Nanthakumar Victor Emmanuel P.Eng.

Lockheed Martin Reclaims Seabed Licenses, Eyes CriticalMinerals

Posted on July 17, 2025 by Nanthakumar Victor Emmanuel P.Eng. Leave a comment

Lockheed Martin has announced it is exploring partnerships with several mining companies to activate its long-held seabed mining licenses in the Pacific Ocean. The aerospace and defense firm holds two licenses in the mineral-rich Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), granted in the 1980s but dormant for decades.

Though Lockheed sold its UK-based subsidiary, UK Seabed Resources, in 2023, the buyer’s bankruptcy earlier this year returned the licenses to Lockheed’s control. Lockheed COO Frank St John confirmed there is significant interest from the mining sector, as the company evaluates new pathways to secure critical minerals, working closely with the Pentagon on sourcing strategies. Among those showing interest is Canada’s The Metals Company, which have recently applied for seabed mining licenses.

https://mexicobusiness.news/mining/news/lockheed-martin-reclaims-seabed-licenses-eyes-critical-minerals

Metals

#LG-#GM venture to produce low-cost LFP batteries at #Tennessee plant in 2027

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Nanthakumar Victor Emmanuel P.Eng. Leave a comment

An interior view of Ultium Cells' battery manufacturing plant showing rows of battery cells and flags representing the United States, South Korea, and Tennessee along with GM branding.

Ultium Cells, a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and General Motors, has decided to upgrade its battery cell manufacturing plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, to produce low-cost lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, battery cells as it aims to expand its business portfolio.

According to the announcement on Tuesday, the conversion of battery cell lines at the Tennessee site will begin later this year. Commercial production is expected to begin by late 2027. The plant has been rolling out lithium-ion batteries using cathode materials, namely nickel, cobalt and manganese, to produce LFP cells.

“The upgrade reflects the continued strength of our partnership with General Motors and our shared commitment to advancing EV battery innovation,” said Suh Won-joon Suh, executive vice president and head of the Advanced Automotive Battery division at LG Energy Solution.