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Aspiring Materials launched a pilot mineral plant in Bromley in March to extract magnesium hydroxide from rock. The company is in discussions with four firms in North America and Europe regarding its cleantech, sending feedstock for evaluation.

Options include domestic manufacturing, licensing technology, or joint ventures. Southland is being considered for a production plant due to access to feedstock, affordable power, and potential local customers.

A facility in Greenhills is also under consideration, supported by investors like Icehouse Ventures and the Bill Gates Foundation. Aspiring aims to close its funding round early this year, seeking to secure sales of silica and hydrogen products.

Magnesium, lighter than aluminum, is in high demand, with current production largely sourced from China. Aspiring's process has minimal emissions and repurposes mining waste, with future applications in carbon capture and biogas production.