Industry: Metals & Mining

The green hydrogen dream is currently facing a difficult reality: electrolysers are expensive to build and operate, and many projects are struggling to secure the high utilization required for a bankable business case, often due to a lack of immediate, large-scale hydrogen demand. These plants have high upfront capital costs, and if they sit idle, the financial […]

On June 27, 2025, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in Cactus Water Services, LLC v. COG Operating, LLC. It declared that produced water is oil & gas waste and therefore belongs to the hydrocarbon lessee i.e. oil & gas operator typically. This landmark decision clarifies that the right to produce oil & gas inherently includes […]

In the August 2021 edition of the ADI newsletter, we examined the uncertain future of jet fuel markets amid both immediate setbacks and structural long-term shifts. We also spotlight the growing role of landfill-to-energy projects, particularly renewable natural gas, in the broader energy transition. Finally, we looked at the critical role of copper in supporting […]

In the December 2021 edition of the ADI newsletter, we examined key developments in energy infrastructure, resource flows, and transition-critical materials. We took a closer look at the future of pipeline infrastructure in the Permian Basin as oil prices rebound and capital spending gradually returned. In the Bakken, midstream constraints were driving persistent flaring issues, […]

Electric vehicles (EVs) demand continues to grow, albeit at a slightly slower pace, as ADI has reported previously.  Policy support, falling battery pack and cell prices, rising consumer interest, and innovation by automotive OEMs are all driving this growth resulting in concerns on whether there is enough supply of various critical minerals including  lithium, nickel, and other critical minerals. […]

The demand for lithium is on the rise due to its role as a crucial component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems.  Major oil and gas companies such as Equinor and ExxonMobil are seizing opportunities in this growing market. ExxonMobil is constructing a lithium production facility in Arkansas and has recently secured […]

Recent developments in AI and machine learning (ML) technologies are changing daily operations in the mining industry. With the ability to analyze large amounts of data and provide recommendations in real-time, AI is driving change in the mining industry by improving exploration, reducing waste and improving efficiency with automation, minimizing environmental impacts, and improving the […]

On November 5th Americans will vote for their next president. This election can feel like déjà vu, as the two main candidates are the same as in 2020. According to current polls and reports, the race is expected to be tight. The first debate is scheduled for June 27th and might help inform voters – […]

In a previous blog post, ADI discussed the highly carbon-intensive cement production process and highlighted that the clinker production process is where the majority of CO2 emissions occur. Clinker production emissions primarily result from the calcination process, followed by the use of fossil fuels to meet the energy demand for calcination. Consequently, these areas have […]

Although electric vehicle (EV) sales are slowing, they have surpassed expectations in the past few years. While an average EV still remains more expensive than an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle today, prices have fallen significantly in recent years. As shown in exhibit 1, the decline in lithium-ion battery pack prices since 2015 is particularly […]

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cloud computing, and other technologies are leading to rapid implementation in various industries around the world. These developments have only been possible due to recent increases in computing power and availability of vast datasets needed to train AI programs. This along with improved algorithms for training […]

While the broader sentiment around energy transition turned more pessimistic in 2023, investments in clean energy and related technologies still increased by more than 20%. This included renewables, biofuels, and a wide range of low-carbon solutions. Despite this growth, we anticipate a more measured pace of progress in 2024, as reflected in the following themes: Overall, 2024 shapes up to be a […]