Screencore has launched the Orbiter 206R trommel, a 31‑tonne unit with a 7m³ hopper, 1,200mm heavy belt, and variable feed angle designed to maintain unencumbered material flow. The machine uses independent, radio‑controlled belt speed controls and a large PLC interface with full‑auto functionality, plus a Cat engine on 4m tracks with two‑speed drive and remote control for site mobility. A 180° radial fines conveyor with radio remote and auto‑functionality targets higher stockpile volumes and reduced loader rehandling on constrained sites.

Government plans to nationalise British Steel aim to preserve domestic production of structural sections, plate and rail steel used in major UK infrastructure, but raise questions over long‑term subsidy levels and exposure of public finances. Civil contractors reliant on BS EN 10025 and BS EN 10210 compliant sections could see short‑term supply stability, yet face potential cost volatility if state ownership drives changes in pricing, energy cost pass‑through or decarbonisation investment. The move also concentrates risk for large public works pipelines such as HS2, road bridges and offshore wind foundations.

Ionic Rare Earths has led a UK–European collaboration with Less Common Metals, GKN and Ford UK to complete what it calls the Western world’s first end-to-end recycled rare earth supply chain for EV motor magnets, using “made-in-Belfast” long-loop recycling technology. Recycled neodymium, dysprosium and terbium oxides at >99.5% purity were converted by LCM into strip alloy, then into GKN magnets that passed Ford Dunton rotor durability tests with performance equivalent to production magnets. The Belfast commercial recycling plant will feed LCM alloy production for Ford’s UK EV facilities, directly supporting the UK Critical Minerals Strategy target of sourcing 20% of mineral needs from recycling by 2035.