Global Green Magnesium Industry Updates: Canadian Magnesium Mine Approved, Australian Company Achieves Breakthrough in Hydrogen Storage and Low-Carbon Smelting [SMM Survey]

Record Ridge Magnesium Mine Project in British Columbia, Canada, Receives Approval with Support from Government, Business, and Indigenous Community

The Record Ridge magnesium mine project in British Columbia, Canada, has recently been officially recognized by the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) as not requiring an environmental assessment, marking a significant advancement in its development. The project, led jointly by West High Yield (WHY) Resources Ltd. and the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), is located approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Rossland and is estimated to contain over 10.8 million mt of recoverable magnesium resources, aimed at producing magnesium metal and silicon, with an expected mining period of 20 years. Chief Clarence Louie of the OIB expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing collaboration with WHY to ensure the project aligns with tribal traditions and high standards. Frank Marasco, President of WHY, stated that this decision provides a clear path for final permitting and development, with the project now entering the draft permit stage under the Mines Act. This critical mineral development project is seen as providing important raw material support for the green energy transition.

Australian Startup Launches Pilot Project for Metal Hydride Hydrogen Storage

Australian startup Carbon280 recently announced the official operation of its 100 kW-scale metal hydride hydrogen storage technology pilot plant and associated laboratory. The technology involves reacting magnesium powder with hydrogen in light mineral oil to form stable metal hydrides, enabling indefinite zero-loss hydrogen storage. The mineral oil also serves as a protective layer, effectively isolating the magnesium powder from oxygen and water, addressing safety concerns related to the flammability and high reactivity of magnesium. The project aims to validate the scalability and commercial potential of this innovative hydrogen storage solution.

Verde Magnesium Collaborates with Metso to Advance Clean Magnesium Production, Supporting EU Strategic Autonomy

Recently, the Verde Magnesium team visited Metso's research and development center in Pori, Finland, for in-depth discussions on the progress of their clean magnesium production trial project based on brucite. This collaboration seeks to validate a low-carbon, energy-efficient new-type magnesium production process, which produces magnesium hydroxide (MDH) through carbon dioxide leaching and prepares magnesium oxide (MgO) via low-temperature calcination. Metso's expertise in hydrometallurgy and process engineering provides crucial support for scaling up this innovative approach. Compared to traditional dolomite or magnesite processes, this technology has shown significant potential for reducing Scope 1 carbon emissions. By utilizing CO2 recycling, low-carbon raw materials, and circular design, the process aligns with the strategic autonomy goals outlined in the EU Critical Raw Materials Act.

Latrobe Magnesium Receives Approval to Start Demonstration Plant, Innovatively Utilizing Brown Coal Fly Ash to Produce Magnesium Oxide

Recently, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) of Victoria, Australia, officially approved Latrobe Magnesium to commence commissioning and operation of its Phase I demonstration plant located north of Hazelwood. The project entered the operational phase on August 15, utilizing the company's unique patented hydrometallurgy technology. With lignite ash as the raw material, it achieved stable production of magnesium oxide (MgO) and simultaneously extracted multiple by-products such as carbon, silicon dioxide, agricultural lime, and iron oxide, significantly enhancing the efficiency of comprehensive resource utilization.