Geothermal Engineering Ltd has begun commercial-scale production of zero‑carbon lithium carbonate at its United Downs geothermal power plant in Cornwall, using Watson‑Marlow 630 and Qdos peristaltic pumps for reagent dosing. The pumps provide sealed, low‑maintenance chemical transfer with precise flow control, supporting closed‑loop extraction from hot brines and reducing operator exposure to corrosive fluids. For process engineers, the choice of peristaltic technology signals a preference for accurate metering and simplified containment over more complex diaphragm or centrifugal dosing systems in geothermal lithium circuits.

JCB will from June 2026 offer selected tracked excavators – the 140X, 145XR, 150X, 220X and 245XR – factory‑specified to run on 100% FAME B100 biodiesel derived from recycled vegetable oils, supplied by Syntech Biofuel and compliant with BS EN 14214 and ISCC certification. Machines ordered with a B100 pack and dealer B100 enhanced service contract retain full JCB warranty, and can be converted back to conventional diesel before resale to protect residual values. JCB claims up to 93% greenhouse gas reduction versus standard diesel with no performance loss, giving contractors an immediate low‑carbon option for heavy earthworks plant.

The Mineral Products Association has appointed former Cemex communications and public affairs director Martin Casey as senior director for cement and lime, succeeding Diana Casey after more than 20 years with the producer and a year consulting for the MPA on government engagement. His appointment comes as UK cement imports have tripled in two decades while domestic output has fallen to a 75‑year low, intensifying pressure on local kilns and clinker capacity. New EU carbon border charges this year are expected to divert more global cement shipments towards the UK, sharpening competitiveness and carbon‑policy risks for domestic producers.