Researchers argue that Digital Rock Physics could help the UK and Europe move from critical minerals targets to practical supply-chain implementation by linking 3D imaging, correlative chemistry, AI, and pore-scale modeling. The paper positions DRP as a shared infrastructure for assessing complex ores, brines, tailings, and recycling feedstocks, while stressing that validation, data standards, upscaling, and industrial access remain key barriers.
By Dr. Noopur Jain
9 Jun 2026
Oxford Instruments, a leading provider of advanced plasma processing solutions for the compound semiconductor industry, today announced its role in supporting ROHM Co., Ltd. as the company transitions 650 V gallium nitride (GaN) power device manufacturing in-house.
Researchers developed regenerated cellulose fibers inspired by cherry bark’s helical architecture, using microfluidic spinning to create a biaxially oriented structure with spider silk-like toughness. The fibers reached 553 MPa tensile strength, 41% fracture strain, and 184 MJ m?³ toughness, and could be woven into durable fabrics for future sustainable textiles and structural materials.
By Muhammad Osama
8 Jun 2026
At the atomic scale, nothing is ever truly still. Materials that appear perfectly rigid and motionless to the naked eye are in fact swarms of vibrating atoms.
Ionic Mineral Technologies, North America's vertically integrated answer for rare earth and critical mineral independence today announced two major advancements for its flagship Silicon Ridge project in Utah, underscoring its scale and development potential.
Researchers used pulsed sub-atomic layer deposition to control both composition and metal-atom distribution in Mo-W-S2 monolayers across the full MoS2-to-WS2 range. The study shows how engineered line structures and elongated islands can shift excitonic emission, pointing toward future quantum-dot and quantum-wire-like 2D materials.
By Muhammad Osama
6 Jun 2026
Master Bond MasterSil 981-LO is a two component, addition cured silicone system designed for bonding, sealing, coating, and encapsulating applications.
China is set to significantly expand its caustic soda production capacity as it seeks to meet surging domestic demand from various sectors, mainly alumina refining, battery materials, and cleaning product manufacturing.
Researchers at Ames National Laboratory are advancing the discovery of materials for rare-earth-free permanent magnets by combining fundamental physics with artificial intelligence.
Researchers mapped more than 9,000 young CO2-rich igneous rock samples and found that lithospheric thickness strongly controls where these unusual magmas form. The findings show that deep Earth structure can help predict carbonatite-hosted rare-earth element deposits, with implications for critical mineral exploration.
By Akshatha Chandrashekar
4 Jun 2026
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory are helping show what it means to design a material almost atom-by-atom.
Onto Innovation’s Tucson-based subsidiary 4D Technology announced today the launch of the 4Di InSpec™ SR roughness measurement system - a novel, portable, vibration-immune optical system for high-precision 3D surface roughness measurement at the point of use.
A six-country Belt and Road analysis found that mineral resources, regional economies, and mineral product imports became more closely coordinated from 2017 to 2022. The findings suggest that regional infrastructure, trade links, and resource-development policies may help countries capture greater economic value from mineral resources.
By Akshatha Chandrashekar
3 Jun 2026
Ambrell, an inTEST Company and a leading manufacturer of induction heating solutions, will offer three complimentary PRO Skills Webinars in June and July.
A major step in energy storage development hummed to life this month as researchers flipped on a new battery production line at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.