Latest news with #RSE
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Northern Lithium successfully concludes 60-day long term pump tests and demonstration scale Direct Lithium Extraction trials
Detailed design engineering now underway for construction of first production boreholes and commercial scale DLE plant, underpinned by strong response to fundraising *** Key Points *** Successful completion of 60-day long term pump tests and in-field demonstration scale Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) trials Further confirmation of consistent, economically viable concentrations of lithium in brines at relatively shallow drilling depths with strong flow rates and significant long-term yield potential 1:15 scale DLE plant designed, constructed, installed and operated at Ludwell Farm, Co. Durham by Evove and RSE >300 hours of stable operation in production mode and 3.5 million litres of Northern Lithium live brines processed Strong DLE trial results with 92% end-to-end lithium recovery rates achievable and 96.5% purity of lithium chloride/sulfate product produced Detailed design engineering for first operational production unit now underway to meet target date of first commercial lithium supply from end of 2027. Discussions underway with potential off-take and industry partners Excellent fundraising progress, with GBP3.45 million first tranche closed above expectations Marketing for a second tranche of up to a further GBP2.5 million to start shortly DURHAM, England, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Northern Lithium Ltd. ("Northern Lithium or the Company") is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its recent programme of long term 60-day pump tests and Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") trials, which sought to further prove the commercial viability of lithium extraction from brines under the Northern Pennine Orefield in Co. Durham, Northeast of England. Nick Pople, Northern Lithium Managing Director, said, "The results of these recent trials are a great step forward for our unique partnership established to deliver a secure, sustainable supply of lithium for the UK using Northern Lithium's UK lithium brines, Evove's UK developed advanced DLE technology and RSE's UK process engineering expertise." Detailed analysis and interpretation of data collected over the 60-day pump testing period has confirmed and strengthened the results achieved during initial 30-day tests in 2024. In particular, the tests have provided: (i) further confirmation of consistent, economically viable concentrations of lithium in the brines abstracted throughout the test period, underpinning the input assumptions used in the Company's current project economic model, and (ii) confirmed the commercial suitability of the sub-surface hydrogeological formation, through a sustained programme of simultaneous abstraction and reinjection of brines at higher flow rates and for a longer period than previously tested. In a UK first, the demonstration scale trials of Evove Ltd's ("Evove") unique next-generation advanced Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology was a resounding success, proving the plant design and meeting critical production KPIs, including lithium recovery rates and product purity levels. The project is believed to be one of only a handful that have been concluded at this scale world-wide outside China. Trial data was collected by Evove to inform the design of several process efficiency innovations, most notably the cascade operation of ultra selective nanofiltration membranes which are at the heart of this next-generation DLE system. The membranes' proven capability to remove nearly all impurities (especially calcium and magnesium) at the start of the DLE process creates significant efficiencies that translate to superior economics and a viable business case for decentralised production. Evove's modelling, derived from 78 million data points gathered through the processing of 3.5 million litres of Northen Lithium brines, indicates a commercial end-to-end lithium recovery rate of up to 92% from raw brine to final battery-grade product, surpassing the initial project target modelled at 80%, and a purity of lithium chloride/sulfate product produced of up to 96.5%. This exceptional purity simplifies the midstream conversion process to lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide products used in electrical batteries, proving the suitability of Northern Lithium brines and Evove's DLE process, using combined membrane filtration and ion exchange stages, to meet domestic lithium demand and, critically, indicating lower capex and processing costs. Nick Pople said, "We have made considerable progress over the past year and are pleased that our recent long term pump tests and demo scale DLE trials have provided further proof of concept on our targeted path to first commercial production of lithium by the end of 2027. In the current geopolitical climate, it is encouraging that the UK government is recognising that the UK has an urgent need to secure its own domestic lithium supply. The results of our recent tests and trials have confirmed that Northern Lithium now has the opportunity and potential to scale up supply, within the next decade, to significantly more than our current base case target of 10,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium delivered per year from a series of production sites across the Northern Pennine Orefield." Chris Wyres, CEO of DLE technology firm Evove, said, "We are delighted that Evove's advanced filtration technology is helping bring the Northern Lithium project to commercial reality. From the first brine processing at industrial scale in our DLE Test Centre in Widnes in 2023 to delivering fully operational demonstration scale in-field DLE trials this year is a remarkable testament to the unique partnership between Northern Lithium, engineering firm RSE and Evove." Northern Lithium and Evove will now proceed with detailed design engineering for the first fully functioning commercial scale