The Lithium Age

November 19, 2021

NEXT GEN MEASUREMENT


The industrial sector is recognizing the market drive for alternatives to traditional non-renewable energy sources. Could this be the dawn of The Lithium Age?




The Lithium Age


The modern world is at a critical stage in its development, as climate changed has spurred a global charge to reduce carbon emissions. A key way to accomplish this is a transition from fossil fuels to new renewable sources of energy. The energy and transportation sectors are two of the main sources of the world’s carbon emissions, so it is these sectors that will be the main battleground for the emissions war. It could very well be a war of wills between monolithic fossil fuel corporations and proponents of decarbonization, a war fought on multiple fronts: the economic front, the environmental front, and the social front.


So, what could replace fossil fuels? Lithium.

The Economic Front


The market for lithium is developing at an unprecedented speed, the price of which has doubled from 2016 to 2018. While lithium batteries serve a general use in power storage for renewable grids, it is the use of lithium batteries in powering electric automobiles that is the real driving force behind the market demand.


The race to secure a share of the lithium market, because of its potential for revenue, has become a source of new geopolitical tensions. The main source of the world’s lithium reserves is found in Chile’s Atacama salt flats; this is because the Atacama desert holds the world’s highest levels of solar radiation. So, whoever controls Atacama’s share of the lithium market, will likely control the majority of the global market. Chile could be the proverbial battle of Gettysburg in the broader lithium war.




The Social Front


The true power on the social front of the lithium war is held by consumers, not by the fossil fuel companies or even lithium innovators. A more environmentally and socially conscious public is – more and more – choosing electric automobiles over traditional combustion-engine automobiles. Consumer decisions have driven market demand not just for lithium, but for all raw materials used in the manufacturing of electric vehicles. So much so that by 2040, the IEA (The International Energy Agency) forecasts that demand for lithium will have increased 42 times relative to 2020 demand. The IEA also states meeting the Paris agreement’s climate targets would further drive the market for “critical minerals” used to produce clean energy technologies.

Conclusion


The war for lithium market control has only just begun. Time will tell if lithium is the promised land of fossil fuel alternatives. However, if it’s not lithium, surely it will be a war for another resource – and for it, a similar war with similar fronts.

Unlocking Mexico’s Potential: A Path to Safe Drinking Water

By Rosie Leach • November 1, 2023
In a recent meeting, the Mexico PPP Connect, hosted by Red Meters and the Mexican Consulate in Orlando on Tuesday, October 30th, 2023, the focus was placed on the pivotal role Public-Private Partnerships (P3) could play in reshaping communities across Mexico. The conference saw the participation of 12 Mayors from various regions in Mexico, each sharing the unique challenges and opportunities they face, particularly concerning water and wastewater infrastructure. The overarching goal remains consistent: to ensure safe and accessible drinking water for their communities. A Varied Landscape of Challenges Each region in Mexico presents its distinctive set of hurdles and opportunities. The Mayors elucidated these intricate challenges and described how they could pave the way for remarkable transformations. The discussion revolved around the need for more efficient and comprehensive water and wastewater systems that can adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of global environmental concerns. A Multifaceted Approach to P3 The meeting featured a panel of experts who elaborated on the multifaceted nature of Public-Private Partnerships. The representatives from Red Meters detailed global challenges in water and wastewater systems, emphasizing existing solutions to mitigate them. Kenneth Artin from Bryant, Miller and Olive outlined potential structural options for P3 projects, including prerequisites and timelines. Paul Mene from Rehmann explored the critical aspect of financial accountability within these projects, highlighting the need for transparency and efficiency. Fernando Navarrete of AECOM, Kendra Cassel of Terracon, and Ben Davis of Renda Environmental provided insights into their respective companies' roles in project management, construction, and environmental services. Operational Insights from Orange County Ed Torres, Director of Orange County Utilities, shared his experience operating within Orange County and discussed the specific challenges faced in ensuring water and wastewater management. He also presented successful strategies for overcoming these challenges. Government and Financial Support Mindi Hertzog from USTDA delved into the essential role of government involvement and support in P3 projects, shedding light on the contributions of EXIM Bank in financing these initiatives. Representing Select Florida, Joseph Bell encouraged the Mexican representatives to explore solutions in Florida, notably from innovators like Red Meters. Ensuring Project Viability Joaquin Puello of PNC Bank emphasized the critical role of banks as escrow account holders for all project funding, as well as the importance of clear terms and conditions determined by lawyers and accountants. He discussed the vital banking services that can support these transformative projects. Community Communication and Recognition Rosie Leach of Red Meters stressed the significance of effectively communicating these projects to the communities they impact. She highlighted the vital role of community engagement in the success of these initiatives. Kai Isaac of Filmscape Productions showcased how videos and content related to these projects have garnered attention and even won international awards within the sustainability category. Special Thanks to the Mexican Consulate in Orlando The meeting was expertly chaired by Juan Sabines, Consulate, and Javier De la Vega Vargas, Vice Consulate. Their facilitation ensured that all aspects of the discussion received the attention they deserved, propelling these transformative projects to new heights. The Mexico PPP Connect meeting exemplified the power of collaboration, innovation, and public-private partnerships in addressing vital infrastructure needs and nurturing the economic growth of Mexican communities. With commitment and dedication, these initiatives will not only enhance the lives of those they serve but also offer a blueprint for global environmental stewardship.

