Chemical news · Three minutes a day
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Lead Story
Exxon Veteran Liam Mallon Joins TMC Board Ahead of Seabed Mining PushThe Metals Company appointed former ExxonMobil executive Liam Mallon to its board while seeking U.S. approval for commercial deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules. This strategic hire supports efforts to secure critical minerals like lithium for the economy and EV battery markets.
TC Energy will proceed with its Coastal GasLink Phase 2 expansion after LNG Canada partners approved a major facility upgrade. The initiative aims to double production capacity to meet rising global demand for natural gas exports.
Major oil firms including Q8, Eni, and SOCAR have introduced fuel price caps in Italy to appease the government and avoid potential windfall taxes, though market data shows limited immediate impact on average pump prices.
Britannia Industries has appointed N Venkataraman as deputy managing director and Ramamurthy Jayaraman as CFO, effective October 1.
Orica Ltd. secured ammonium nitrate supply for North American customers through 2027, sourcing from US producers and its Canadian plant. It also expanded its explosives business via the Nelson Brothers acquisition to strengthen its mining and infrastructure presence.
Russia has placed assets of European firms, including food giants Nestle and Danone, under temporary management citing asymmetric measures against the EU. Kremlin officials warn of further actions while trade relations remain strained over the Ukraine conflict.
Aliko Dangote reported enormous investor demand for the $1.6 billion Lagos refinery IPO, aimed at doubling capacity to 700,000 barrels per day. Regional governments will also participate in funding the new East African market facility.
Cheniere Energy signed a 22-year LNG supply agreement with Petrobras for 0.8 million tonnes annually. The deal secures supply flexibility for Brazil and supports Cheniere's capacity expansion financing.
Cove Capital plans a $1.1 billion investment in Central Asian tungsten and copper assets to support US efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese critical minerals. Production is targeted to begin in 2030 with significant government backing.
The European Investment Bank and BNP Paribas have signed a €700 million guarantee agreement to support European electricity grid manufacturers, aiming to mobilize up to €2.8 billion in investment for EU energy grid modernization.
ChemBrief