Turning Olivine Into Valuable NMC Battery Components
Olivine, a mineral often overlooked in the geological and industrial realms, might be on the brink of transformation into a pivotal player in sustainable technology. Typically characterized by its olive-brown to yellow-green hues, olivine is believed to be the most abundant mineral in Earth’s upper mantle. While its chemical composition as a magnesium iron silicate gives it a certain geological importance, economically, it has struggled to find a significant foothold. Historically, it has found limited industrial use primarily in gemstones, ceramics, and gravel for construction, often relegated to waste piles at mining sites.
However, an innovative group of engineers from Christchurch, New Zealand, is challenging the traditional perceptions of olivine. Aspiring Materials has harnessed a patented process that extracts valuable minerals from olivine while generating no harmful waste. Among its key products is a rare substance: nickel-manganese-cobalt hydroxide, a crucial component in the production of lithium-ion batteries.
### A Revolutionary Approach to Mineral Extraction
The pilot plant established by Aspiring represents a significant leap in sustainable mineral extraction. Situated in an industrial estate near Christchurch, the plant boasts an operational model that closely mirrors that of dairy processing facilities, albeit with a crucial focus on zero emissions. Chief Commercial Officer Colum Rice highlights the simplicity and effectiveness of the operation, which relies on just three inputs: olivine flour, water, and renewable energy.
The olivine flour, which is a byproduct of refractory sand production, undergoes a series of chemical transformations when combined with sulfuric acid. This “elemental soup” transforms during a meticulously controlled reaction process, eventually yielding three distinct products. Notably, approximately 50% of the output is high-purity silica, which can partially replace Portland cement—one of the most widely used building materials worldwide.
The remaining outputs consist of magnesium products suitable for a range of applications, including carbon sequestration and wastewater treatment, alongside a mixed metal product rich in nickel-manganese-cobalt hydroxide—essential for high-energy-density batteries.
### The Role of NMC Materials in Battery Production
Nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) materials are already integral to modern battery manufacturing, especially in applications that require high energy density and frequent cycling, such as electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems. According to Aspiring’s lead chemical engineer, Megan Danczyk, the minerals produced by their technology meet the specifications currently used in the battery sector.
The challenge of sourcing these critical minerals from reliable and ethical suppliers is significant. Currently, Indonesia dominates nickel production while South Africa is the primary manganese source, with most refining taking place in China. The geopolitical intricacies and associated human rights concerns surrounding cobalt supply chains, particularly from the Democratic Republic of Congo, further complicate matters.
Given this backdrop, the rare nickel-manganese-cobalt hydroxide produced by Aspiring could contribute to enhancing the resilience of battery material supply chains. Jim Goddin, a member of the U.K.’s Critical Minerals Expert Committee, emphasizes the need for countries to diversify their sourcing strategies and invest in circular economy principles to ensure longevity and increased recovery of materials.
### Shifts Toward Sustainable Practices
While Aspiring Materials is not the sole innovator in this arena—Canadian company Atlas Materials is also exploring closed-loop extraction processes using serpentine—it stands out due to its focus on olivine, a mineral noted for its challenging acid leachability. Fei Wang, an assistant professor at Université Laval, acknowledges the complexities but also notes the potential economic hurdles of this method.
Yet the broader conversation surrounding green production is shifting. Goddin notes the increasing European demand for sustainable practices, exemplifying a market potential for higher-cost products that positively impact environmental footprint and sustainability. The emphasis is on data transparency regarding the environmental effects of materials, positioning Aspiring’s no-waste, value-extractive approach as a significant asset in future supply chains.
In essence, the emergence of olivine as a potential cornerstone of sustainable mineral processing encapsulates both the challenges and opportunities faced by the industry in transitioning toward responsible resource management and innovative manufacturing practices. The evolution of olivine from discarded byproduct to vital resource underscores a paradigm shift towards sustainability in mining and materials engineering.