A study of 293 companies found that nearly 60% of those are at risk of "net zero greenwash" due to their lobbying.

The sanctions package also contains import bans on a number of metals.

Exxon said it will start production from briny waters pumped out of the ground in an area in the state of Arkansas.

Britain sanctioned two of Russia's largest gold producers, Nord Gold Plc and Highland Gold Mining Ltd.

Curtin Corrosion would also be an invaluable training opportunity, with several PhD research programs using it to obtain data for controlling corrosion, the university said.

"There is a willingness to invest, especially in critical minerals," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters.