Materials Nexus and Less Common Metals announce collaboration

Materials such as concrete, steel and glass contribute to 50% of CO2 emissions and are a constant cause of international disputes due to their localisation in certain geographical areas. In a world first Materials Nexus (MatNex) is working with Less Common Metals (LCM) and a UK plc to remove a critical material from the supply chain without affecting component performance. Not only is this project technically innovative it also innovates on the centuries old business model in the materials industry. 

Jonathan Bean, CEO of Materials Nexus said 

“We’re delighted to have this opportunity to use our AI platform in this area and is just one of many improved materials that we are planning to develop.”  

Albert Slot, Managing Director of LCM said 

“Critical materials are essential for various high-tech applications including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, medical devices and information technology, and are often subject to supply chain vulnerabilities. By investing in projects such as EMPRESS, the potential exists to revolutionise the production processes of these materials, therefore reducing dependence on foreign sources and enhancing domestic control.”  

Chris Shade, Vice President of Advanced Materials GKN-Hoeganaes said 

“We are excited as a new entrant into manufacturing permanent magnets to be able to be part of the MatNex EMPRESS program as we believe it will help us optimize alloy selection with maximum speed and minimum cost. In addition we believe it will form the basis for the way we will develop alloys for all aspects of our business in the future.” 

Read Innovate UK’s press release: https://www.ukri.org/news/projects-secure-6-6m-to-strengthen-uk-supply-of-critical-materials/

Read LCM’s press release: https://lesscommonmetals.com/lcm-and-materials-nexus-awarded-funding-for-research-project-to-reduce-hre-in-high-performance-permanent-magnets/