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Chemical Process Produces Critical Battery Metals from This Unloved Mineral with No Waste
A New Zealand-based startup is pioneering a groundbreaking method to extract essential battery minerals from mining waste, specifically targeting olivine, a silicate mineral often overlooked in mining operations. Traditionally regarded as low-value, olivine is primarily used in niche applications, such as creating semi-precious gemstones and sauna stones, or as a substitute for dolomite in steel production. Aspiring Materials, however, is transforming this undervalued mineral into a vital component for high-density lithium-ion batteries, which are in high demand for electric vehicles, power tools, and energy storage systems.
The Strategic Shift in Mineral Sourcing
The Supply Chain Crisis
The global supply chain for critical minerals is highly concentrated, with cobalt primarily sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a region rife with human rights violations, and nickel and manganese largely extracted in Indonesia and South Africa, respectively. These countries export most of their resources to China for refinement, raising concerns among Western nations about supply security and ethical sourcing.
In response, innovative entrepreneurs and engineers are exploring unconventional and circular methods to bolster their supply of these critical minerals. The discovery of olivine as a viable source of nickel-manganese-cobalt hydroxide (NMH) represents a significant step in creating a more sustainable supply chain.
The Extraction Process
Greener Methods
The extraction technique employed by Aspiring Materials involves a low-temperature and ambient pressure method powered by renewable energy sources. Waste olivine, typically accumulated during mining but largely ignored, can now be processed into valuable materials.
At their pilot plant in Christchurch, New Zealand, the extraction process begins with olivine sand mixed with sulfuric acid, resulting in a viscous mixture. This intermediate product undergoes a series of precise controls concerning temperature and particle size, along with the addition of caustic soda, eventually yielding three valuable byproducts:
- 50% of the output mirrors Portland cement, a widely utilized building material.
- 40% is a magnesium-rich product with numerous applications, significantly enhancing value compared to raw olivine.
- 10% consists of a mixed metal product, with 1% specifically being the highly sought-after NMH, pivotal for battery production.
After these processes, the residual liquid is recycled through electrolysis, allowing for the regeneration of sulfuric acid for further extraction. This not only minimizes waste but also exemplifies the principles of a circular economy.
Why It Matters
Environmental and Economic Impact
This innovative recovery method offers a dual advantage: it provides a more reliable source of critical minerals while minimizing environmental footprints. The increasing prioritization of sustainable practices is turning attention toward such methods that promise lower environmental impact, even if they carry a higher production cost.
Jim Goddin, a member of the UK government’s Critical Minerals Strategy committee, highlighted that while the acidic extraction process could render a more expensive end product, consumers are beginning to value cleaner production methods. This trend reflects a growing recognition of sustainability as a critical factor, particularly as awareness increases regarding the negative impacts of mining practices in traditional supply chains.
The Future of Mineral Recovery
As the global demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy continues to rise, the need for responsible and sustainable sourcing of critical minerals becomes ever more crucial. Aspiring Materials is not only addressing the immediate resource shortage but also setting a precedent for innovative and ethical mineral recovery. By transforming olivine waste into valuable materials for the energy sector, we are witnessing a promising step towards a more circular and sustainable economy.
In conclusion, the innovative approach taken by Aspiring Materials showcases a forward-thinking solution to a pressing global challenge in mineral extraction and sustainability. As we navigate the complexities of the future, such initiatives will be essential in ensuring a stable, ethical, and environmentally friendly supply chain for the minerals powering tomorrow’s technologies.