Lepidico the latest victim of lithium glut

Lithium chemicals manufacturer Lepidico Limited has become the latest victim of the worldwide glut in lithium supply, with KordaMentha appointed as administrators. The board of directors of Lepidico appointed Richard Tucker and Paul Pracilio of KordaMentha as Voluntary Administrators of Lepidico Limited, Lepidico Holdings Pty Ltd, Bright Minz Pty Ltd, Li-Technology Pty Ltd, Mica Exploration…

Furniture makers take action on PFAS chemicals

The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) has called on furniture manufacturers and suppliers to address the presence of persistent PFAS chemicals which have been linked to harmful effects in humans. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been identified in numerous consumer goods, including furniture, where they are often used in fire retardants, stain repellents, and water-resistant treatments. The…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Liontown Resources produces first lithium Battery Materials producer Liontown Resources has produced its first lithium spodumene concentrate at Kathleen Valley in Western Australia, following the commissioning of the wet plant and end-to-end operation of the value chain. The milestone marks the start of production ramp-up to nameplate throughput of 3Mtpa, currently expected by the end…

Orica decarbonises chemicals, fertiliser and explosives production

Chemicals and explosives manufacturer Orica is to deploy tertiary emissions abatement technology at a second site – its Yarwun chemicals and ammonium nitrate facility in Gladstone, Queensland (pictured). Orica expects to eliminate an estimated 200,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) annually once the project is complete. The installation of two tertiary abatement reactors at…

Orica expands with mining chemicals buy

Chemicals and explosives manufacturer Orica is to acquire 100 per cent of the common stock of Cyanco Intermediate 4 Corp. (Cyanco) (the Acquisition) from an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (Cerberus) for US$640 million. The acquisition of Cyanco, a US-based leader in the manufacture and distribution of sodium cyanide primarily serving the gold mining…

Orica speeds decarbonisation efforts

Chemicals and explosives technology manufacturer Orica today announced accelerated climate change targets. The Melbourne company has invested to deliver significant reductions in net operational Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to the company. A forecast 19 per cent emissions reduction from FY2019 levels by the end of FY2023, successful low-emissions technology deployments,…