Apple Inc. reported strong financial results for its latest quarter. It showed steady growth in its products and services, sending its stock rising to its highest level this year. At the same time, the company is expanding its clean energy and carbon reduction programs as it works toward its 2030 net-zero goal. 

Apple’s strategy focuses on balancing profit and sustainability. This approach helps define the company as one of the largest and most influential in the world.

Financial Results Show Steady Growth: Apple’s $102B Quarter

Apple’s fiscal year ending September 2025 marked another period of steady growth and strong cash generation. The company reported $416 billion in total revenue for the year, up from $394 billion in fiscal 2024.

Net revenue for the quarter reached $102.5 billion, 8% higher than the previous year’s result. It reflects solid demand for services and high-end iPhones.

Apple’s Services division, which includes the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple TV+, grew faster than hardware. It brought in around $28.8 billion, a 15% increase, in the fourth quarter alone. This segment now accounts for more than one-fourth of total company revenue, helping offset slower growth in device sales.

The iPhone 17 lineup stayed Apple’s top revenue source. This was thanks to strong demand in North America and increased sales in India and Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Mac and iPad sales stayed stable, with new M4-powered models expected to lift performance in 2026.

Apple shares reached a record high this year at $277.32 on October 31 trading. That price is about 18% higher year-to-date versus the January 31 close. The jump followed strong earnings and renewed investor interest in services and clean energy plans.

Analysts believe the company’s clean energy and sustainability efforts will boost investor confidence. This is important as environmental and social performance are now key metrics in global markets.

Clean Energy Investments Gain Momentum

Apple continues to invest heavily in renewable energy. Its suppliers now operate 17.8 gigawatts (GW) of clean electricity worldwide, enough to power millions of homes. These efforts helped avoid an estimated 21.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 alone.

The tech giant has committed to powering all its global facilities, like data centers, stores, and offices, with 100% renewable energy. As of 2025, Apple reports that this target has already been met for its operations.

Apple is also encouraging suppliers to follow its lead. Over 320 suppliers from 30 countries have joined Apple’s Clean Energy Program. This represents more than 95% of the company’s direct manufacturing spending.

The chart above shows Apple’s global renewable energy portfolio. This includes direct purchases like Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), investments in solar and wind projects, and clean energy from suppliers in Apple’s Supplier Clean Energy Program.

The 2017–2024 values are based on company disclosures. The 2025 figure represents the most recent reported estimate (Apple’s suppliers achieving 17.8 GW of renewable energy capacity).

• SEE MORE: Apple (AAPL) Expands Renewable Energy Projects Across Europe to Power Its 2030 Carbon-Neutral Vision

In addition to clean energy sourcing, Apple is reducing material-related emissions. Its devices now use:

• 99% recycled rare earth elements in magnets.
• 99% recycled cobalt in batteries.
• 100% recycled aluminum in many product enclosures.

These changes lower emissions and cut the need for new mining. Mining is a major source of industrial carbon emissions.

Apple 2030: The Road to True Carbon Neutrality

Apple’s long-term plan, called Apple 2030, aims to make its entire business carbon neutral by 2030. This includes all emissions from manufacturing, operations, and product use.

Since 2015, the company has already cut its total carbon footprint by over 60%. That means Apple has prevented around 41 million metric tons of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere compared to a decade ago.

To reach full carbon neutrality, Apple plans to:

• Reduce emissions by 75% from its 2015 baseline.
• Offset the remaining 25% through verified carbon removal projects.

The company is investing in nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and mangrove restoration, as part of its offset strategy. It is also exploring more advanced carbon removal methods, including direct air capture and mineralization.

Apple says its approach focuses on “real and permanent” carbon reductions, rather than temporary offsets. The goal is to ensure that all products — from iPhones to MacBooks — are produced with net-zero emissions by 2030.

• RELATED: Is Apple Stock a Green Investment? Net-Zero Goals and Sustainable Supply Chain

Sustainability as a Core Business Strategy

Apple’s clean energy work is closely tied to the company’s supply chain, product design, and long-term growth. The company uses recycled materials and renewable energy. This helps lower its risk of resource shortages and energy price changes. These choices also make production more efficient and less dependent on fossil fuels.

