus on on-demand procurement. 

Molybdenum market quotation in China: the prices of molybdenum concentrate, molybdenum oxide and molybdenum rod are unchanged in the first trading day in the week began on Monday July 20 when the market shows signs of rise.