Researchers Extracted Magnesium From Seawater

A new system designed to harvest minerals from the ocean could help secure the United States supply of critical materials.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Materials Science

Researchers Extracted Magnesium From Seawater

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Should the U.S. prioritize domestic extraction of minerals to secure its supply chain?

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researchers have developed a system to extract magnesium from seawater. This technology aims to provide a sustainable domestic source of critical minerals essential for national security and manufacturing.

Why it matters

Magnesium and lithium are vital for producing batteries and electronics, making domestic access essential for the U.S. economy. The government has dedicated significant funding to ensure these materials remain available for long-term industrial needs.

An Olympic-size swimming pool filled with seawater contains over 6,500 pounds of magnesium. Scientists report that 0.1 percent of seawater holds enough minerals to meet human needs for the next 50,000 years.

The players

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

This is a United States Department of Energy national laboratory that conducts research in science and engineering.

The details

The extraction system functions by running a stream of ocean water alongside a stream of dissolved sodium hydroxide. When these two streams meet, magnesium hydroxide solidifies and sinks, allowing for collection and potential use in steel production, ceramics, and environmental cleanups.

Future: Laboratory testing of the magnesium extraction system will occur on the Washington Coast.

The Big Picture

This development shifts the scientific trajectory of mineral harvesting by moving from terrestrial mining toward marine extraction technologies. The discovery extends the federal strategy to secure critical mineral supplies, as established by the Inflation Reduction Act's provisions.

The development of a domestic magnesium source could lower manufacturing costs for essential consumer electronics and batteries. Success in these tests may accelerate the adoption of sustainable mineral sourcing, ultimately impacting the long-term price of battery-dependent technologies.

The takeaway

Advancements in marine mineral extraction demonstrate how oceans may serve as a sustainable solution for resource scarcity. As researchers prepare for field tests, the focus remains on integrating these extraction systems into existing desalination infrastructure.