Jonathan Hackett

RARE EARTH ELEMENTS AND THE TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY: CANADA The global technology industry is inherently connected to a special suite of seventeen metallic elements known colloquially as Rare Earth Elements (REEs). Despite their relatively sparse presence by weight, REEs play a pivotal role in enabling the functionality of tech-centric devices. China has solidified its position as the dominant force in REE production, responsible for between 80-90% of the global output. Their supremacy stems from rich natural resources and savvy mining techniques. Nevertheless, countries such as Canada, the United States Australia, and Russia, are steadily amplifying their endeavours in mining REEs with the intent to become less reliant on the Chinese supply and safeguard their strategic economic interests. Canada, boasting some of the largest reserves of rare earths across the globe, has numerous mining projects in various maturity stages scattered throughout the provinces. The Nechalacho rare earth mine, the first to produce REEs in Canada, notably employs a green extraction process that requires no tailings ponds.  According to the recently launched critical minerals strategy by the Canadian Federal Government in 2024, the country intends to invest up to $3.8 billion into exploring, extracting, and processing REEs and other critical minerals. Used in an array of innovative applications across diverse sectors, REEs have become the linchpin of modern industry. These include the manufacturing of powerful permanent magnets dominant in electric motors, computer hard drives, headphones, and speakers; ensuring vibrant display colours and clear viewability of smartphones, TVs, and monitors; maximizing the efficiency of LEDs and wind turbine generators and contributing to emission reduction in industrial processes and vehicles. REEs also play a significant role in energy and defence applications: they enhance the precision of missile guiding systems, and improve the durability and efficiency of jet engines, enable high performance in EV batteries, and power electronics. In the medical field, they are employed as contrast agents for MRI scans and deployed in targeted cancer radiation treatments. The world's future, increasingly reliant on technological advancements, underscores the need for diversifying supply sources of these essential elements and encourages recycling efforts to mitigate potential supply risks. With the current reliance on only a few primary mining regions, the risk of bottlenecks in the supply chain could lead to vulnerabilities in the global technology and industry sector. The invaluable role of REEs in progressive technological improvements is set to continue unabated, energizing the creation of increasingly efficient, impactful, and game-changing products and systems in the digital age. This article is meant for information purposes only: for mining information, stock prices and charts visit: www.minestockers.com

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Check out this research piece from the Canadian Climate Institute / Institut climatique du Canada, showing how Canadian companies are ramping up their contribution to the global energy transition supply chain! According to the CCI, “From critical minerals to electric motors, Canada’s diverse basket of low-carbon exports is outpacing the growth of all other exports.” And it looks like companies of all sizes are benefitting. At BDC, we provide Canadian #SMEs with the financing, investment and advice they need to scale up and meet the growing demands of the energy transition. So this research is really interesting to us and our clients. If you want the Coles Notes, the CCI report found the top 3 low carbon product categories experiencing outstanding export growth in Canada are: 1. Clean transport exports. This group includes electric and hybrid heavy-duty and light-duty vehicles, as well as electric trains and electric forklifts. 2. Clean fuels , which includes alternative fuels and biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel, as well as biomass, which typically includes products like wood pellets. 3. Energy efficiency exports, which includes thermostats, LED bulbs, heat pumps for buildings, and high-efficiency electrical equipment. Read CCI’s report here: https://lnkd.in/gmXwnEZi #energytransition #cleanenergy #greenbuildings #cleanelectricity Shannon Glenn Karen Kastner Chrystal Healy Susan Rohac Zoltan Tompa

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Canada’s Carbon Pricing And Phasing Out Coal. Lessons From Their Former Energy COS Summary: Canada’s energy policies, especially its carbon pricing system and coal phase-out efforts, offer valuable lessons for other nations facing similar climate challenges. Claire Seaborn, former Chief of Staff to Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, highlights how Canada’s proactive approach, like its national carbon pricing system and early commitment to phasing out coal, has made significant strides in the country's clean energy transition. Canada’s carbon pricing, implemented across the nation, is a standout policy that sets a national minimum standard for fuel and industrial emissions. Additionally, its decisive action to phase out coal, starting with Ontario in 2014, and now Alberta, six years ahead of schedule, sets an example for the U.S. and other countries. Canada has also adapted policies inspired by the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), incorporating investment tax credits for clean technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture. While slower grant programs previously dominated, these tax credits have expedited the transition. However, Seaborn emphasizes that political uncertainty, especially with upcoming elections, could slow the progress of renewable adoption. Canada’s leadership in energy transition, particularly in phasing out coal by 2030 and advancing renewable energy like solar, underscores the importance of strong policy frameworks and consistent political commitment to climate goals. #CarbonPricing #CoalPhaseOut #CleanEnergy #CanadaClimateAction #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #ClimateLeadership #CarbonCapture #Hydrogen

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Ontario chose to continue subsidizing the expansion of gas infrastructure, and that is wholly working against our efforts to transition our economy to reduce greenhouse gases -- recently better satellite sensors have made it clear how much leakage there is from gas infrastructure and that methane is a hyper potent at inducing climate change, it should at least be paid for at market rates, if not taxed for its harm to our environment. Great article by the toronto star and reference to brilliant work by the @canadianclimateinstitute who point out this hypocrisy.

