Industry Trends
September 2024
See what has been happening in Asia’s petrochemicals, agrochemicals, automotive, bio energy, and mining industries over the last weeks. What are experts and industry magazines talking about?
What has been happening?
Extracting copper from algae, Dairy-based LNG for shipping, Method for producing secondary aluminium using scrap fuel, and more. See what industry experts have been discussing in the last four weeks.
Latest Industry Articles
Brock University researchers studying ways of extracting copper from algae
MINING.com
Researchers at Brock University are investigating a new way of extracting copper from an unlikely source: algae bloom. The study is led by assistant professor of chemistry Vaughn Mangal, using algae found in Lake Erie. “With advances in technology increasing the production of electronics, the demand for copper is quite high and natural copper ore supplies are decreasing,” Mangal told the university’s newspaper. “We need to begin to look at different ways of harnessing copper.
Researchers at Brock University are investigating a new way of extracting copper from an unlikely source: algae bloom. The study is led by assistant professor of chemistry Vaughn Mangal, using algae found in Lake Erie. “With advances in technology increasing the production of electronics, the demand for copper is quite high and natural copper ore supplies are decreasing,” Mangal told the university’s newspaper. “We need to begin to look at different ways of harnessing copper.
Japanese consortium study production and utilization of dairy-based LNG for shipping
Biofuels Digest
In Japan, Hamanaka Town, JA Hamanaka, Takanashi Milk Products Co., Ltd., Hokkaido Gas Co., Ltd., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., and MOL Sunflower Ltd. recently announced the launch of a study on the production and utilization of biomethane from animal manure from local dairy farms in Hamanaka town, Hokkaido where is thriving with dairy farming.
In Japan, Hamanaka Town, JA Hamanaka, Takanashi Milk Products Co., Ltd., Hokkaido Gas Co., Ltd., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., and MOL Sunflower Ltd. recently announced the launch of a study on the production and utilization of biomethane from animal manure from local dairy farms in Hamanaka town, Hokkaido where is thriving with dairy farming.
Norsk Hydro gets grant for method for producing secondary aluminium using scrap fuel
Mining Technology
Discover Norsk Hydro’s patented method for producing secondary aluminum using thermal processing. This innovative approach enhances recycling and energy efficiency in aluminum production. The post Norsk Hydro gets grant for method for producing secondary aluminium using scrap fuel appeared first on Mining Technology.
Discover Norsk Hydro’s patented method for producing secondary aluminum using thermal processing. This innovative approach enhances recycling and energy efficiency in aluminum production. The post Norsk Hydro gets grant for method for producing secondary aluminium using scrap fuel appeared first on Mining Technology.
Video: How the world’s first fully traceable tin mine works
MINING.com
Minespider, a company offering blockchain traceability software for mineral supply chains, has produced a short film showing how the first fully traceable tin mine in the world works, Minsur’s San Rafael mine located in Andean mountains in Peru. The San Rafael mine in Peru, which is one of the world’s largest underground mines and the richest in ore-grade tin, according to the company. Today it produces 12% of the world’s tin and creates over 2,000 jobs in the region.
Minespider, a company offering blockchain traceability software for mineral supply chains, has produced a short film showing how the first fully traceable tin mine in the world works, Minsur’s San Rafael mine located in Andean mountains in Peru. The San Rafael mine in Peru, which is one of the world’s largest underground mines and the richest in ore-grade tin, according to the company. Today it produces 12% of the world’s tin and creates over 2,000 jobs in the region.
Oklahoma State University researchers refine co-fermentation process for butanol
Biofuels Digest
In Oklahoma, researchers in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University continue to refine a co-fermentation process resulting in the production of butanol, a biofuel made from renewable resources that can be converted into jet fuel. OSU received a patent in November 2021 for a co-fermentation process, developed by Dr. Hasan Atiyeh, professor of biosystems and agricultural engineering.
In Oklahoma, researchers in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University continue to refine a co-fermentation process resulting in the production of butanol, a biofuel made from renewable resources that can be converted into jet fuel. OSU received a patent in November 2021 for a co-fermentation process, developed by Dr. Hasan Atiyeh, professor of biosystems and agricultural engineering.
Kyle Bass Says Blackballing Oil Has Proved a Bad Bet for ESG
Rigzone.com
‘There were all of these idiots that were just saying, if anyone is doing hydrocarbons, we’re going to blackball them from doing business or from receiving capital’.
‘There were all of these idiots that were just saying, if anyone is doing hydrocarbons, we’re going to blackball them from doing business or from receiving capital’.
