PLANET BORON

We have only one planet. Resources are finite, and it is our joint responsibility to take action to make the world a better place for future generations. Planet Boron is an initiative by Borates Today to harness the strengths and benefits of one of the world's most precious resources - BORON - and publish news and events about boron's availability, applications, benefits for achieving the collective vision and shared goals as we embrace multiple goals related to four key areas: Decarbonization; Advanced Energy, Food Security and Micronutrients.

DECARBONIZATION

ADVANCED ENERGY

FOOD SECURITY

MICRONUTRIENTS

DECARBONIZATION, MINING

Boron, ESG and the Mining Industry

The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework is growing in significance for mining companies, including those involved in boron extraction. ESG is a set of practices that mines have to comply with to ensure their future sustainability. It will become an integral part of every mining operation worldwide shortly. ESG compliance is difficult for some mines because it requires them to alter their production methods or management style. However, it is not only possible but necessary.

Energy Management, RESEARCH

Boron Nitride Powers Thermal Conductivity

Boron nitride, also known as "white graphite," is a semiconductor material that conducts electricity. It is chemically inert and electrically insulating with no bandgap in the bulk phase that would allow it to emit light when excited by an energy source. Because of its excellent thermal conductivity properties, layers of boron nitride are often added onto other materials like silicon carbide (SiC) for use in high-efficiency power devices like thermoelectric cooler packages (TECs).

Batteries and Capacitors, Energy Management Systems, Industrial emissions

Battery Systems for Advanced Energy Management

ADVANCED ENERGY, Batteries and Capacitors

Sodium Ion Battery Facts You Need To Know

Sodium ion battery is a new kind of battery being developed to meet the ever-growing demands of electric vehicles and has lower cost and improved safety.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Energy Management Systems

Energy Transition: Boron is the Solution

The energy transition employs boron for mitigating climate change. It is used in renewable energy, electrical energy efficiency, and electric mobility.

ADVANCED ENERGY, BENEFITS, Human Health, INVEST IN BORON, MINING

Introduction to Boron and Lithium

Many investors are aware that boron and lithium are two essential elements for use in Advanced Energy. What is the difference between the two minerals?

Chemistry, Efficient Power Sources, SCIENCE

Electrification: The Key to a Connected World

Electrification is the process of using electricity to power something. It is essential for power systems for devices and technologies that we rely on every day. As our world becomes more interconnected, electrification will become increasingly important and Boron has a role to play.

MICRONUTRIENTS, PODCASTS

Podcast – Pregnancy Diet and Boron

Today, we're going to talk about adding boron to the pregnancy diet. This can provide substantial health benefits both for the mother and baby.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Agriculture, Anti-fungal, Biocides, Pest Control

Boron in Road Construction

Boron in Road Construction: Boron waste is discharged in the production of borax pentahydrate, borax decahydrate, anhydrous borax, and other compounds, with volumes increasing annually. But there is a solution. Given the right circumstances, boron waste can build a strong road base.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Clean Fuels, Efficient Power Sources

Fluids, Fuel, Lubricants and Additives

Fluids, Fuel, Lubricants and Additives - Boron has been proven to be an excellent lubricant for engine components. University of Utah researchers found that parts coated with boron had 50% less friction than others. This may result in significant fuel savings and increased engine durability. Boron should become an essential ingredient in fuels and engine technology once its potential benefits are further clarified.

ADVANCED ENERGY, RESEARCH

Boron Nanotubes BNNT Stability for Electronics

The Boron Nitrate Nanotube is a novel material with unique properties, including high thermal conductivity and chemical stability. It has been used in many applications such as heat transfer fluids, lubricants, coatings for semiconductors, catalysts, etc., but its use in batteries was not explored until recently. The first report of the application of BNNTs in Li-ion batteries appeared only in 2020.

ADVANCED ENERGY

Key Metals Boron Demand Rising EV

Boron is a critical raw material for many sectors such as solar cells, fiber optics, and semiconductor manufacturing. Boron production is also tied to other elements like lithium which are increasingly in demand.

Agriculture, FOOD SECURITY

Boron-Enriched Palm Oil

Palm oil is crucial in many food, detergent, and cosmetic products. It requires boron for several key processes in the plant, including pollination, fruit set, and cell wall development.

Agriculture, FOOD SECURITY, Food Stability, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron Fertilisers

Today, we're going to look at the role of fertilizers in agriculture and in food security. The worldwide fertilizer market, which includes boron fertilizers is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 1.6, 9% up to 2027.

ADVANCED ENERGY

Food Hunger and Boron

Food Hunger and Boron: In 2020, between 720 and 811 million people faced hunger. In a world of plenty, where enough food is produced to feed everyone on the planet, hunger should be a thing of the past. However, conflict, climate change, disasters, inequality, and – most recently – the COVID-19 pandemic means one in nine people globally is still going to bed hungry, and famine looms for millions, states the World Food Programme (WFP). Boron can help to dramatically improve food yields and is a vital micronutrient in human health.