The company is also building resilience against future climate policies. As governments tighten carbon rules, companies with cleaner supply chains may enjoy lower costs and better operations.

Apple’s sustainability efforts also support its growing investor base. Many institutional investors now use environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria to evaluate companies. For Apple, good environmental performance keeps it a top ESG-rated company worldwide.

Industry Trends: AI, Energy, and Emissions Collide 

The clean energy transition is changing how the tech industry operates. Data centers, manufacturing plants, and logistics networks are major sources of emissions.

Apple, Microsoft, and Google are all working to lower their carbon footprints. At the same time, they are expanding their AI infrastructure. This infrastructure uses a lot of power.

Analysts estimate that global data center electricity use could reach 945 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2030 — more than double 2024 levels. That’s why access to clean, reliable power has become a key business issue.

In the consumer electronics market, sustainability is also becoming a selling point. More buyers now look for low-carbon, recyclable, or energy-efficient products. Apple’s use of recycled metals and renewable energy helps it meet this demand and strengthen its brand value.

At the same time, the global renewable energy market is booming. Solar and wind capacity is expected to grow by more than 50% by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency. This trend supports Apple’s ability to secure more clean power as its operations expand.

Balancing Growth and Green Goals: The Path Ahead

Apple has two big challenges. It needs to keep its strong financial performance and also meet its environmental commitments. As it grows its AI and cloud services, energy demand will keep rising. The company’s clean energy projects and emission reduction strategies will need to scale accordingly.

If Apple stays on track, it could become one of the first major tech companies to reach net-zero emissions across its entire value chain.

For investors, the combination of steady earnings, rising services revenue, and a strong sustainability record makes Apple a company to watch. Its success shows how environmental responsibility and business growth can move together, even in a rapidly changing global economy.

• READ MORE: Apple Stock (AAPL) Goes Green: 14,000-Acre California Forest Deal Advances Carbon Neutral Strategy

The post Apple’s Earnings and (AAPL) Stock Up, Emissions Down: How Its 2030 Vision Is Paying Off appeared first on Carbon Credits.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed new agreements on rare earth and critical minerals with Japan and some Southeast Asian countries. The deals were finalized during his October 2025 Asia tour. They aim to lower reliance on China, which leads to global production of these key materials.

Rare earth elements are vital for many things, including electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, smartphones, and defense systems.

Global demand is rising fast as countries invest more in clean energy and digital technologies. These new partnerships are among the biggest efforts yet to build alternative supply chains for critical minerals.

Japan Deal: Strengthening Industrial and Energy Security

On October 28, 2025, Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed a key deal. This agreement aims to secure supplies of rare earths, lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The agreement expands past U.S.–Japan cooperation and includes new plans for joint investments, technology sharing, and transparent supply management.

Under the deal, both countries plan to:

• Build processing and refining plants for rare earths and battery minerals.
• Create strategic stockpiles and improve recycling systems.
• Support magnet production for EVs and defense industries.
• Explore nuclear fuel supply cooperation for next-generation reactors.

Japan still relies on China for about 65% of its rare earth imports, even after years of trying to diversify. The new deal aims to cut this dependence by sourcing from U.S. allies like Australia and Vietnam. Also, it will process materials locally or in partner nations.

The plan supports Japan’s economic security law, which pushes companies to find new material sources. Tokyo has set aside about ¥400 billion (US$2.7 billion) in funding to help domestic rare earth and battery material projects through 2027.

Southeast Asia: Expanding the Network Beyond China

Trump also announced new cooperation deals with Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia. These countries hold key mineral reserves and play important roles in regional trade.

Malaysia already operates one of the world’s few large rare-earth processing plants outside China. Vietnam has about 22 million tonnes of rare-earth reserves, second only to China. Indonesia and Thailand are major producers of nickel and tin, vital for EV batteries.