Bridging Borders for Prosperity: MexicoPPP Connect Event Unites Red Meters, AECOM, and EXIM Bank to Accelerate Public-Private Partnerships

By Rosie Leach • October 24, 2023
Orlando, Florida – In a significant initiative to foster cross-border partnerships and drive the growth of public-private partnership projects (PPP) in Mexico, Red Meters, in collaboration with AECOM and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), is pleased to announce the Mexico PPP Connect meeting. This gathering is set to take place at the Mexican Consulate in Orlando on Monday, October 30th, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Mexico PPP Connect will bring together key stakeholders, including 21 distinguished mayors and representatives from various Mexican cities and American authorities. With a primary focus on PPP opportunities throughout Mexico, this meeting promises to be a pivotal moment for strengthening the collaborative ties between Mexican, British, and American entities. Red Meters, an Orlando-based instrumentation manufacturer with deep-rooted interests in both the British and Mexican markets, is dedicated to innovative solutions. By hosting Mexico PPP Connect, the company aims to facilitate meaningful discussions, enabling project initiation, planning, and expansion. With the support of AECOM, a renowned multinational infrastructure consulting firm, and EXIM Bank, which plays a pivotal role in assisting American businesses in exporting their goods. The agenda for Mexico PPP Connect includes in-depth discussions, showcasing of PPP case studies. By fostering partnerships that bridge geographical boundaries, the meeting is poised to bring transformative change to infrastructure projects in Mexico. "This meeting underscores the shared commitment of Red Meters, AECOM, and EXIM Bank to facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships in the realm of PPPs. It offers an excellent platform for government authorities, industry leaders, and investors to come together, share insights, and explore promising opportunities. We believe that the impact of this meeting will be felt not only within the infrastructure sector but also in the broader context of international business relations," said David Moth, CEO of Red Meters. Participants will engage in thought-provoking conversations and collaborative efforts to accelerate PPP projects in Mexico. The meeting will highlight the importance of public-private cooperation in addressing the infrastructure needs of Mexico and promoting economic growth. For more information or to reserve a seat for Mexico PPP Connect, please contact r.leach@redmeters.com.

Is your nuclear densometer certification expiring?

November 20, 2021
NEXT GEN MEASUREMENT In the United States, all nuclear density gauges are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture’s office of Homeland Security & Emergency Coordination – specifically the Radiation Safety Division. Keeping track of the various permits, certifications, and training requirements can be confusing; this guide will help you identify which steps are required for you or your organization.

Tailing Ponds: What are they & how can we improve them?

November 18, 2021
NEXT GEN MEASUREMENT The industrial sector is recognizing the demand for more accurate instrumentation in tailing ponds mining operations. The implications accuracy has on the process are significant – as are the potentialities for risk mitigation. What Are Tailing Ponds? Tailing ponds serve as temporary storage facilities for “tailings,” a byproduct of the industrial mining process. In order to convert tailing into a more manageable, transportable media that can flow through a pipeline, it is combined with water to form a slurry. Once this slurry reaches its target destination, tailing ponds serve as temporary storage facilities where the water can then be reclaimed for recycled use in a process known as sedimentation. To set the stage for the sedimentation process, overburden (i.e. the bulk waste rock that envelopes the target ore) is separated from the target tailing. Once complete, the sedimentation process then separates the valuable fraction from the uneconomic fraction (known as “gangue”) from the ore. Two methods of sedimentation are common in mining: placer mining and hard rock mining. Placer mining uses a combination of water and gravity to concentrate the valuable fraction, while hard rock mining uses chemical reactions to concentrate the valuable fraction. In hard rock mining, sedimentation requires comminution (i.e. pulverizing the target ore into fine particles). Comminution processed tailings compose a slurry of fine particles and water; this slurry is what is known as “tailings.” Once the sedimentation process is complete, the “reclaimed” water is then recycled back into the extraction process. This water reclamation process is a critical step in the mining process, as this process can have both environmental and fiscal consequences if not conducted with precision instrumentation.