Magnesium chloride electrolyser technology to secure US supply chain

A pilot facility in Oakland, California, uses electricity to split magnesium salts from seawater to make magnesium metal.

Technology company Magrathea aims to make magnesium production cost-competitive for US-based sectors in defence, chemical and mining.

After trialling the electrolyser, the company will use data gathered from the pilot to minimise electricity use, recycle energy and optimise the dehydration process.

'Magnesium is one of the most important critical materials, but NATO countries face a dire shortage of non-China supply,' Alex Grant, CEO of Magrathea, says. 'Western nations must view this supply crisis as a national security emergency.'