DLE production unit, with operation targeted for end of 2027. In parallel, samples of lithium product produced from the recent trials will be used in discussions with potential off-take partners. Sam Rushworth, MP for Bishop Auckland, said, "Northern Lithium's continued progress towards commercial production and delivery of a domestic supply of lithium at scale, is good news for economic growth and creating jobs in an area that has suffered from de-industrialisation. Beyond the jobs created on site, this opens new economic opportunities in County Durham and the North East and is important to the government's forthcoming Industrial and Critical Minerals Strategy which aims to create a secure and sustainable supply of critical minerals for the UK." FUNDRAISING In September 2024, the Company set out to raise up to GBP6 million to fund its operations and next stage development programme through to the end of Q1 2026, aiming to raise an initial tranche ("Tranche 1") of up to GBP2.0 million to fund activities in H1 2025. Tranche 1 was closed at GBP3.45 million in Q1 2025, ahead of the 60-day pump tests and demo scale DLE trials. Marketing for a second tranche of funding ("Tranche 2"), of up to GBP2.5 million, will commence shortly. Nick Pople added, "The success of our fundraising to date reflects not just confidence in the progress we are making at Northern Lithium, but also a growing acceptance that the UK needs to develop its own secure and sustainable domestic lithium supply. We are confident that Northern Lithium is well placed to play a key part in meeting the UK's fast-rising demand for lithium, across everything from EVs and low carbon infrastructure to key elements of defence equipment." Tranche 2 will be deployed through the rest of 2025 and beginning of 2026 to cover an additional drilling programme along with the preparation and submission of full planning and permitting applications in readiness for next phase of commercial development work in 2026 and 2027. The Company will be assessing fundraising requirements for 2026 and beyond later this year. NOTES TO EDITORS UK demand for lithium It is forecast that the UK will need up to 80,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) per year by 2030 and as much as 135,000 tonnes per year by 2040. The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK said in its Q3 2024 Quarterly Automotive Demand Forecast (January 2025) that Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) production in the UK is expected to top 1.1 million per annum by 2035 creating a demand for over 93 GWh of automotive batteries, from just 13 GWhs of demand in 2024. In 2024 381,970 new fully electric cars were sold in the UK, a 20% market share of all new cars registered that year. More fully electric cars were sold in 2024 than any other and 21% more than 2023. The first quarter of 2025 closed with 21% of all new cars being fully electric, signifying a steady rise in the market share. Battery requirements for grid scale energy storage are also increasing exponentially, adding to the supply chain pressure for lithium. Forecasts suggest global demand for lithium-ion batteries for grid scale energy storage could overtake EVs by 2050. The National Grid ESO, the electricity system operator for Great Britain, is forecasting that the UK will need nearly 200GWh of energy storage by 2050 against 5 GWh of operational grid-scale battery energy storage capacity at the end of 2024. According to the International Lithium Association's report "Lithium 2040" (May 2025), global lithium demand is expected to grow from 1.3Mt LCE today to between 3.6Mt and 5.2Mt LCE by 2040. About Northern Lithium Established in 2017, Northern Lithium is a privately-owned innovative critical minerals development company, based in County Durham, Northeast of England, focused on delivering a secure domestic supply of lithium from the North East for UK gigafactories and the UK's electric vehicle and power storage industries, using sustainable extraction and production techniques. Northern Lithium has up to 45 years' exclusive development, appraisal and production rights covering mineral rights owned by the Church Commissioners for England across circa. 240 sq kms (60,000 acres), of the North Pennine Orefield. The Company is at the forefront of delivering a secure, sustainable domestic supply of lithium at scale for the UK, using its own UK sourced lithium brines, UK developed advanced DLE (Direct Lithium Extraction) technology and UK process engineering expertise. About Evove Evove deploys advanced technology to reduce the cost and environmental impact of the filtration and separation of fluids in lithium, data centres and food & beverage production, as well as in desalination and the treatment of industrial water. For more information please contact: Northern Lithium Nick Pople, Managing Directore: nickpople@ +44 7788 665754 Richard Barton, RB Advisorse: richard@ +41 79 922 78 92 Evove Andrew Walkere: +44 7450 583660 Logo - View original content to download multimedia:
NZ Herald
19-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Young Grower of the Year 2025: Lydia Goodman wins Central Otago regional title
