The International Mineralogical Society (IMA) recently announced the decision to name the mineral after Kanatzidis, acknowledging his pioneering contributions to chalcogenide chemistry. Kanatzidis expressed his appreciation for the honor, saying, “I am deeply honored to have a new mineral named after me, kanatzidisite, symbolizing the remarkable diversity and wonders of the Earth’s geological treasures.”

Chalcogenides, like kanatzidisite, are compounds made up of chalcogen elements (such as sulfur, selenium, or tellurium) combined with metallic elements. These minerals can vary in color and opacity, depending on their chemical composition, and differ notably from common silica glass.

Kanatzidis is renowned for his groundbreaking research in metal chalcogenide chemistry and for developing innovative chalcogenide materials. His work has enabled advancements in solar cells, X-ray and gamma-ray detectors, topological quantum materials, and thermoelectric technologies. A graduate of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Kanatzidis is now the Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern.

Reflecting on his legacy, Kanatzidis hopes that kanatzidisite will inspire future generations of scientists to explore further into geological mysteries and develop new, extraordinary minerals. He remarked, “I guess I can now proudly claim that I have a ‘rock-solid’ legacy in the field of geology!”

In recognition of his work, Kanatzidis received the 2023 Centenary Prize for his pioneering research on semiconducting halide perovskites, used in solar energy conversion. His research continues to push the boundaries of exploratory synthesis and materials discovery, advancing fields critical to sustainable energy and cutting-edge technology.

The crude lead produced will have a lead content of 85-95%, while the copper cake will contain 60-70% copper and the zinc product up to 50-60% zinc. The facility will operate its main production processes 25 days a month, with auxiliary services running five days per week. 300 employees will staff the plant.

Located within the Zhuldyz industrial zone in Enbekshinsky district, the site is 1.3 km from Shymkent’s oil refinery. The main production building will measure 146 meters in length, 73 meters in width, and up to 14 meters in height. It will house a shaft furnace, raw material storage, a boiler room, settling tank, and finished product warehouse. Primary raw materials include cakes, dust, and sludge rich in lead, copper, and zinc. Materials will be delivered by open railcarsand stored in warehouses with a 1,000-ton capacity.

Construction is expected to start in Q1 2025, with operations launching by Q3 2025. Estimated annual emissions during operations include 21.4 tons of carbon monoxide, 1.27 tons of nitrogen oxide, 2.9 tons of polymetallic dust, and 0.12 tons of iron, among other emissions.

Vostok Trade is registered at the Astana International Financial Center and is involved in metal recycling and other legal activities. The company’s co-owners include Daulet Imankulov, Kuat Amanzholov, Imam-Zada Maulenov, Daniyar Bektibaev, Serik Turdaliev, Tahirzhan Baratov, and Kalykul Makhambetov.

Steel associations cited the industry’s struggles, noting that global overcapacity reached 551 million tons last year—four times the EU’s annual steel output. With China producing nearly half the world’s steel, flooding global markets with cheap steel, European producers face declining revenues, job losses, and environmental concerns. MEP Juan Ignacio Zoido Alvarez highlighted China’s rapid growth in steel production, up by 600% over 20 years, with further increases anticipated by 2026.

Further issues included high energy prices, weaknesses in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and ineffective trade defense. European Commissioner Helena Dalli noted that Europe, responsible for just 7% of global production, faces declining output and a steel trade deficit. She urged investments in green steel projects to regain global competitiveness and stressed the need for affordable energy and protection from cheap imports.

Steelmakers and EU leaders discussed an action plan, proposing reduced imports, stronger trade safeguards, and enhanced energy supply stability. President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new Clean Industrial Deal aimed at supporting industries like steel in their green transitions.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian steel industry struggles amidst war-related challenges, including plant destruction, export losses, and high energy costs. CBAM poses additional hurdles for Ukraine, which exports 93% of its steel to the EU. Ukrainian officials urge relaxed CBAM terms, citing potential export losses up to $4.6 billion by 2030.

Industry experts argue that harmonized EU and Ukrainian policies are essential to shield European steel from low-cost imports and sustain critical industry sectors across the region.

The acquisition was completed on September 2. On the same day, Granit’s shares were trading at an average price of 1,565 denars ($28.1/25.4 euro) on the Macedonian Stock Exchange, based on the latest available data.

Granit, established in 1952 and privatized in 1996, focuses primarily on the construction and rehabilitation of roads. The company also operates several concrete and asphalt plants, along with stone quarries.

The closure is part of a broader initiative to phase out coal as the country strives to meet its carbon reduction goals. Plans are already in place to transform the site into a zero-carbon technology and energy hub. The company overseeing the facility announced that it aims to produce low carbon hydrogen, targeting 500MW in electrolysis capacity by the end of the decade.

The UK’s reliance on coal has drastically reduced over the years, plummeting from more than 95% of electricity generation at the start of the 20th century to just 1% by 2023. The government’s target to eliminate coal-based energy production by 2024 aligns with the closure of the Ratcliffe station. Opened in 1967, the power plant has had the capacity to generate electricity for over two million homes and, over its 57 years of operation, produced enough energy to power the making of more than 21 trillion cups of tea.

A director of the company acquired 371,429 Units, making this transaction a related party transaction under TSX Venture Exchange policies. However, the company relied on exemptions under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 (MI 61-101) since the transaction value did not exceed 25% of the company’s market capitalization.

The proceeds from this placement will primarily be used for drilling and exploration programs in Finland, ongoing operations in Portugal and Kosovo, and for general corporate purposes. None of the funds will be used for investor relations or paid to non-arms-length parties. Avrupa Minerals, a junior exploration company, focuses on mineral discovery in politically stable regions of Europe, with projects in Portugal, Finland, and Kosovo.

The protests, spearheaded by farmer Zlatko Kokanovic and supported by thousands of demonstrators, have been fueled by fears that the mine would release harmful substances like arsenic and sulphuric acid, contaminating the land and air. Kokanovic has warned that the mine would devastate the region, describing it as a threat to Serbia’s health and environment in exchange for Europe’s lithium supply.

Additionally, cultural heritage sites such as the Paulje Necropolis and the Church of St George the Great Martyr are located near the project, raising further concerns among local communities. Protesters have vowed to resist the mine’s construction, with some prepared to take radical action to protect their homes and land.

A recent scientific study revealed elevated levels of boron, arsenic, and lithium in nearby rivers, indicating the environmental impact of Rio Tinto’s exploration efforts. Protesters across Serbia have declared their determination to block the project, citing the environmental damage as outweighing any potential economic benefits.