BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) completes acquisition of Arc Metal AB in Sweden

  • Acquisition adds smelting capability to serve spent automotive catalyst customers in Europe, Middle East and Africa
  • Complements ECMS’s global recycling operations and precious metal services
  • Broadens range of materials that can be processed by ECMS

ISELIN, N.J., Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) has completed the acquisition of Arc Metal AB in Hofors, Sweden. The asset purchase adds toll smelting and processing of spent automotive catalyst in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and further complements ECMS’s existing global precious metal recycling operations in Cinderford, UK, Seneca and Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Caldwell, Texas, USA.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome our new colleagues with the successful acquisition of Arc Metal,” said Tim Ingle, Senior Vice President, Precious Metal Services and Recycling, ECMS. “Now we can turn our attention to growing our recycling business in EMEA by meeting increased customer demand for spent automotive recycling and utilizing our expanded capabilities to process high carbon containing materials, like silicon carbide found in spent automotive catalyst materials.”

The additional smelting capacity at the Sweden site will also increase utilization of new refinery capacity in Seneca, South Carolina. Recycled catalysts go through a smelting process and are then refined to produce the high purity precious metal needed to make new catalysts and other end use products, supporting a circular economy.

In addition, the acquisition bolsters ECMS’s ability to deliver its 100 percent recycled metal offering Verdium™, which is based on mass balance. Recycled platinum group metals can lower carbon emissions by up to 97 percent, in comparison to refining mined or primary materials1. One kilogram of Verdium saves over thirty metric tons of carbon, enabling customers to verify their carbon reduction, track progress to their sustainability goals and help lower their Scope 3 emissions. UL Solutions has provided independent, third-party validation of the physical chain of custody and mass balance accounting of Verdium.

To learn more about BASF’s recycling business, visit www.basf.com/ecms.

Source: Sphera Solutions GmbH (2022): GaBi Database Edition 2022, SP37

About BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions
Leveraging its deep expertise as a global leader in catalysis and precious metals, BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) serves customers in many industries including automotive, aerospace, indoor air quality, semiconductors, and hydrogen economy, and provides full loop services with its precious metals trading and recycling offering. With a focus on circular solutions and sustainability, ECMS is committed to helping our customers create a cleaner, more sustainable world. Protecting the elements of life is our purpose and this inspires us to ever-new solutions. ECMS operates globally in 15 countries with over 4,500 employees and 20 production sites.

Media Relations contact:
Betsy Arnone
Phone: +1 973-519-9808
betsy.arnone@basf-catalystsmetals.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9030038

Excavation of colossal caverns for Fermilab’s DUNE experiment completed

The excavation of the caverns that will house the gigantic particle detectors of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment in Lead, South Dakota is complete. Final outfitting of the colossal caverns will begin soon and make way for the start of the installation of the DUNE detectors later this year.

Lead, South Dakota, Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Excavation workers have finished carving out the future home of the gigantic particle detectors for the international Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment. Located a mile below the surface, the three colossal caverns are at the core of a new research facility that spans an underground area about the size of eight soccer fields.

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, DUNE scientists will study the behavior of mysterious particles known as neutrinos to solve some of the biggest questions about our universe. Why is our universe composed of matter? How does an exploding star create a black hole? Are neutrinos connected to dark matter or other undiscovered particles?

The caverns provide space for four large neutrino detectors—each one about the size of a seven-story building (see 2-minute animation). The detectors will be filled with liquid argon and record the rare interaction of neutrinos with the transparent liquid.

Trillions of neutrinos travel through our bodies each second without us even knowing it. With DUNE, scientists will look for neutrinos and examine the behavior of a neutrino beam produced at Fermilab, located near Chicago, about 800 miles east of the caverns. This will be the world’s most intense neutrino beam and will travel straight through earth from Fermilab to the detectors in South Dakota. No tunnel is necessary for the neutrinos’ path.

“The completion of the excavation of these enormous caverns is a significant achievement for this project,” said U.S. Project Director Chris Mossey. “Completing this step prepares the project for installation of the detectors later this year and brings us a step closer towards fulfilling the vision of making this a world-class underground facility.”

