Innovative Marine Magnesium Minerals for a Circular, Safe and Sustainable Chemicals Production

Introduction

Magnesium hydroxide (MDH) has been increasingly suggested for use in various industries as an alternative to chemicals of concern, with the following two main applications:

1. Use as a flame retardant replacing the restricted brominated substances.
2. Use as a neutralizing agent in wastewater treatment plants, replacing difficult to handle and carbon-intensive lime.

Environmental Impact

The mining and processing associated with current MDH production is linked to significant Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, equivalent to more than 1.55 tons of CO2 for each ton of MDH. In addition, 97% of the magnesium consumed in Europe is imported from China, and with increasing demand, the situation will be exacerbated.

Project Overview

While ensuring the preservation of natural resources and paving the way for the restoration of abandoned evaporitic environments, the MareMag LIFE project will demonstrate a fully circular, replicable, safe, and sustainable by design process for the production of MDH.

Innovative Process

The novel process, developed in the SEArcularMINE H2020 RIA project, does not require the use of any chemicals and operates solely on renewable energy sources. The result is a dependable supply of locally sourced MDH, characterized by a considerable reduction in GHG emissions and water consumption. This MDH can be used to replace the constrained brominated substances and caustic lime without any concerns for human health and the environment.

Feedstock and Replication

The MareMag LIFE project uses residual brine from sea-salt production in saltworks as feed. Once successfully demonstrated within Trapani saltworks in Italy, this innovative strategy will be replicated within the duration of the project in Kitros saltworks, Greece.

Goals and Market Strategy

The goal of this close-to-market project is to not only provide enhanced environmental solutions but also to ensure that these solutions are embraced by society at large, especially by the economy. This will be achieved through a clear market-focused strategy, targeting the scale-up of the project and the wider adoption across the Mediterranean and beyond.