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Congratulations to Battery X Metals on closing their recent transaction. Exciting times for the BATX team and their stakeholders !!! This is definitely a story to pay attention too. Transaction Highlights: • Battery Metal Resource Exploration to Strengthen Domestic Supply - BATX has indirectly acquired 100% of two lithium exploration projects located in Nunavik, QC and Abitibi, QC, contributing to Battery X Metals mission to meet the growing demand for battery metals. • Proprietary Lithium-Ion Battery Cell Diagnostics and Re-Balancing Technology System - LIBRT has developed an innovative hardware and software device that performs rapid battery health diagnostic and cell rebalancing to extend lithium-ion battery lifespan by 2-3 years and which has been validated by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Model with Licensed Patent Portfolio for Repurposed Second-Life Battery Storage Systems - LIBRT's AI-driven platform for preventative maintenance has been extensively trained on vast amounts of real-world data. This data enables LIBRT's AI Model to predict emerging trends for use in secondary Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), AI and Big Data. • Experienced Management Team with Decades in the Clean Energy and Technology Sectors - LIBRT's management team is led by former BC Hydro & National Research Council executives with expertise in China-Canada business development, with a specific focus on the clean energy sector. Full news here: https://lnkd.in/gQe6Y6Ty #ai #mining #technology #capitalmarkets #acquisitions #cse #canada #nrc #venturecapital

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An excellent article! "If we were serious about leading the way into a utopian, high-energy, low-emissions-fuelled world, we’d make nuclear a priority — while continuing to extract fossil fuels as long as we need them.We could export relatively clean-burning natural gas, as Germany, Greece, Poland, Japan and Korea have asked, and we could continue being an ethical source of uranium. We could contribute to the end of coal use worldwide — currently the source of 40 per cent of global electricity — which remains a major fuel in the developing world in particular. To make it happen in a workable timeframe, we could expedite the gruelling process it takes to get such ideas off the ground.Canada’s climate story should be one of hope and achievement, not one of shame and disdain. The way forward is up and out, not through economic kneecapping and nickel-and-diming. As long as humans need energy, we should take pride in providing it." https://lnkd.in/enZ4qMzt

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How do you reduce #GHG emissions? Market-driven technology alongside good policy. Read about how Canada’s doing in the Canadian Climate Institute / Institut climatique du Canada annual GHG emissions estimate.

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MUST READ for all Canadian investors & financial institutions that say they are committed to net zero -- they need to use their financial power as leverage to push O&G companies to transition and to lobby government to enable net zero.

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At an institutional investor breakfast during the 2006 Globe Conference, UK investors shared strategies for incorporating a price on carbon – on a scenario basis – in their oil and gas stock valuations. At the 2016 Globe BlackRock outlined a new initiative to review stock valuations under different internalized pricing scenarios – carbon, of course, but also other ecosystem services that companies relied on with little to no market value. I often think of these two discussions in the context of today’s highly polarized political environment. Rolling back public-facing commitments to sidestep the political fray doesn’t necessarily indicate a change in internal strategy. As TIME noted this year, BlackRock's Larry Fink and J.P. Morgan's Jamie Dimon “know that clean technologies are where the biggest growth opportunities remain.” Today’s Global Climate Finance Accelerator blog focuses on observations from last week in the exciting strategic moves of major actors, growing attention on the mid-market, and actions in the #realeconomy. Find the link below and check back tomorrow for our final post on #Partnerships.

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As the climate and community development finance sectors merge, there's enormous opportunity for the NMTC industry to embrace decarbonization as both a business and mission imperative. That's why my team at Broadstreet undertook this research project -- to identify concrete actions CDEs and others in the NMTC industry could take to help tackle the climate crisis in ways the benefit the underinvested communities we serve. Please give this a read or pass it along to someone who might be interested in our research!

