Sicona to produce battery anodes in the US

Sicona Battery Technologies has chosen the south-eastern United States near the heart of battery and electric vehicle manufacturing for the development of its first commercial production facilities. By leveraging low cost and abundant silicon metal, Sicona claims its SiCx battery anode materials technology increases the energy density of lithium-ion batteries by 20 percent. Having recently…

New procurement policy will drive “future remade in Australia”: Plibersek

The federal government has launched its Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy, which will be phased in from July and initially see companies bidding for government construction services contracts needing to meet agreed sustainability outcomes, including products with recycled content. In an announcement from environment minister Tanya Plibersek (pictured on right) on Wednesday, two phases of the…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Sparc Technologies raises $2.25 million Graphene and green hydrogen developer Sparc Technologies has received firm commitments from sophisticated and other professional investors to raise $2.25M through a share placement. New and existing investors strongly supported the placement. Sparc Technologies Managing Director Nick O’Loughlin, said: “Sparc is very pleased with the strong support it has received…

AML3D accesses Australian defence market with 3D printed components

Metal 3D printer manufacturer AML3D has signed a contract with the Australian Government Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) to provide components for testing in defence marine applications. The $240,000 contract requires AML3D to 3D metal print two representative marine components using a Nickel Aluminium Bronze (NAB) alloy and high strength duplex steel alloy. Manufacturing…

Lithium Australia boosts battery recycling

Lithium ion battery materials company Lithium Australia has increased battery recycling at its Envirostream facilities (pictured) as agreements with overseas manufacturers lead to higher collection volumes. The company told investors it collected 344 tonnes of batteries during the March quarter, including 177 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), an 18 percent increase in LIB collection volumes…