After moving to New Zealand, she shifted from cattle and crops to cherries, discovering a love for horticulture. 'I literally fell into it when I was a backpacker in Wānaka. 'My working visa was about to expire, it was post-Covid, and the industry was crying out for workers.' Goodman snapped up the Government's offer of Supplementary Seasonal Employer (SSE) visas and started work in a cherry orchard in Tarras. 'I just loved it, the outdoors work and the passion and leadership in the industry. 'I have been here ever since.' Now Goodman has five years of experience managing teams in orchard and packhouse operations and holds Level 3 and 4 Certificates in Fruit Production. She entered the Young Grower competition to develop her technical skills, build connections with like-minded professionals, and challenge herself. 'It was a great experience completing seven modules across the day, along with two practical components, and a speech in the evening. 'The big one for me was pruning a tree in front of two big names in the field.' Goodman, who manages a team of 12 RSE workers, as well as being a manager in the pack house, said she loved the outdoor work and the passion and leadership in the industry. 'One of the best things is teaching the team how to do their job, and seeing the passion develop as they learn and understand things like the physiology of a tree. 'That really fuels me.' Her ambition is to become a Central Otago cherry grower. Runners up were Jared Loewen from Roxburgh, who is redeveloping his family's orchard, Stone House Gardens, to improve productivity and sustainability; and Mackenzie Maaka from Cromwell, who is studying Level 4 Horticultural Fruit Production at a polytechnic. The Young Grower of the Year competition celebrates the success of young people in the industry and encourages others to consider a career in horticulture. Local organisers host and run the regional competitions independently, with Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) hosting the final in a different part of the country each year. Entry is open to both commercial fruit and vegetable growers from across the regions, up to the age of 30. HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott said the competitions played an important role in highlighting the wide variety of career opportunities in the industry. 'The regional Young Grower competitions and the national Young Grower of the Year final could not happen without the commitment of so many industry professionals across the country who give up their time to help organise them,' Scott said. 'Thanks to their dedication, we can celebrate the skilled young people we have pursuing careers in the sector and raise awareness of those career opportunities to others.'
1News
15-05-2025
- Health
- 1News
Learning about gender: Is it appropriate for school students?
Re: News asked recent school leavers and a high school teacher what they think about the proposed changes to sex education, which could mean students no longer learn about gender identity in their health classes. Watch the full video on TVNZ+ In 2020, Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) guidelines were introduced for teachers. They were an optional resource and included detailed information about gender identity and sexual orientation. One school leaver Re: News spoke to said some of the topics included in those guidelines 'could definitely be seen as inappropriate, especially at a young age'. Another said the topics should be taught at a young age and the Government shouldn't take that education away from kids. The guidelines were removed in March. ' If parents actually knew what was taught, then I think the stigma would go — Teacher Ben Rogers | In New Zealand First's 2023 election manifesto, the party said it wanted to 'remove gender ideology from the curriculum' when it negotiated its coalition agreement. While on the campaign trail that year, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said the party was 'going to make sure we go back to teaching education and stop indoctrination". In March 2025, the guidelines were taken down from the Ministry of Education's website. The Ministry of Education is aiming to release a new health curriculum by 2026 and they're currently consulting on it. In April, a new RSE framework was put up, both for consultation, and as an interim support for teachers to use until the curriculum is released. Unlike the 2020 Guidelines, the new framework does not explicitly mention gender identity and only mentions sexual orientation in one section. The Ministry of Education says it's focused on making sure sex ed content is 'age-appropriate' and 'evidence-informed'. It says the RSE framework was made by its own experts, and that it looked at a range of international guidance while writing it, including guidance from UNESCO. ' We wouldn't be the kind of men we are today without knowing all these sorts of things — Recent school leaver | But UNESCO's guidance has a whole section on understanding gender, which says students should learn to respect people's unique gender identities and understand why transphobia and homophobia are harmful. Ben Rogers is a Year 9 and 10 health and PE teacher at Onslow College in Wellington who supports teaching students about gender identity and sexual orientation. 'I definitely think teaching that is appropriate for that age group, because it's at that time when they're starting to form their identity and their feelings around that,' he says. Ben says he teaches his students that gender identity 'is a thing' in the sense that some people don't identify with the gender they are assigned at birth. He says it's better for students to learn about these topics in a safe classroom environment, which helps prevent misinformation and skewed views from taking root. 'This isn't as scary as what people think it is. And if parents actually knew what was taught, then I think the stigma would go.' Watch the full video on TVNZ+
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
'We Let People Decide': Tongan PM 'Aisake Eke Optimistic Ahead Of November Election
Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific Journalist Tongan Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake Valu Eke is optimistic about this year's election and says his government is focused on doing its best, leaving the rest up to the Tongan people. Dr Eke came to power last December after his predecessor Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni resigned in the face of a no-confidence vote brought against him by the current prime minister. Tongans will head back to the polls in November. In wide-ranging interview with RNZ Pacific at his office in Nuku'alofa in April, Dr Eke said, "We just do our best and let the people decide." He also confirmed that he will recontest his seat in the Tongatapu 5 constituency. Improving public service Dr Eke said his government has sought to improve the public service since coming into office. "Since we started at the end of January, we introduced some strategy and measures to improve, firstly, [the] efficiency and productivity of public services," Dr Eke said. He said this included issuing a directive for government offices to remain open during lunch hours and redirecting government which they deemed unproductive to essential sectors such as fisheries, health, and education. On the subject of education, he said they brought back national examinations that had been shelved by previous governments and conducted a review of the school breakfast programme. Volcanic eruption recovery This year also marks three years since the Hunga Tona-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption and the ensuing tsunami. While the Hu'akavameiliku had started the recovery work, Dr Eke said around 20 families remain without permanent housing. He said the government last month approved a supplementary budget of NZ$25 million for the ongoing recovery work. "About $3 million of that is basically to go to completion of all the houses for the affected people," he said. "We aim to complete all of them by the end of this financial year which is in June." Although some families are still living in their original damaged homes, he said that in some cases this was a decision made by the communities themselves. "For example, the Kanukupolu village, they wait for completion of all the houses. About 53 houses are almost completed. They want to come to move in as a group," he said. As part of ongoing disaster preparedness and lessons learned from the volcanic eruption, the Tonga National Disaster Management Office has worked with stakeholders to develop an effective tsunami early warning system. Dr Eke said there have been continuous tests of the system, aimed at making members of the public aware of what they need to do. "[What] we see is people now changing because this is perhaps several instances where they have to get away from their home and trying to go to a high point," Dr Eke said. "And I think that shows how much people learn how to to actually conduct themselves." Welfare of seasonal workers On Tongan workers taking part in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme in New Zealand and the Australian Labour Mobility Scheme, the Prime Minister said said he had some concerns. "In fact we have heard some reports, not only from them [the workers] themselves but also some of the commentators from Australia and New Zealand," he said. "I think we need the safety of our people also at the same time we try to make our people, prepare them well." He emphasised that better pastoral care is essential and said Tonga is formalising partnerships with church groups to deliver social and spiritual support to workers abroad. "Our people actually they value there faith. They vary their why I think we should address their social side, the spiritual side, also physical and also their intellectual side," Dr Eke said. While economic benefits of the labour mobility schemes in both countries have been positive, Eke says the government has also seen some negative effects, including social impacts in the community on separated families. Opportunities for economy He said he wanted to grow and improve Tonga's economy through targeted investment and reform. "Some of the policies need to be changed. We aim to make the economy viable using all the potential we have." He said one pressing issue was a stagnant private sector. "The private sector over the past two decades or three decades it actually stayed the same, and that's a challenge we are facing." However, he said government has begun identifying growth sectors and working with donor agencies and governments to support them, particularly in fisheries and agriculture. "We have done some work to improve the contribution of the fisheries sector, so we have started discussions with donors to for increasing the number of fishing vessels into the fishing industry." He added that the government is also reactivating its national steering committee to monitor economic performance and help craft a more effective strategy in the next financial year. Infrastructure development is another pillar of the recovery plan, which includes advancing with the previous government's plans to build a bridge across from Ma'ufanga, outside Nuku'alofa, to the eastern division of Tongatapu. "That actually [would] ease up the pressure on congestion, and also provides an evacuation channel for people to use when there is an emergency," he said. "And also that will help develop urban areas for economic growth." Global shifts As current chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Dr Eke said there has been a lot of progress made in a short space of time on the regional agenda, particularly finalising the governance framework for the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) and engaging global institutions on funding. Eke also attended the PIF Troika Plus meeting in Fiji and the World Bank and International Monetary Fund spring meetings last month, the latter to advocate for more financial support for the region. On rising global tensions and recent United States trade policies, Dr Eke said Tonga has been pinged with the 10 percent base tariff and is watching developments closely. "When I look at it in terms of trade with America, in fact it is about a TOP$28 million surplus in favour of America," he said. "America is our best friend. We have similar values but there are sometimes economic policies, even though we look at it from an economic point of view, its not a good thing. But I think common sense will prevail." He remains hopeful and believes there will be more opportunities ahead. He also encouraged Tongans around the world to invest in their homeland and develop local enterprises. "I would like to say to the Tongan people there are (sic) a lot of potential here and you can make a better living. "The motto of this country is God and Tonga is our inheritance. Working together with faith, optimism comes in, we can do a great thing."