FOOD SECURITY

Food Insecurity: The Crisis For America

The food insecurity problem in America has been plaguing the country for years. Boron will help combat this issue and promote better nutrition.

Boron inside - in Boron Neodymium Magnets

ADVANCED ENERGY

Rare Earth Magnet Producers Using Boron to Get Tax Credits

Boron is giving a shot in the arm to North America’s alternate energy transition initiatives, a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives has introduced legislation to extend tax credits to companies that domestically produce rare earth magnets with boron and other minerals inside.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Energy Management Systems

Boron and Energy Management Systems

ADVANCED ENERGY, Efficient Power Sources, SCIENCE

Boron and SOP

Boron inclusive technology is an excellent example of how we can harness the power from seawater to bring zero-carbon energy worldwide. Decarbonization has been a goal for quite some time, and it seems like this year, governments will finally agree on stricter regulations that would make it possible to achieve this objective by 2050 or sooner if possible. Boron has been working to bring sustainable energy sources for all, and Boron and Hydropower technology is an excellent example of achieving this goal.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Clean Fuels

Clean Energy: California On Track To Lead the Way

California is on the path to clean energy by achieving 85% by 2030. With this, the state strives to become a clean energy leader in the United States.

Automotive, Batteries and Capacitors

Elon Musk Tesla Open to Buying a Mining Company

Tesla is willing to buy a mining company if it means facilitating the global adoption of clean energy technologies,” says CEO Elon Musk.

ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING

European Critical Mineral Strategy for Boron

The European Commission has a solid policy on a raw materials initiative for access to critical minerals such as Boron. Going back to 2008 the initiative was based on three pillars: a fair supply from global markets; sustainable collection; and recycling resources.

FOOD SECURITY

Boron Malnutrition Efforts

FOOD SECURITY, Human Health

Boron in Coffee

Coffee is one of the most susceptible crops to boron shortage. Boron in coffee is needed for coffee cultivation to improve yield and support healthy growth via cell divisions and cell wall formation in association with calcium, water uptake, roots growth, growth of internodes, setting, calcium uptake, lower aluminum toxicity, and drought resistance.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Batteries and Capacitors

Lithium Battery Pack Prices Set to Soar

Lithium battery packs have skyrocketed in price over the past two years, and this surge looks poised to continue with no signs of subsiding through 2023.

Agriculture, FOOD SECURITY

Boron Steel In Agriculture

Boron steel is a material that modern agricultural and industrial machinery manufacturers rely on to produce devices of the highest quality.

FOOD SECURITY, INDUSTRY SECTORS

Food Security in Food and Beverage Companies

Ceramic and Enamels, Electricity Generation, RESEARCH, Superconductors

Boron a Superconductive Element

Boron is the superconductive element of the ceramic family. It's characterized by a wide variety of applications and unique properties.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Energy Management

Solar Cell – The Science Behind Solar Energy

A solar cell or photovoltaic (PV) cell is made of semiconductor materials that convert sunlight into electricity. But how does it work and what role does boron play in solar cells?

Human Health, MICRONUTRIENTS, PODCASTS

Podcast – The Mind Diet

Today, we're going to talk about the Mind diet and give you a simple guide to improving memory and cognition. The mind diet emphasizes the importance of various nutrients and minerals, including boron. Boron plays a key role in brain health and cognitive function.

DECARBONIZATION, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron and Decarbonization in the Chemicals Industry

Boron and Decarbonization: To reduce their carbon footprint and make the world cleaner, many chemical industry companies are embracing decarbonization strategies. What can the chemical sector do to contribute significantly to climate change by reducing greenhouse gases from the chemicals manufactured using fossil fuels?

Today, we will review current practices and regulations in an industry-wide drive to meet goals and look at how the latest technological breakthroughs play a pivotal role in shifting toward more sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure.

RESEARCH, Superconductors

Boron Nitride Nanotubes

Boron nitride nanotubes are a new material that has been studied for use in strengthening lightweight materials, such as plastics and polymers. It is also being researched for use in electronics, aerospace engineering, and medicine. The Boron Nitride Nanotubes market has grown steadily over the past few years.

Agriculture, Crop Management, Food Availability

Alfalfa Plant Needs A Powerful Dose Of Boron

Alfalfa plant need boron to thrive and reach their full potential. It's a trace element, but even in small amounts, it can make all the difference for this plant.

DECARBONIZATION

Boron and Carbon Footprint

Boron carbon footprint - A major problem in the world today is climate change and it has been a long-debated topic. Some people are convinced that it is not happening, while others think the world is doomed to an uninhabitable fate. The truth is that climate change is happening and we must reduce its impact on our lives. The Earth's temperature has been increasing over time, and this will have a major impact on our planet.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Batteries and Capacitors

Lithium-ion Battery Market Analysis

The lithium-ion battery market continues to grow in popularity, with electric vehicles and the need for better energy storage solutions driving its demand.

