☢ China limits antimony exports, new states of matter unveiled, China could develop magnetic launcher on the moon

Chinese authorities announced they will restrict exports of antimony, a mineral used in products ranging from batteries to weapons, to safeguard its security and interests.

Anyone wanting to export the mineral in any form will need to obtain a license. The extent of the export restrictions isn’t fully clear, but the term “non-proliferation” hints at possible limitations on weapons-related uses. For more on this development, check out our Must-Read.

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MUST-READ

☢️ China limits exports of antimony that’s used in nuclear weapons, EV batteries

The Chinese Commerce Ministry’s brief statement indicated that while regulated exports will be allowed, the government opposes any use of Chinese items that threatens its national sovereignty, security, and development interests, AP reported.

The controls also include smelting and separation technology, machinery, and other items related to what the notice describes as super-hard materials.

The US has restricted China’s access to advanced semiconductors and other technology for security reasons. As a major antimony producer, China raises concerns among US policymakers about over-reliance on its supply.

🧊 New states of matter unveiled in ‘first time’ quantum flatland discovery

Researchers at Georgia State University have identified novel states of matter within a two-dimensional flatland system.

Notably, the research team has explored the complex phenomenon known as the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) and uncovered completely new discoveries.

Their research highlights the unexpected behavior of FQHE states that split and intersect in new ways when a supplementary current is applied.

🌕 China could develop rotating launcher on moon to send lunar resources to Earth

Chinese scientists propose a magnetic launcher on the moon for cost-effective resource transport to Earth.

Based on the hammer throw principle, the magnetic levitation system would spin faster and launch the capsule toward Earth.

Leveraging the moon’s high vacuum and low gravity, it could eject payloads twice daily at about 10 percent of current transport costs, according to researchers from the Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering.

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