Jotun: New research reveals increasing strategic importance of maintenance in oil and gas industry operations
LNG industry
Jotun report reveals more than four in five (88%) senior decision makers anticipate increased investment in maintenance over next five years.
Jotun report reveals more than four in five (88%) senior decision makers anticipate increased investment in maintenance over next five years.
Sumitomo Metal Mining gets grant for thick film resistor paste with improved resistance and surge resistance
Mining Technology
Discover Sumitomo Metal Mining’s patented thick film resistor paste, designed to improve surge resistance and stability in electronic components.
Discover Sumitomo Metal Mining’s patented thick film resistor paste, designed to improve surge resistance and stability in electronic components.
JV video: How Dundee cuts cyanide from gold processing and locks up arsenic
MINING.com
Dundee Sustainable Technologies (CSE: DST) has invented two novel metallurgical processing techniques for mining that have big environmental advantages for mining. Even so, it takes time and effort to convince an industry that’s famously conservative to try something new, making education a big part of the job for Dundee and for president and CEO, Jean-Philippe Mai. “Bringing new processing technologies to our industry is not an easy task,” Mai says.
Dundee Sustainable Technologies (CSE: DST) has invented two novel metallurgical processing techniques for mining that have big environmental advantages for mining. Even so, it takes time and effort to convince an industry that’s famously conservative to try something new, making education a big part of the job for Dundee and for president and CEO, Jean-Philippe Mai. “Bringing new processing technologies to our industry is not an easy task,” Mai says.
Bangchak seeks Asean carbon trade
Bangkokpost.com
An initiative to develop a carbon credit market in Asean is taking shape as energy conglomerate Bangchak Corp has teamed up with Bursa Malaysia — Malaysia’s stock exchange — to push ahead with the project.
An initiative to develop a carbon credit market in Asean is taking shape as energy conglomerate Bangchak Corp has teamed up with Bursa Malaysia — Malaysia’s stock exchange — to push ahead with the project.
Musim Mas transitions $166M credit line to Sustainability-Linked Loan
Biofuels Digest
In Singapore, Musim Mas announced its inaugural Sustainability-Linked Revolving Credit Facility, marking a significant step in its commitment to sustainable business practices. Partnering with Rabobank as sustainability coordinator and HSBC as other lender, the Musim Mas Group’s marketing arm, Inter-Continental Oils & Fats Pte. Ltd., and its Spain and Italy Biofuel entities will convert its EUR 150 million uncommitted Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) into a sustainability-linked loan.
In Singapore, Musim Mas announced its inaugural Sustainability-Linked Revolving Credit Facility, marking a significant step in its commitment to sustainable business practices. Partnering with Rabobank as sustainability coordinator and HSBC as other lender, the Musim Mas Group’s marketing arm, Inter-Continental Oils & Fats Pte. Ltd., and its Spain and Italy Biofuel entities will convert its EUR 150 million uncommitted Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) into a sustainability-linked loan.
Finnish consortium open pilot plan to capture CO2 for plastics and chemicals production
Biofuels Digest
In Finland, VTT, LUT University, and companies have opened a pilot plant in Espoo, Finland, to process captured carbon dioxide into compounds that can replace fossil raw materials in plastic products and chemicals. The pilot plant, built in sea containers, started operations in August. Renewable energy, the hydrogen economy and bio-based carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sectors open significant opportunities for Finland to create new sustainable industrial activity.
In Finland, VTT, LUT University, and companies have opened a pilot plant in Espoo, Finland, to process captured carbon dioxide into compounds that can replace fossil raw materials in plastic products and chemicals. The pilot plant, built in sea containers, started operations in August. Renewable energy, the hydrogen economy and bio-based carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sectors open significant opportunities for Finland to create new sustainable industrial activity.
China to spend $31bn on 11 new reactors
Global Construction Review
China has given the green light to 11 reactors on five sites with a combined investment value of $31bn. The decision was made at a State Council meeting on Monday presided over by premier Li Qiang, news agencies report. Six reactors will be built by China General Nuclear (CGN), three by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and two by the State Power Investment. China currently has 56 reactors in operation.
China has given the green light to 11 reactors on five sites with a combined investment value of $31bn. The decision was made at a State Council meeting on Monday presided over by premier Li Qiang, news agencies report. Six reactors will be built by China General Nuclear (CGN), three by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and two by the State Power Investment. China currently has 56 reactors in operation.