The Southeast Asia deals aim to:

• Bring in U.S. and Japanese investments for mining and refining projects.
• Train local workers and improve technical skills.
• Cut tariffs and export barriers that slow regional trade.
• Support cleaner and safer mining technologies under ESG standards.

Experts say these efforts could create an “Indo-Pacific mineral corridor.” This would link mines in Australia, processors in Southeast Asia, and manufacturers in Japan. This network would help reduce China’s control over the middle stages of the supply chain.

• READ MORE: Rare Earth Demand to Triple by 2035: Can the U.S. Catch Up with China?

Why Rare Earths Matter: A Market Under Strain

Rare earths are a group of 17 metals used in many high-tech and clean energy products. The most valuable are neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium. These elements are essential for strong magnets used in EV motors, drones, and wind turbines.

China controls around 60–70% of mining and 85–90% of refining for rare earths. This gives Beijing major influence over countries that depend on these materials.

In 2024, the world produced about 350,000 tonnes of rare earth materials. The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects demand to reach over 500,000 tonnes by 2030. Market value could rise from $13 billion in 2024 to over $25 billion by 2030.

The U.S. currently makes about 12% of global rare earth ore, mostly from the Mountain Pass mine in California. However, much of it is still sent to China for processing. That dependence makes the new deals with Japan and Southeast Asia even more important.

Strategic and Economic Significance

For the United States, these deals mark a new stage in mineral diplomacy. Washington aims to safeguard clean energy and defense industries. It plans to do this by securing long-term supply agreements in Asia to help protect against disruptions.

Japan gains stronger support for its automotive, electronics, and robotics sectors. The country is restarting its rare earth recycling programs. These programs slowed down after Chinese export limits in 2010 made prices rise sharply.

For Southeast Asian nations, the agreements promise foreign investment, new jobs, and technology sharing. Malaysia and Vietnam might become key centers for refining and magnet production. This could create jobs for thousands of skilled workers.

The deals also back U.S. efforts to counter China’s export restrictions. In 2024, China limited exports of gallium, germanium, and certain rare earth magnets for “national security” reasons. Those actions disrupted supply chains and forced manufacturers in Japan, Europe, and the U.S. to look elsewhere for materials.

• SEE MORE: US–China Trade Tensions Heat Up Over Graphite and EV Battery Supply Chains

Rare Earth Market Outlook: Rising Demand, Tight Supply

Demand for rare earth magnets, especially neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, might triple by 2035. This rise is fueled by electric vehicles (EVs) and wind turbines. Each electric vehicle needs 1–2 kilograms of these magnets, while one offshore wind turbine can use up to 600 kilograms.

The price of neodymium oxide has climbed from about US$70 per kg in 2020 to more than US$120 per kg in 2025, showing strong pressure on supply. China’s quota limits and environmental checks have made availability uncertain.

The U.S., Japan, and the European Union are expanding recycling programs. They aim to recover rare earths from old motors and electronics. This helps reduce reliance on mined materials. Yet, recycling currently provides less than 5% of total global demand.

The Cost of Breaking Free from China

Building alternative supply chains is difficult. Several challenges include:

• High costs: Rare-earth plants are expensive and take years to build.
• Environmental risks: Poor waste management can pollute water and soil.
• Financing issues: Price swings make investors cautious.
• Geopolitical tensions: China may respond by lowering prices or tightening exports.

Experts say that without strong government support, new producers may not compete with China’s scale and low costs. Both the U.S. and Japan are studying tax credits and loan programs to help new projects move forward.

Forging a New Indo-Pacific Supply Chain

These rare earth agreements send a clear message: the U.S. and its allies want to reshape global supply chains around trusted partners. The next steps include choosing priority projects, securing funding, and coordinating trade rules.

If successful, these efforts could shift 15–20% of global refining capacity away from China by the early 2030s. That would mark the biggest industry shift in decades.

For the U.S., Japan, and Southeast Asia, the deals combine economic security, industrial growth, and clean energy goals. They also show how the energy transition and geopolitics are now closely linked.

In the long run, building diverse and stable rare earth supply chains could make clean energy industries stronger and less dependent on any single country.

