New Zealand firm extracts battery metals from olivine with no waste

New Zealand-based Aspiring Materials has developed a patented chemical process that extracts valuable battery metals—specifically nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) hydroxide—from the mineral olivine without generating waste or carbon dioxide emissions. This innovation addresses the traditionally low economic value of olivine by transforming it into critical materials used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage, while also supporting industrial decarbonization efforts. The process yields multiple products: about 50% silica, usable as a partial substitute for Portland cement; roughly 40% magnesium products applicable in carbon sequestration and wastewater treatment; and the remaining 10% comprising iron combined with NMC hydroxide. Beyond carbon capture, this approach enables broader utilization of olivine-derived minerals, potentially reducing reliance on international supply chains for critical battery metals. Aspiring Materials has completed the first phase of its pilot plant and is expanding capacity to produce up to 250 kg of product daily, advancing domestic, low-carbon production of essential