Magrathea
Bigger Picture
If we are to accelerate the development of carbon removal (CDR), we must find scalable and cost-effective supply chains for its mineral components. Combining innovative business models and technology with diverse revenue stacks can lead us to uncover low-cost avenues to CDR.
The Problem
The mining, refining and processing of many metals is extremely carbon intensive. For example, primary aluminium emits between 4 and 20 tonnes of CO₂/tonne of aluminium, in addition to causing local environmental impacts from mining operations. One way to achieve considerable savings across the product life cycle is by increasing the strength and reducing the density of materials. Think lighter cars or aeroplanes made from new alloys or composites that subsequently consume less fuel!
Magnesium is critical in many high performance metal applications - delivering lighter and stronger products. Yet, its production in China emits between 5 and 40 tonnes of CO₂/tonne of magnesium. Furthermore, securing strategic supplies of magnesium is difficult, with Russia and China responsible for 90% of production.
Finding suitable minerals for efficient and cost-effective CDR pathways, such as accelerated mineralisation or ocean alkalinity enhancement, is challenging. Sourcing, processing and transportation of these minerals brings significant financial costs, environmental impacts, and a carbon burden.
Why Magrathea?
A deeply technical and visionary team
Alex and Jacob share deep domain expertise and have overcome early technological challenges to establish a process to produce magnesium from seawater at lab scale.
Clear alignment with one of our investment theses
Magrathea is revolutionizing the supply chain of structural metal, with carbon removal embedded within its technology and business model, something we believe critical in a low carbon and electrified future.
Decarbonising the building blocks to a more sustainable future
Magrathea aims to deliver the only carbon neutral magnesium metal. Creating a new, low-carbon supply of magnesium will lead to its use across a wider range of vehicles due to its favorable properties and lower carbon emissions over product life cycles.
Securing a low cost supply chain for carbon removals
Magrathea’s process also produces magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2, a key ingredient in a range of potential CDR applications. By focusing on the full Magrathea supply chain - including its by-products - efficient and cost effective carbon removals can be delivered alongside metal.
Robust approach to IP
With a strong IP foundation, Magrathea is poised to lead the way in the development of a new, low carbon approach to manufacturing magnesium.