• FURTHER READING: MP Materials (MP Stock): The Rare Earth Magnet Powering America’s Clean Energy and Climate Goals

The post Trump Inks Rare Earth Deals with Japan and Southeast Asia to Secure Supply Chains appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Disseminated on behalf of Surge Battery Metals Inc.

Nevada is known for its wide deserts and rich mining history. Today, it is earning a new reputation – as the center of America’s electric vehicle (EV) and battery revolution. The state now produces over 80% of all lithium mined in the U.S., and its output is growing fast.

Nevada’s lithium industry is vital to the nation’s clean-energy goals. In 2025, the state is expected to produce between 25,000 and 40,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), with production growing at an annual rate of about 40% as new projects begin operations. This growth is supported by a surge of new investment and innovation—from lithium mining to advanced battery manufacturing.

Lithium is at the core of this transformation. It is the key metal that powers EVs, grid batteries, and renewable energy systems. As global demand continues to soar, developing a steady domestic supply has become a top U.S. priority. 

For the country, it is both an economic and an energy security issue. Nevada is becoming the cornerstone of that vision, with its mineral potential, strong infrastructure, and mining-friendly policies. 

Growing Demand for Domestic Lithium

Global lithium demand is expanding rapidly. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects it will increase nearly fivefold by 2040, driven by the global shift to EVs and clean-energy storage. The world’s total known lithium resources now exceed 115 million tonnes, while the U.S. holds about 19 million tonnes—mostly in Nevada and California.

Even so, the U.S. still imports most of its lithium. Domestic production makes up less than 2% of global supply, leaving the country dependent on imports from Chile, Australia, and China. This creates major risks for automakers and energy companies that rely on steady, affordable lithium.

To meet its clean-energy goals, the U.S. must grow its domestic lithium base fast. Nevada’s large claystone and brine deposits make it the natural hub for that expansion. The state’s deposits are unique in both size and accessibility, giving it a strong edge in supplying the raw materials for EV batteries.

Introducing Surge Battery Metals and the Nevada North Lithium Project

At the center of this growth is Surge Battery Metals. The company’s main project, the Nevada North Lithium Project (NNLP) in Elko County, represents one of the highest-grade lithium clay deposits in the U.S.

According to its latest resource estimates, NNLP holds 11.2 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) at an average grade of 3,010 parts per million (ppm) lithium. This grade is higher than most comparable projects across North America.

Surge’s Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) highlights strong numbers:

• Post-tax Net Present Value (NPV8): US$9.2 billion
• Internal Rate of Return (IRR): 22.8%
• Operating cost: US$5,097/t LCE
• Mine life: 42 years

The project is located only 13 kilometers from major power lines and has all-season road access. It has received a Record of Decision and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), allowing expansion across 250 acres. With these clearances in place, Surge is years ahead of many early-stage lithium explorers.

Nevada’s Role in Building the U.S. EV Supply Chain

Nevada’s geography and infrastructure make it the ideal base for America’s EV supply chain. The state hosts both lithium claystone deposits in the north and brine basins in the south. This creates multiple sources for battery materials. It is also close to key automotive and battery hubs in California and Arizona, as well as Tesla’s Gigafactory in Sparks.

This location advantage saves both time and money. Lithium mined in Nevada can be refined, processed, and shipped to nearby gigafactories—all within a few hundred miles. 

Compared with importing from overseas, this can reduce transport emissions by up to 70% and cut logistics costs significantly. The shorter distances also lower the carbon footprint of battery production, aligning with U.S. clean-energy policies.

Nevada’s mining and manufacturing sectors are now creating thousands of new jobs and drawing billions in private investment. Projects like the US$1 billion Lyten sulfur battery plant in Reno highlight how the state is becoming a full-scale clean-energy hub, from raw materials to finished batteries.

Surge Battery Metals fits right into this ecosystem. Its Nevada North project could provide the lithium feedstock for future gigafactories, supporting the U.S. plan to localize the entire EV battery supply chain—from mining and processing to assembly and recycling.