Chinese biodiesel producers look for new Asian markets ahead of EU anti-dumping duties
Biofuels Digest
In China, Reuters reports that biodiesel producers are scrambling to find new markets outside the European Union as the trade block is expected to lob hefty duties of 12.8% and 36.4% on more than 40 Chinese producers. Eyes are on Asia to absorb the surplus biodiesel, particularly marine markets in China and Singapore as EU exports have already fallen by half since last November when the EU started investigating possible dumping. The EU represented 90% of all Chinese biodiesel exports in 2023.
In China, Reuters reports that biodiesel producers are scrambling to find new markets outside the European Union as the trade block is expected to lob hefty duties of 12.8% and 36.4% on more than 40 Chinese producers. Eyes are on Asia to absorb the surplus biodiesel, particularly marine markets in China and Singapore as EU exports have already fallen by half since last November when the EU started investigating possible dumping. The EU represented 90% of all Chinese biodiesel exports in 2023.
China Sees Record Oil Imports from Malaysia
Rigzone.com
China imported a record volume of crude from Malaysia last month, pointing to a renewed appetite for cheaper Iranian oil as refiners grapple with lower margins.
China imported a record volume of crude from Malaysia last month, pointing to a renewed appetite for cheaper Iranian oil as refiners grapple with lower margins.
Anaergia to build biogas plant on South Korea’s Jeju Island
Biofuels Digest
In Singapore, Anaergia Singapore was chosen to design and construct a biogas plant on Jeju Island, South Korea, with a project valued at C$25 million. The facility will utilize Anaergia’s Omnivore anaerobic digestion technology to process 50,000 tons of organic waste annually, sourced from local slaughterhouses, citrus juice plants, and food production facilities. This technology converts organic waste into biogas, which will be used to produce two megawatts of renewable energy.
In Singapore, Anaergia Singapore was chosen to design and construct a biogas plant on Jeju Island, South Korea, with a project valued at C$25 million. The facility will utilize Anaergia’s Omnivore anaerobic digestion technology to process 50,000 tons of organic waste annually, sourced from local slaughterhouses, citrus juice plants, and food production facilities. This technology converts organic waste into biogas, which will be used to produce two megawatts of renewable energy.
Indonesia Eyes to Build Oil Reserve of 10 Million Barrels
Rigzone.com
Indonesia plans to set aside more than 10 million barrels of crude – about a 10th of global daily consumption – over the next decade as a buffer against energy shocks.
Indonesia plans to set aside more than 10 million barrels of crude – about a 10th of global daily consumption – over the next decade as a buffer against energy shocks.
Timber not to blame for mould at Singapore’s Gaia building, experts say
Global Construction Review
The mould found on exterior and interior walls at the mass timber Gaia building at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is not caused by its timber, but is rather an expected outcome of condensation and exposure to rain, experts have said. Yesterday, GCR covered a report by Bloomberg speculating whether the mass timber elements made from Austrian spruce were more vulnerable to mould and therefore its cause.
The mould found on exterior and interior walls at the mass timber Gaia building at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is not caused by its timber, but is rather an expected outcome of condensation and exposure to rain, experts have said. Yesterday, GCR covered a report by Bloomberg speculating whether the mass timber elements made from Austrian spruce were more vulnerable to mould and therefore its cause.
Japanese consortium to study BECCS in Indonesia with Pertamina
Biofuels Digest
In Japan, Marubeni Corporation and Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. have entered into a joint study agreement with PT Pertamina, an Indonesian state-owned enterprise engaged in integrated energy, and its subsidiary PT Pertamina Hulu Energi to conduct a feasibility assessment on BECCS at a pulp mill and nearby oil field area in South Sumatra Province, Indonesia.
In Japan, Marubeni Corporation and Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. have entered into a joint study agreement with PT Pertamina, an Indonesian state-owned enterprise engaged in integrated energy, and its subsidiary PT Pertamina Hulu Energi to conduct a feasibility assessment on BECCS at a pulp mill and nearby oil field area in South Sumatra Province, Indonesia.
Pertamina Patra Niaga achieves ISCC certification for its SAF
Biofuels Digest
In Indonesia, Indonesia Business Post reported that local company PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, a subsidiary of state oil and gas company PT Pertamina, has strengthened its commitment to sustainability by securing the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) for its SAF under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and the Renewable Energy Directive-European Union (RED-EU).
In Indonesia, Indonesia Business Post reported that local company PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, a subsidiary of state oil and gas company PT Pertamina, has strengthened its commitment to sustainability by securing the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) for its SAF under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and the Renewable Energy Directive-European Union (RED-EU).