 Engineering, construction and excavation teams have been working 4,850 feet below the surface since 2021 at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, home of the South Dakota-portion of DUNE. Construction crews dismantled heavy mining equipment and, piece by piece, transported it underground using an existing shaft. Workers then reassembled the equipment, and workers spent almost two years blasting and removing close to 800,000 tons of rock.

Workers will soon begin to outfit the caverns with the systems needed for the installation of the DUNE detectors and the daily operations of the research facility. Later this year, the project team plans to begin the installation of the insulated steel structure that will hold the first neutrino detector. The goal is to have the first detector operational before the end of 2028.

“The completion of the three large caverns and all of the interconnecting drifts marks the end of a really big dig. With no lost-time accidents in over three years, we reached a major achievement,” said Fermilab’s Michael Gemelli, who managed the excavation of the caverns by Thyssen Mining.

The DUNE collaboration, which includes more than 1,400 scientists and engineers from over 200 institutions in 35 countries, is eager to start the installation of the particle detectors. They have successfully tested the technology and assembly process for the first detector and preparations for the technology of the second detector is underway at the European research laboratory CERN.

Fermilab is America’s premier national laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research. A U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science laboratory, Fermilab is located near Chicago, Illinois, and operated under contract by the Fermi Research Alliance LLC. Visit Fermilab’s website at www.fnal.gov and follow us on Twitter at @Fermilab.

The DOE Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov.

Attachments

Tracy Marc
Fermilab
2242907803
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9030228

The Sanborn Map Company, Inc. Expands Global Presence with Launch of Sanborn Geophysics, ULC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Sanborn Map Company, Inc. is pleased to announce the establishment of its Canadian subsidiary, Sanborn Geophysics, ULC located just outside of Toronto. Sanborn Geophysics will focus on geophysical survey services and equipment sales, opening a new market to Sanborn.

With a commitment to advancing geospatial data collection and aerial survey capabilities, Sanborn Geophysics builds upon Sanborn’s extensive geospatial data expertise. John Copple, CEO of Sanborn, remarked, “The creation of Sanborn Geophysics expands Sanborn’s already extensive geospatial data collection and aerial survey capabilities. We’re uniquely positioned to not only collect specialized data but to do so with our own state-of-the-art equipment.”

Sanborn Geophysics was enabled by the purchase of assets from Nuvia Dynamics, Inc. Sanborn was also able to hire employees who have a proven track record in geophysics survey technology to staff Sanborn Geophysics. Some of Sanborn Geophysics employees have over 25 years of experience and previously worked for Nuvia Dynamics Inc (formerly known as Pico Envirotec Inc). Both prior companies have a distinguished record of accomplishment in developing geophysics survey technologies for mineral/oil exploration and geotechnical applications. Sanborn was supported by The Environmental Financial Consulting Group, LLC (EFCG). Terms were not disclosed.

“Sanborn Geophysics will create new opportunities for the company both domestically and internationally. This investment is to provide the best geospatial solutions for our clients,” said Copple.

About The Sanborn Map Company:
Sanborn’s leadership in the creation of high-quality spatial data began in 1866. Today Sanborn is at the forefront of spatial data collection and technology innovation and committed to offering clients the best in comprehensive state-of-the-art geospatial solutions tailored to their situation. As one of the largest providers of end-to-end GIS products and services in the U.S., Sanborn offerings include: oblique imagery, ortho imagery, lidar, sonar, geophysical, and hyperspectral data and mapping, secure data storage and streaming from our own data center, spatial analytics, custom application development, GIS-IT strategic planning and technical consulting, commercial data and cloud platforms, Sanborn SAAS geospatial solutions, staff augmentation, and GIS program managed services. The Sanborn advantage is to help customers identify the right data and tech, and to create solutions that match their needs, budget, and system requirements. Sanborn’s ISO 9001:2015 certification is a further demonstration of its commitment to quality.

For Media Inquiries:
Tom Harrington Jr, PhD
Chief Marketing Officer
[email protected]
(617) 413 7057

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9029925

MGA Entertainment Establishes Four Subsidiaries to Support its Fast Growing International Business in the European Union

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MGA Entertainment, Inc. (MGA), one of the largest and fastest growing privately held toy and entertainment companies in the world, announced today it has established four wholly-owned subsidiaries in the European Union (EU) to support its fast growing international business. The four subsidiaries – MGA Toys Iberia S.L. (led by Managing Director Mila Gonzalez), MGA Entertainment Greece (led by Managing Director Panos Kalogeropoulos), MGA Entertainment Italy SRL (led by Managing Director Andrea Signorelli), and MGA Toys France (led by Managing Director Thierry Thivolle) – will support marketing and sales administration efforts, staffed by employees who have worked for MGA Entertainment in each of the markets, now employees of their respective subsidiary in the same roles. This move demonstrates the company’s commitment to growing its businesses in those markets and to its international business overall.

