Aspiring Materials

Aspiring Materials has developed mineral based technology which decarbonises industrial processing and permanently removes CO2 from point-sources and directly from the air.

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Challenge

Global carbon dioxide emissions are rising, fuelled by industries heavily reliant on fossil fuels. New Zealand follows this trend, where industrial, construction and power generation processes contribute nearly 17% of the nation's total emissions. This mirrors patterns seen in many developed countries, with global industrial processes emitting around 24 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2023. Addressing emissions from these processes is crucial for a sustainable future, necessitating low-carbon alternatives for concrete, steel and critical minerals. Current carbon capture technologies mitigate less than 1% of industrial emissions, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions

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Solution

Aspiring Materials offers a patented technology that decouples carbon emissions from industrial operations by utilising a single feedstock— magnesium-rich rocks. This innovative process produces a diverse range of carbon-free materials that support the decarbonisation of supply chains in steel, cement, energy and environmental management sectors. The process also produces magnesium hydroxide, a highly efficient material for capturing and safely storing point-source and atmospheric emissions. The use of abundant magnesium-rich feedstock optimises resource utilisation, minimises waste and maximises carbon abatement opportunities. Additionally, captured carbon is stored as magnesium carbonate, facilitating positive ecological impacts such as water treatment and soil enhancement.

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Impact Unlocked

The impact of scaling Aspiring Materials' process is both global and local. Aspiring aim to deliver the most cost-effective and permanent carbon dioxide removal solution globally, providing low-emission products to help decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, such as cement and steel. Furthermore, the project will facilitate access to critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, magnesium and manganese, which are essential for clean energy technologies and electric vehicle batteries.

Locally, Aspiring will create economic opportunities by partnering with industry and engineering firms, as well as forming strong relationships with iwi. They will provide university students with real-world learning experiences, ensuring the project supports both the environment and the local community while cultivating a sustainable workforce for the future. This approach positions Aspiring to drive lasting environmental, economic and social impact.

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Collaboration

Ara Ake support has been instrumental in accelerating the urgently needed solution, empowering Aspiring to drive meaningful change and shape a sustainable, low-emission future. While the specific investment leveraged by Ara Ake is still being quantified, Aspiring Materials anticipates the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 500,000 tonnes per annum at full scale in New Zealand. The capacity for global expansion could yield even greater reductions, positioning Aspiring Materials as a leader in the transition to a low-carbon future.

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