HT Natural Resources Ltd.

The Economist Intelligence: EIU Unit published Industry Outlook 2025. Here is a summary of the Automotive section. New vehicle sales are projected to rise by 2% and are expected to reach a record 97.2 million units in 2025. Global new vehicle sales will surpass 2017 records after recovery from pandemic-related disruptions. The electric vehicle (EV) segment is expected to grow by 16% to 19.4 million units. EV market growth is transitioning from early adopters to mainstream consumers. EV profitability for automakers is anticipated to improve with increased sales and easing commodity prices. New commercial vehicles (CVs) are projected to rise by 4%. Trade barriers, however, are expected to impede faster growth and maintain high EV prices. Western automakers are navigating competition from China while balancing old and new technologies. US-China geopolitical rivalry impacts EV supply chains and increases local content requirements. Rising tariffs on Chinese EVs and components are prompting a shift in automakers' supply chain strategies. The outcome of the US presidential election could significantly impact the EV transition. Trump’s potential return could reverse current EV policies and increase emissions. Harris’s leadership might continue current EV and emissions policies, supporting sales and infrastructure investment. Foreign carmakers in China are facing declining market share. EV makers such as BYD and Tesla aiming for global expansion despite trade barriers, while some legacy automakers are on track to achieve EV profitability soon. Automation and AI will increasingly feature in new vehicles. However, full self-driving cars are still distant. There is a growing trend of in-car subscriptions for navigation and further advanced assistance. Besides automotive, you can find more in the report at https://lnkd.in/dv25z2Xp for consumer goods and retail, energy, finance, healthcare and technology and telecoms sectors. #automotive #transition #electricvehicles #China #BYD #tesla #automakers #AI

McKinsey & Company discusses the vital role of the #CFO in addressing carbon #emissions within their organisations. While #compliance with regulations is essential, developing a strategic approach to #carbonmanagement is crucial. Companies must ensure they meet customer demands, adapt to changing regulations, and utilise practical carbon management tools. Key challenges include inconsistent emissions data and the #complexity of carbon compliance, which can impact financial and reputational standing. There is a need for context-specific carbon management strategies that align with a company’s operations and stakeholder expectations. By improving internal metrics and #accountability, companies can leverage robust #carbonreporting to enhance #transparency, identify new business opportunities, and reduce decarbonisation #costs. The finance function should integrate #carbonaccounting with financial reporting to drive better #decision-making. To implement effective carbon management, CFOs are encouraged to establish clear goals, assess current gaps in processes and systems, and select appropriate #ERP solutions that facilitate detailed carbon accounting. Proactive engagement in carbon management can create value and help companies navigate regulatory landscapes while meeting stakeholder expectations. More can be found in the article below. https://lnkd.in/dAtsGjEV

"In an era of geopolitical shifts, technological disruption, and growing demands for sustainability, ensuring the security and #resilience of our supply chains is more #critical than ever." This was the key message by Tom Palmer, President and CEO of Newmont Corporation, in his address at the annual Minerals Week Resources Minister's breakfast this week. A lack of #investment and a shortage of #skills across the global #supplychain for all #minerals worsen the situation he described.

Rio Tinto is set to bolster its standing in #energytransition commodities by acquiring Arcadium Lithium for US$6.7 billion. This strategic move includes integrating Arcadium's #lithium operations, which currently boast a capacity of 75,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent with plans to double by the end of 2028. The acquisition aligns with Rio Tinto's disciplined capital allocation framework, aiming to establish a world-class lithium business. Arcadium's presence spans #Argentina and #Australia, with downstream conversion assets in the #USA, #China, #Japan, and the #UK. Noteworthy is Arcadium's operation of the sole integrated mine-to-metal production facility in the Western Hemisphere for high-purity lithium metal, a key element of next-generation #battery technologies. Additionally, Arcadium has been a pioneer in direct lithium extraction (#DLE) technology for over two decades. Leveraging Rio Tinto's financial strength and operational expertise, this acquisition is poised to drive growth in the high-demand lithium market. The collaboration is expected to yield synergies and tap into complementary resources, positioning Rio Tinto to capitalise on the projected surge in lithium demand through 2040. For more details, visit [Rio Tinto to Acquire Arcadium Lithium](https://lnkd.in/dvkBbEwz)

A late but heartfelt thanks to Mehmet Somer, ONURALP YUCEL, and Özge Balcı, Assoc. Prof., the symposium chairs of ISBB 2024. The 22nd International Symposium on Boron, Borides and Related Materials was a week-long event earlier this month. The symposium delved into recent progress on the synthesis, properties, and applications of #boron, offering valuable #discussion instances and insights into new #research topics. #Istanbul's vibrant setting also provided further #networking opportunities amidst stunning scenery and picturesque locales throughout the week.

Great event, ISBB 2024, last month - thank you again to the chairs, organising committee and fellow participants! ISBB (International Symposium on Boron, Borides and related materials)

I'll speak at The Mining Show on 26-27 November in Dubai on green mining, future financing of the mining industry, critical minerals, and COP28. Register today and be part of the conversation! https://lnkd.in/dA_cvcQy #TheMiningShow

Rio Tinto is set to bolster its standing in #energytransition commodities by acquiring Arcadium Lithium for US$6.7 billion. This strategic move includes integrating Arcadium's #lithium operations, which currently boast a capacity of 75,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent with plans to double by the end of 2028. The acquisition aligns with Rio Tinto's disciplined capital allocation framework, aiming to establish a world-class lithium business. Arcadium's presence spans #Argentina and #Australia, with downstream conversion assets in the #USA, #China, #Japan, and the #UK. Noteworthy is Arcadium's operation of the sole integrated mine-to-metal production facility in the Western Hemisphere for high-purity lithium metal, a key element of next-generation #battery technologies. Additionally, Arcadium has been a pioneer in direct lithium extraction (#DLE) technology for over two decades. Leveraging Rio Tinto's financial strength and operational expertise, this acquisition is poised to drive growth in the high-demand lithium market. The collaboration is expected to yield synergies and tap into complementary resources, positioning Rio Tinto to capitalise on the projected surge in lithium demand through 2040. For more details, visit [Rio Tinto to Acquire Arcadium Lithium] https://lnkd.in/eCH6h-JF

I will moderate the panel discussion on how to accelerate the construction of a secure and resilient key resource supply system at Li-ION BATTERY EUROPE 2024 on Thursday, October 10, in #Brussels. Join me and the esteemed panellists Andrea Di Masi of SQM, Mirco Wojnarowicz of Rock Tech Lithium, Anne Oxley of Brazilian Nickel, Tom Fairlie of Cobalt Institute, and Florian Anderhuber of Euromines. The discussion will be around #supply and #demand projections considering #emerging technologies in the #battery chemistries, achieving supply chain #resiliency within the context of #policy development, commodity #prices and #investment/financing options, #circulareconomy and the importance of strategic #initiatives and #partnerships throughout the system. I look forward to an insightful conversation and seeing you there! https://lnkd.in/dd_GG3PY #LiBE2024 #PanelDiscussion #SecureSupplyChain

I am excited to announce that I will speak at Li-ION BATTERY EUROPE 2024, which will take place in #Brussels from 8 to 10 October. The panel discussion will be on how to "Accelerate the Construction of a Secure and Resilient Key Resource Supply System" in the Raw Materials Session. I look forward to engaging in insightful discussions and exchanging reflections with fellow participants and attendees. #lithiumion #batteries #supplychain #riskmanagement #resilience #batteryrawmaterials