Magnesium, a lightweight metal with promising potential for reducing carbon emissions, has long been overshadowed by China's dominance in its production. Despite being the eighth most abundant mineral in the Earth's crust, with vast quantities in the oceans, the U.S. relies heavily on imports and recycled sources for this critical element. However, Tidal Metals, a burgeoning startup formerly known as GreenBlu, is poised to disrupt this trend.
Co-founded by Howard Yuh, Tidal Metals is stepping into the magnesium market with a fresh, eco-conscious approach. The company shifted its focus from desalination technology to magnesium production in late 2023, recognizing a unique opportunity amid the declining state of the domestic industry. Yuh is confident that Tidal Metals can offer a competitive edge against China, which controls 90% of global magnesium production.
Magnesium's potential impact on the environment is significant. In motorsports, its use is already known for enhancing performance by reducing weight, and in passenger vehicles, it could improve fuel efficiency and electric vehicle range. Innovations in magnesium production could also lead to advancements in battery technology, boosting energy density.
Current production methods are either highly polluting or inefficient. China primarily uses a process that involves cooking dolomite with coal, while the alternative—evaporating saltwater in open-air ponds—is less common but cleaner. Tidal Metals has developed a novel technique using a temperature-swing vapor pump, which replaces traditional evaporation ponds. This method efficiently recycles energy and uses silica-like materials to evaporate seawater or brines, with only minimal energy required for heating.
The startup is advancing towards a pilot plant capable of producing 200 tons of magnesium annually, supported by a recent $8.5 million seed round from DCVC, Bidra Innovation Ventures, and First Spark Ventures. Yuh anticipates that, once fully operational, the facility could scale up to produce 10,000 tons per year by 2026. With the added benefit of using seawater and briny waste from desalination plants, Tidal Metals promises a sustainable alternative to traditional magnesium production, leveraging resources that are abundant and previously wasted.
Tidal Metals' innovative approach not only positions it as a key player in the U.S. magnesium market but also offers a glimpse into a more sustainable future for this essential metal.
