Magrathea
PathwayMineralsLocationCalifornia, USAVisitmagratheametals.com

What They Do

Say hello to a new reality - a carbon negative metal that is stronger and lighter than aluminium. Magrathea is developing an electrolytic process to make magnesium from seawater. Their novel process does away with the traditional, carbon intensive processes utilising mined magnesium ores. With a strong IP foundation, Magrathea is poised to lead the way in the development of a new, low carbon approach to manufacturing magnesium - unlocking new markets and supply chains.

Why It Matters

Magnesium is critical in many high performance applications - delivering lighter and stronger products. Think, for example, of lighter cars or aeroplanes made from new alloys or composites that subsequently consume less fuel. Yet, its mining, refining and processing is extremely carbon intensive with its production emitting between 5 - 40 tonnes of CO₂/tonne of magnesium. Furthermore, developing secure supply chains and processes is strategic, with Russia and China responsible for 90% of today’s global production.

But how is it carbon removal? Magrathea’s process produces magnesium hydroxide MgO as a co-product, a key ingredient in a range of potential CDR applications that is in limited supply and often has its own carbon footprint. By focusing on the full Magrathea supply chain - including its co-products - efficient and cost effective carbon removals can be delivered at scale alongside a strategic low carbon metal with broad applications in a net zero world.

Magrathea have produced the first new electrolytic magnesium metal from seawater this century.