“Our business outside of the U.S is strong and increasingly important to MGA Entertainment. Establishing these new subsidiaries will allow us to grow our business more quickly in these important markets,” said MGA Entertainment Founder & CEO Isaac Larian. “I look forward to working closely with the teams in each of these markets to continue to bring new, innovative, and fun MGA toys and products to consumers across the EU.”

MGA previously announced its plans to merge with Zapf Creation AG, Europe’s leading manufacturer of nurturing dolls. MGA’s wholly-owned German subsidiary has entered into negotiations of a merger agreement which is expected to close in late Spring 2024.

About MGA, Entertainment, Inc.
MGA Entertainmentis one of the largest and fastest growing privately held toy and entertainment companies in the world. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices globally, the company creates innovative, proprietary, and licensed consumer products and entertainment properties, including toys, games, dolls, apparel, consumer electronics, home décor, stationery, sporting goods, movies, and television series. The MGA family includes award-winning brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!™Little Tikes®, Rainbow High™Bratz®MGA’s Miniverse™Fluffie Stuffiez™Na! Na! Na! Surprise™, Micro Games of America™BABY born®, and Zapf Creation®. For more information, please visit us at www.mgae.com or check us out at LinkedIn, ThreadsInstagram and Facebook.

Attachment

Alan Hilowitz
MGA Entertainment
+1.818.221.4431
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9030048

President Ramaphosa hands over Welisizwe programme bridges


President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme remains one of government’s top priorities as these bridges improve the safety, well-being, and access for communities in rural areas.

On Wednesday, the President handed over complete bridges at the rural area of Mkhambathini in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme is a result of the objectives announced in the 2023 State of the Nation Address that outlined government’s plan to construct at least 96 bridges during the 2023/24 financial year.

Some 11 bridges have been completed in KwaZulu-Natal with at least 58 other bridges currently under construction throughout the country.

‘Because of climate change, extreme weather events like flooding are becoming increasingly common. Communities living along and close to rivers are particularly vulnerable. That is why we see building more Welisizwe rural bridges as a priority.

‘The purpose of the programme is to improve safety and well-being for rural communities who have to cross
rivers on a daily basis, to boost the local economy by making mobility easier, and to create jobs and support local businesses.

‘The bridges that have been handed over today will make it easier for communities to get to the clinic and hospital, to school, to town and to places of work. It will make it easier for them to fetch supplies and to take produce to market,’ President Ramaphosa said.

The President said that during the construction of these bridges, community members benefitted through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

The EPWP is a medium-to long-term government-funded programme that promotes the use of labour-intensive methods to create work opportunities for poor and unemployed South Africans.

‘In addition to these workers, each bridge site uses SANDF [South African National Defence Force] engineers and artisans who do work such as welding, groundwork, earth moving and soil retention.

‘Since its inception, this programme has supported skills development by appointing graduates to work
in bridge assessment, project management and maintenance, as assistant engineers and as candidate construction project managers.

‘The bridge components are all locally sourced from South African companies that specialise in the manufacture and supply of steel-modular type bridges. Local suppliers have also benefitted through the supply of materials such as stones, cement, concrete, road sign paint and personal protective equipment,’ he said.

Historical mission

The President reflected that since the dawn of democracy some 30 years ago, government has built bridges ‘as we work to overcome the divisions of the past’.

‘Over centuries of colonialism and decades of apartheid, the needs of the majority of South Africans were deliberately neglected, especially in our rural communities. Infrastructure was built for the benefit of a privileged minority.

‘The historical lack of infrastructure in black communities contributed to the deep levels of poverty and inequality that we continue to grapple with today. We rem
ain determined to correct the imbalances in infrastructure.’

He urged community members to protect the bridges from vandalism and destruction.

‘It is time to build bridges, not to destroy or burn them. It is time to build together a South Africa that we will be proud to leave for future generations.

‘Today, the children of these areas can safely cross flooded rivers and attend school. Today, our grandparents can safely travel to health care facilities or to access government services,’ President Ramaphosa concluded.

Source: South African Government News Agency

One death per day on roads in JanuaryNSFAS financial aid application deadline extended

WINDHOEK: The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund on Wednesday announced that it recorded 158 road crashes, 335 injuries and 29 fatalities in its year-to-date statistics for the 01-28 January 2024 period.

According to a media statement issued by MVA Fund Chief Executive Officer Rosalia Hausiku, 89 people were injured and 16 people lost their lives in road traffic crashes in the past week alone.

‘MVA Fund extends its deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragic crash which occurred on the gravel road near Okashandja village, resulting in the death of eight people and injuries of many others. The safety of road users is of paramount importance to the MVA Fund as road crashes have devastating consequences that affect families, communities, and the nation at large,’ Hausiku noted.

The affected families were urged to contact the MVA Fund service centre in Ongwediva for funeral and other benefits offered by the fund.

It further said these crashes are often predictable and preventable through conscie
ntious driving, strict adherence to road traffic rules and regulations, planning long journeys and avoiding driving at night when there is limited visibility on the road.

The MVA Fund thus called for enhanced vigilance and responsible road user behaviour from all drivers.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board has extended the deadline for applications for student financial aid to 15 February 2023.

The decision was taken during a meeting between the NSFAS board and the South African Union of Students (SAUS).

The NSFAS board, led by Acting Board Chairperson Professor Laurens Van Staden, met with the South African Union of Students (SAUS) Executive, led by President Yandisa Ndzoyiya, to discuss NSFAS’s state of readiness for the beginning of the academic year, where the parties agreed on the extension of the 2024 bursary application period.

The meeting also agreed that the NSFAS Loan Scheme will be opened on 2 February 2024 and close on 15 February 2024.

The new Comprehensive Student Funding Model aims to support students including those currently not supported by NSFAS bursary and funding policy.

This category includes students who come from families who have a total income of more than R350 000, but not more than R600 000 per annum.

In a joint statement
issued on Thursday, the parties agreed that students who have already applied for the NSFAS bursary scheme need not submit a new application for the student loan scheme.

‘All students who did not meet the bursary scheme eligibility criteria, however, meet the loan scheme eligibility criteria, will be automatically offered a loan for their consideration,’ the statement said.

Prospective loan scheme applicants can apply through an online application form, where they create a profile, apply, and submit the application.

The application form can be accessed on the NSFAS website on www.nsfas.org.za.

In order to qualify for the loan, students should meet the following criteria:

Students whose annual household income is between R350 000-R600 000;

TVET and university (public) students;

Undergraduate or postgraduate students;

70% Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programmes (which

may be adjusted to include commercial programmes that are in demand in the labour

market or entrepreneur
ial programmes);

30% Social Sciences programmes; and

Students willing to sign a loan agreement.

NSFAS reminded all applicants for both the bursary scheme and the loan scheme to submit a consent form to verify relevant information from third parties.

‘The information is required to verify the employment status and income level of the parents, guardians, or spouses of the applicant. It is mandatory for applicants to download and upload a completed Consent form on the NSFAS website, portal, or mobile app,’ Van Staden said.

1 745 applications received

Meanwhile, NSFAS has received 1 745 226 applications, as of 30 January 2024.

The scheme said of the 1 745 226 applications, 940 682 are provisionally funded, 269 915 are awaiting evaluations, while 48 643 have been withdrawn by the student; 232 559 are in in progress, and 136 531 applications on the not-started status, as applicants only created profiles and did not submit applications.

‘NSFAS has rejected 102 201 applications;1 093 appeals have been lodge
d so far,’ Van Staden said.

The meeting agreed that funding decisions will continue to be communicated, as and when applications are processed, and that the application portal will continue to be updated upon confirmation of the funding decision.

Institutions have been encouraged to continuously check the updates on the NSFAS applications portal on funding decisions, which will also cover allowance types that students have qualified for.

‘NSFAS will upon making the funding decisions commence with the appeals process in order to ensure that appeals decisions are communicated to students and the institutions on time.’

Source: South African Government News Agency