Eni Gets Indonesia Approval for New Gas Production Hub
Rigzone.com
Indonesian authorities approved Eni’s development plan for the offshore Gehem and Geng North fields, which includes the building of a new production hub with a gas output capacity of about two Bcfd.
Indonesian authorities approved Eni’s development plan for the offshore Gehem and Geng North fields, which includes the building of a new production hub with a gas output capacity of about two Bcfd.
Petronas Starts Gas Production in Malaysia's Kasawari Field
Rigzone.com
The offshore Kasawari field on Borneo island started producing natural gas with an initial flow rate of 200 MMscfd.
The offshore Kasawari field on Borneo island started producing natural gas with an initial flow rate of 200 MMscfd.
TotalEnergies delivers first 100% biofuel bunker in Singapore
Biofuels Digest
In Singapore, TotalEnergies Marine Fuels delivered 700 metric tons of 100% Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester in Singapore to Hyundai Glovis’ vessel, Glovis Cosmos. This is the first time TotalEnergies has supplied a biofuel bunker composed entirely of UCOME, a second-generation, waste-based fuel sourced in Southeast Asia and certified under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification system.
In Singapore, TotalEnergies Marine Fuels delivered 700 metric tons of 100% Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester in Singapore to Hyundai Glovis’ vessel, Glovis Cosmos. This is the first time TotalEnergies has supplied a biofuel bunker composed entirely of UCOME, a second-generation, waste-based fuel sourced in Southeast Asia and certified under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification system.
Thai Energy Ministry to unveil SAF guidelines to cut emissions in Q4
Biofuels Digest
In Thailand, The Nation reported that the Energy Ministry is set to release guidelines on the use of sustainable aviation fuel in the fourth quarter of this year, according to information provided by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Sarun Benjanirat, CAAT deputy director-general, said SAF gained prominence after the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) endorsed its role in advancing aviation sustainability.
In Thailand, The Nation reported that the Energy Ministry is set to release guidelines on the use of sustainable aviation fuel in the fourth quarter of this year, according to information provided by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Sarun Benjanirat, CAAT deputy director-general, said SAF gained prominence after the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) endorsed its role in advancing aviation sustainability.
As talks with Sarawak stall, Petronas reportedly mulls legal action as state pushes for greater control over oil and gas
Malay Mail
Malaysia’s national oil corporation, Petronas, is contemplating a court injunction to defend its monopoly on the country’s natural resources amidst escalating demands from Sarawak for increased control over oil and gas extraction and trading. Sources close to the situation revealed that Petronas is weighing the possibility of filing for a court injunction in the coming days, according to a report published in Channel News Asia today.
Malaysia’s national oil corporation, Petronas, is contemplating a court injunction to defend its monopoly on the country’s natural resources amidst escalating demands from Sarawak for increased control over oil and gas extraction and trading. Sources close to the situation revealed that Petronas is weighing the possibility of filing for a court injunction in the coming days, according to a report published in Channel News Asia today.
Smuggled Malaysian cooking oil popular in south Thailand due to low price, halal certification, says official
NST Online
The authorities believe that Malaysian subsidised cooking oil is in high demand in Thailand because of its low price and halal certification.
The authorities believe that Malaysian subsidised cooking oil is in high demand in Thailand because of its low price and halal certification.
Singapore greenlights 1.4 GW solar power imports from Indonesia in major clean energy boost
Malay Mail
Singapore will issue conditional approval to import 1.4 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from two solar power projects in Indonesia as the country ramps up low-carbon power supply, senior minister Teo Chee Hean said in Indonesia today. The new deal came on top of a previously agreed 2 GW of solar power imports from Indonesia.
Singapore will issue conditional approval to import 1.4 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from two solar power projects in Indonesia as the country ramps up low-carbon power supply, senior minister Teo Chee Hean said in Indonesia today. The new deal came on top of a previously agreed 2 GW of solar power imports from Indonesia.
Malaysia to continue South China Sea exploration, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
GMA News Online
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Thursday that Malaysia will press on with oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, after a leaked diplomatic document showed opposition from Beijing.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Thursday that Malaysia will press on with oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, after a leaked diplomatic document showed opposition from Beijing.
Malaysia eyes new green tech to boost sustainable palm oil production
NST Online
The government is currently evaluating the use of RT-ECO technology, a cutting-edge method for treating palm oil mill effluent (POME), to enhance sustainable palm oil production in Malaysia.
The government is currently evaluating the use of RT-ECO technology, a cutting-edge method for treating palm oil mill effluent (POME), to enhance sustainable palm oil production in Malaysia.
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