Scotsman
06-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
King's Awards for Enterprise 2025: The 11 Scottish businesses recognised by King Charles
'There are some excellent Scottish businesses recognised in this year's King's Awards for Enterprise' – Gareth Thomas, minister for services, small businesses and exports Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A private tour operator, a whisky glass maker and an engineering specialist that has become a market leader in water treatment technologies are among 11 Scottish recipients announced in the latest King's Awards for Enterprise. Businesses from South Lanarkshire to the Highlands have been recognised in what is one of the UK's most prestigious business awards. The winners fall into three categories - innovation, international trade and 'promoting opportunity'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The businesses awarded cover a variety of sectors including biotech, tourism and the spirits industry, and are based around the country. They have been recognised by the King as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity and success of the UK's diverse business community. The awards were formerly known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise and have been running for almost six decades now. Team members at Ross-shire Engineering (RSE), which was awarded for its innovation. Three Scottish companies - Glencairn Crystal Studio, Gray & Adams and Ross-shire Engineering (RSE) - were awarded for their innovative practices, seven for their achievements - Aydya, Fennex, Impact Subsea, Occupancy Marketing, Rabbie's Trail Burners, Rubberatkins and Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services - in international trade and one, ACS Clothing, for promoting opportunity through social mobility. Gareth Thomas, minister for services, small businesses and exports, said: 'There are some excellent Scottish businesses recognised in this year's King's Awards for Enterprise: from Impact Subsea's cutting-edge technology to Glencairn Crystal's premium glassware. 'I wish the winners every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home in Scotland and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill said: 'Huge congratulations go to all 11 Scottish winners of the King's Awards for Enterprise. Innovative companies like these are a key part of our plan for change - vital to delivering economic growth in Scotland, along with good, skilled jobs. It is amazing to see such business drive and flair right across Scotland.' Scott Davidson, new product development director at Glencairn Crystal. Picture: Ferla Paolo Photography This year's recipients from Scotland include Glencairn Crystal Studio, which is based in East Kilbride and specialises in the design, creation and supply of premium drinks packaging. The firm has been recognised in the awards' innovation category. Scott Davidson, new product development director at Glencairn Crystal, said: 'We are truly honoured and thrilled to have received the King's Award. As a family run business for over 40 years, we have a valued team of talented employees and innovation is at the core of everything we do. 'This award is a testament to the passion, creativity, and dedication of everyone here at Glencairn Crystal, and to our mission of pushing the boundaries of what is possible in glassware.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ross-shire Engineering (RSE), which was founded in 1982 and is based in Muir of Ord, designs and manufactures products and provides services for purifying drinking water, recycling wastewater and treating industrial process water. It now employs more than 2,000 people at engineering and manufacturing sites in several locations across the UK. RSE chief executive Steve Slessor said: 'The King's Award is the most prestigious business award a UK company can receive. It's a tremendous honour and a recognition of the technical expertise and innovation we've developed over more than 40 years. 'We are proud to be a company rooted in the Highlands, supported by several generations of local families. Creating skilled, sustainable employment in rural communities remains central to our purpose.' Aberdeen-based Impact Subsea, which specialises in sonar and sensor systems for underwater vehicles and associated applications, was recognised in the international trade category. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Managing director Benedict Grant said: 'Receiving the King's Award is an incredible honour and a testament to the hard work, dedication and innovation of the entire Impact Subsea team. It's a proud moment for us, recognising our commitment to excellence and our success in expanding our reach in the global, subsea technology sector. This award inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the world stage.' The King's Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago to reflect the King's desire to continue the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The awards programme, now in its 59th year, has recognised more than 8,000 companies since its inception. His Majesty's Lord Lieutenants - the King's representatives in each county - will be presenting the awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special royal reception. Eligible businesses are free to apply for one or more categories. The recipients have to pass a robust assessment process, and are judged by experts from the industry, including a representative from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, academia, the voluntary sector and senior officials in Whitehall. On that basis, each year, the awards recipients are recommended by the Prime Minister and approved by His Majesty The King. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Recipients are permitted to fly the King's Awards flag at their main office and use the emblem on marketing materials. Recipients are also given a grant of appointment - an official certificate - and a commemorative crystal trophy. The awards are valid for five years. Charandeep Singh, judge for the King's Awards for Enterprise and deputy chief executive at the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: 'It was a real privilege to see the incredible innovation and impact coming from businesses across Scotland. 'The calibre of this year's Scottish winners was truly inspiring, and they are shining examples of what's possible when ambition meets purpose. I would strongly encourage more Scottish businesses to put themselves forward for this prestigious award. It's a fantastic opportunity to gain national recognition and showcase the outstanding entrepreneurship happening right here in Scotland.'