Strengthening U.S. Energy Security

By advancing NNLP, Surge Battery Metals directly supports national efforts to secure critical minerals. Producing high-grade lithium within U.S. borders reduces dependency on foreign supply chains and increases resilience against global market shocks.

• RELATED: U.S. Lithium Push: How Washington’s Bet on Lithium Americas Could Reshape the Global Market

Unlike imported materials that pass through multiple countries, lithium from Nevada can move straight from mine to factory under stable U.S. regulations. This local sourcing helps ensure long-term supply reliability for automakers while boosting domestic job creation.

Surge Battery Metals also follows environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices. Lithium clay mining uses less water and creates lower carbon emissions than many traditional methods. 

The company plans to integrate water recycling and land reclamation into its operations to minimize impacts on nearby ecosystems. As environmental scrutiny grows, such responsible practices make projects like NNLP more attractive to both investors and manufacturers seeking sustainable materials.

Challenges, Opportunities, and the Road to EV Independence

Nevada’s lithium boom presents both opportunities and hurdles. Developers must continue working closely with local communities and regulators to manage water use and protect land resources. 

Battery-grade lithium production requires careful processing, and achieving consistent 99.9% purity – a goal Surge is testing toward – takes time and investment.

Market volatility remains a factor. Lithium prices have been fluctuating. In 2025, it moved between US$8,300 and US$11,525 per tonne, reflecting tight supply and demand cycles. Yet analysts expect strong long-term growth as EV adoption continues worldwide.

Nevada’s emerging lithium industry offers a rare chance to strengthen U.S. energy independence while creating thousands of high-tech jobs. For investors, it represents both a challenge and an opportunity – a chance to help build a fully domestic clean energy economy.

The push for EV independence is about building cars as well as securing the materials that power them. Nevada is leading that effort, combining resource strength, infrastructure, and innovation.

Surge Battery Metals’ Nevada North Lithium Project embodies this shift. With a high-grade resource, strong economics, and a strategic Nevada location, the company is positioned to become a key supplier in America’s energy transition.

• SEE MORE: Lithium Americas (LAC) Stock Jumps 95% as Trump Seeks Government Equity in Nation’s Largest Lithium Mine

DISCLAIMER 

New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com (“We” or “Us”) are not securities dealers or brokers, investment advisers, or financial advisers, and you should not rely on the information herein as investment advice. Surge Battery Metals Inc. (“Company”) made a one-time payment of $50,000 to provide marketing services for a term of two months. None of the owners, members, directors, or employees of New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com currently hold, or have any beneficial ownership in, any shares, stocks, or options of the companies mentioned.

This article is informational only and is solely for use by prospective investors in determining whether to seek additional information. It does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Examples that we provide of share price increases pertaining to a particular issuer from one referenced date to another represent arbitrarily chosen time periods and are no indication whatsoever of future stock prices for that issuer and are of no predictive value.

Our stock profiles are intended to highlight certain companies for your further investigation; they are not stock recommendations or an offer or sale of the referenced securities. The securities issued by the companies we profile should be considered high-risk; if you do invest despite these warnings, you may lose your entire investment. Please do your own research before investing, including reviewing the companies’ SEDAR+ and SEC filings, press releases, and risk disclosures.

It is our policy that information contained in this profile was provided by the company, extracted from SEDAR+ and SEC filings, company websites, and other publicly available sources. We believe the sources and information are accurate and reliable but we cannot guarantee them.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “plan,” and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.

These factors include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company’s exploration and development plans, the potential of its mineral projects, financing activities, regulatory approvals, market conditions, and future objectives. Forward-looking information involves numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility, the state of financial markets for the Company’s securities, fluctuations in commodity prices, operational challenges, and changes in business plans.

Forward-looking information is based on several key expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and will be able to raise additional capital as required. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended.

There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis and annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances except as may be required by applicable law.

For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company’s continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The post Nevada Lithium Hub: Why Surge Battery Metals Holds the Key to U.S. EV Independence appeared first on Carbon Credits.