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Perhaps some good news on the environment? In an interesting blog post which can be found in the comments below, an analyst at CREA (Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air) speculates that China’s CO2 emissions may have actually peaked in 2023. His main justification was primarily the economic slowdown in China over the last few years, but he does point out that expanding use of renewable energy is actually starting to have an impact on carbon emissions. Take a look at the chart below. The fall in the carbon emissions (blue columns) below coincided with the first Covid wave (2020), then the significant long lockdown endured by the Chinese through 2021 and 2022. The most recent fall in emissions whilst the economy is fully up and running is a first. This analyst went on to suggest: "The drivers of the CO2 drop in March 2024 were expanding solar and wind generation, which covered 90% of the growth in electricity demand, as well as declining construction activity.” As we’ve discussed previously, with the UK’s carbon emissions down over 40% in the last 20 years, is this now the path for China and therefore the world? That would be a pleasant surprise wouldn’t it? #financialplanning #financialadvice #permanentwealthpartners #forprofessionalsbyprofessionals

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A very foundational critique of sustainability scientists (Mark Diesendorf, @Geoff Davies, Tommy Wiedmann, Joachim H Spangenberg, and Steven Hail) on neoclassical economics (NCE) (👉 https://lnkd.in/e_km2vzD) Before anyone claims, "this is a caricature of modern economics": it's not entirely. While there have been significant advances, more nuanced insights, and extensive research, Neoclassical Economics (NCE) still dominates what is taught in universities, shapes much of policymaking, and forms the basis of many macroeconomic models. The core assumptions of NCE continue to influence key decisions, even as the real world becomes increasingly complex and urgent in its demands. The ten fundamental hypotheses (labeled H1–H10) and four other claims (labeled C1–C4) of NCE are set out in the table 👇 , together with concise refutations. The articles argues that assumptions and models contribute to both environmental destruction and social inequality. Main insights from their review: 🟫𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬: The authors find that many hypotheses fail to meet basic scientific requirements such as empirical confirmation and consistency with Earth system science. 🟫𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞: NCE treats nature as an external factor, assuming infinite resources and waste absorption capacities. This contradicts current environmental science, which shows we have exceeded six out of nine planetary boundaries 🌱. 🟫𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: The authors argue that NCE promotes policies leading to greater inequality, with claims like the "trickle-down effect" having no evidence. Instead, it concentrates wealth in the hands of the few, exacerbating social divides ⚖️. 🔑 Major Flaws of NCE: 🟥 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦: NCE assumes that individual decisions are independent of societal influences, ignoring the complexities of social interactions. 🟥𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡: It prioritises economic growth as measured by GDP, even when this growth is unsustainable and doesn't benefit all segments of society. 🟥𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬: NCE has been unable to foresee or address major economic disruptions like the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, showing its lack of real-world relevance. It's time not only to rethink economics for a future that values both people and the planet 🌍, but also to put these ideas into action by implementing economic policies that align with this new vision. We need a shift towards frameworks that prioritise ecological sustainability and social well-being over outdated models of growth and profit.

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Shocking insights re doing your constitutional job and having clear roles and responsibilities between levels of government & sectors of society private/public that are respected and implemented i.e. federal responsibility for clean drinking water & effective waste water treatment on reserves!

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It's hard to talk about LNG in this country - there's a lot of noise. This piece from the Canadian Climate Institute / Institut climatique du Canada cuts right through all of it. It's a must-read for anyone who's grappled with how LNG fits in with Canada's climate and economic objectives. #lng #decarbonization #sustainability

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This was a very interesting clip.  Of note: the finding that people want BC's energy policies set province-wide not in a patch work of municipal policies (such a patchwork also raises housing development costs - another big issue in BC) Also: That British Columbians are open to a role for #nuclear energy in the province! Nuclear power was banned in BC, back in the 90's limiting energy options for the province. I'm glad to see a conversation is starting back. #energy4people #energysecurity #affordability 

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CDN CANDU Clean Energy Re-Industrialization: The New West=BC/AB/SK/MB+ON through an economic alliance that respects the CDN constitution can make progress on the removal of regulatory roadblocks that prevent the support of the re-industrialization of north America through the value added processing of both food & energy products produced in the New West! And if ON focused on its use of CANDU, in support of clean energy manfacturing prosperity for CDN could be improved!

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Today Nori published a draft Direct Air Capture + Storage methodology. This will be Nori's second methodology, adding to our original US Croplands soil organic carbon methodology and represents the next step on the expansion of our platform and products to become a diversified source of liquidity and price discovery in the #VCM cash spot market. The draft includes contributions from a marquee expert panel and is open for public comment. Our aim is to have the next version published in May. A six month timeline from initiation to official draft dramatically improves upon the industry norm of 18-24 months for registries to develop and publish a new methodology. As a commercially-driven issuer + registry + market Nori has the focus, means, and expertise to streamline, simplify, and accelerate historically complicated, cumbersome and slow aspects of #VCM market and product development. It is critical to remove impediments and bottlenecks for the market to scale. We are making this process public because it is also critical to collaborate with market constituents, and core to our ethos of transparency as a pillar of trust. Nori's DAC+S methodology prepares us for the launch of direct air capture carbon credits and the official version of Nori's Net Zero Tonne blending soil organic carbon + direct air capture carbon credits. We welcome feedback from market participants and invite #DAC project developers to get in touch with us to explore opportunities to collaborate on credit creation and distribution.

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