The U.S. National Science Foundation has awarded up to $160 million to the University of Missouri-Kansas City-led NSF Critical Materials Crossroads Engine to build a domestic ecosystem for critical metals and advanced materials used in batteries, aircraft engine components and semiconductors. The Missouri-Kansas corridor initiative, launched in 2022, brings together more than 260 partners to scale production from concentrated ore and spent materials recovered both domestically and internationally, targeting reduced reliance on foreign-controlled supply chains. Economic modelling projects about 10,000 jobs and up to $40 billion in output by 2036, with a $17 billion boost to regional GDP.

Blue Phoenix, an international producer of sustainable secondary aggregates, has signed a three‑year agreement with digital reuse platform MukAway, signalling a shift from traditional waste logistics into online materials trading. The deal will channel incinerator bottom ash and other secondary aggregates through MukAway’s marketplace, matching surplus materials from energy‑from‑waste and recycling plants with nearby construction and infrastructure projects. For contractors and geotechnical designers, this could increase availability and traceability of certified recycled aggregates, supporting specification of lower‑carbon sub‑base and fill materials where local standards permit.

Materials supplier BRCK Group reported full-year revenue to 31 March 2026 up 1.3% to £645.4m, with adjusted pre-tax profit rising 4.9% to £38.3m despite gross profit margins edging down from 19.1% to 18.9% amid price pressure and weak housebuilding. Growth was driven by an 8.8% increase in its design & install division after restructuring into two core units: distribution and design & install. The group completed the acquisition of H S Jackson & Son fencing post year-end, signalling continued diversification and capacity for further bolt-on deals.