Mother Jones and the Ocean Water

Title: Innovations in Brine Mining: Turning Ocean Waste into Valuable Minerals

Magrathea Metals, a company in Oakland, California, is revolutionizing the mining industry by extracting magnesium from ocean water and waste brine in a carbon-neutral manner. With plans to produce over 10,000 tons of magnesium annually by 2028, the company aims to reduce the reliance on Chinese magnesium production, which is both carbon-intensive and strategically risky for the United States.

The process, which involves evaporating the water from waste brines and separating magnesium chloride salts through an electrical current, allows Magrathea Metals to produce magnesium at a lower cost compared to traditional methods. By utilizing renewable energy sources like wind and solar power during off-peak hours, the company maintains an environmentally friendly and cost-effective operation.

Brine mining, the extraction of valuable metals and minerals from brines generated by desalination plants and other industries, presents a promising solution to the growing issue of waste disposal. With an estimated $2.2 trillion worth of materials contained in desalination plant brines worldwide, companies like Magrathea Metals are tapping into a vast resource that could transform mining practices and reduce environmental impact.

As global demand for critical materials like lithium and cobalt increases, the focus on brine mining as a sustainable source of these resources is gaining traction. With advancements in separation technologies and a shift towards circular economies, the mining industry is embracing innovative solutions to extract valuable materials from previously overlooked sources.

As companies like Magrathea Metals lead the way in sustainable mining practices, the future of brine mining looks bright. With the potential to not only reduce environmental impact but also contribute to the circular economy, the industry is poised for significant growth and innovation in the coming years.