DECARBONIZATION, Industrial emissions

FEAM: A Solution To Global Decarbonization

FEAM focuses on providing secure and reliable supplies of critical materials that empower global decarbonization and creating a better future for generations.

Agriculture

Creeping Charlie with Borax: The Best Weedkiller

Creeping Charlie weed is difficult to eliminate, but borax can kill the plant's roots, preventing it from spreading, and taking over lawns or gardens.

Food Access, Food Availability, FOOD SECURITY, Food Stability

Global Food Dynamics and Boron

Global Food Dynamics and Boron: According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), nearly 1/3 of all fruit & vegetables produced globally are wasted each year. How can Boron Help alleviate this wastage?

Agriculture, FOOD SECURITY

How Fertilizer Prices Will Affect the Agriculture Sector?

European farmers face a growing problem with fertilizer supply and pricing this spring due partly to a sluggish global economy, tight supply, and trade embargoes driving up prices.

ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING, PODCASTS

Podcast – Novel Applications in BNNTs

Today, we're going to look at novel applications using boron nitride nanotubes. Boron nitride nanotubes, or BNNTs, are mechanically and structurally identical to carbon nanotubes. BNNTs, however, have unique properties that are electrically insulating as well as transparent because of the polarized boron nitride bond.

Decarbonization and Boron

By Borates Today | DECARBONIZATION

Decarbonization and Boron

Rio Tinto Mine. The Serbian government has finally revoked Rio Tinto's licenses for lithium exploration in Serbia in the latter part of January 2022. The government gave in to the protesters who have been opposed to the Anglo-Australian mining company's project on environmental grounds. Last year, the company committed to the project as global miners push for metals necessary to transition to green energy. This includes lithium which is used in the production of electric vehicle batteries. The project was already suspended in December 2021 due to environmental deterioration and forced displacement concerns.

Pomegranate Fruit and Boron

By Borates Today | Agriculture, Crop Management

Pomegranate Fruit and Boron

Pomegranate fruit is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and other minerals. However, the fruit may lose its quality due to fruit cracking. This is due to inadequate water management or lacking essential micronutrients such as boron and calcium.

The Future of Solar: Boron and Energy Efficiency

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, Efficient Power Sources, Energy Management

The Future of Solar: Boron and Energy Efficiency

Energy transition is a hot topic these days, and one way that scientists have been working on reducing our dependence on fossil fuels has been through solar panels. Boron plays an integral role in the efficiency of solar panels- without it, photovoltaic cells would not be able to convert light into electricity as efficiently.

Industrial Decarbonization: The Path to a Cleaner Future

By Borates Today | DECARBONIZATION, Industrial emissions

Industrial Decarbonization: The Path to a Cleaner Future

Industrial decarbonization is a critical step in the fight against climate change, and boron plays an essential role in this process. It helps reduces emissions from power plants and factories, on a quest for a more sustainable future.

Video – Surge in Interest in the Solar Power Market

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, Solar

Video – Surge in Interest in the Solar Power Market

The solar power industry is soaring, moved by cost-cutting measures and government incentives encouraging the use of boron for efficient energy storage.

Decarbonization: The Price of Progress

By Borates Today | Boronate Compounds, Carbon Cycle, DECARBONIZATION, Industrial emissions

Decarbonization: The Price of Progress

Balancing Habitat versus Critical Mineral Mining

By Borates Today | DECARBONIZATION, MINING

Balancing Habitat versus Critical Mineral Mining

Balancing Habitat versus Critical Mineral Mining: Lithium and boron are two examples of crucial minerals essential in reducing our planet's carbon footprint for industries such as defense, automotive, construction, aviation, and aerospace. It is challenging to preserve the natural environment when starting new mines to extract these resources. How do companies such as Rio Tinto, American Pacific Borates (currently rebranding to 5E Advanced Materials), and Ioneer manage this dilemma and obtain the permits necessary in their respective locations?

European Critical Mineral Strategy for Boron

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING

European Critical Mineral Strategy for Boron

Boron and U.S. Rare Earths

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, INDUSTRY SECTORS

Boron and U.S. Rare Earths

The U.S. is boosting the stockpile of its rare earth minerals such as cobalt and lithium. Why? Partly to reduce dependence on China and partly to have a strategic policy towards rare earth sourcing and distribution. Rare earths are valuable resources used in E.V. batteries and decarbonization. What is the stance on boron and U.S. rare earths as a critical mineral?

Ammonia Borane Powers Space Exploration

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY

Ammonia Borane Powers Space Exploration

Ammonia Borane is an excellent choice for rocket fuel given its ease of manufacture, availability, and low storage costs. It is also a good additive for jet fuel. Scientists at the University of California Riverside are testing ammonia borane, NH3BH3, as an alternative to traditional carbon-based chemical rocket fuels. This could lead to carbon-free space launches.