Innovation and sustainability for a circular magnesium economy
MareMag LIFE
Innovation for the Sustainable Extraction of Magnesium
MareMag LIFE promotes a completely sustainable and replicable approach to the production of magnesium minerals. The project valorizes a saltworks byproduct, "acqua madre", a residual brine from the salt production process that is transformed into a strategic resource for industry and the environment.
Through the exclusive use of renewable energy sources and a process free of external chemical reagents, MareMag LIFE represents a circular model applicable in Mediterranean contexts and beyond.
A valued resource:
the brine from the salt pans
The starting point of the project is "acqua madre", that is, the concentrated brine generated by traditional sea salt production.
This solution, often considered a waste, is used in the project as a raw material for the extraction of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂), a valuable compound used in many industrial and environmental applications.
The starting point of the project is "acqua madre", that is, the concentrated brine generated by traditional sea salt production.
This solution, often considered a waste, is used in the project as a raw material for the extraction of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂), a valuable compound used in many industrial and environmental applications.
Expected Impact
Scientific origin
Continuity with SEArcularMINE
MareMag LIFE is based on the technological and scientific developments developed in the SEArcularMINE project, which defined a path for the recovery of critical raw materials from salt pan brine.
The know-how and solutions developed within SEArcularMINE have enabled the creation of a new model, fully consistent with the principles of the circular economy and European sustainability objectives.
The know-how and solutions developed within SEArcularMINE have enabled the creation of a new model, fully consistent with the principles of the circular economy and European sustainability objectives.
The production system adopted is: Ecological – It does not require the use of dangerous chemical substances.
- Energy sustainable – Powered by 100% renewable energy;
- Economically replicable – Ideal for active saltworks or those requiring redevelopment.
The result is a local, safe, and competitive magnesium product, an alternative to substances with a high environmental impact such as lime or brominated derivatives.
Project Phases; Environmental and Social Objectives
MareMag LIFE is divided into different operational phases and has different objectives
Operational Phases
- Analysis of local environmental conditions
- Design and construction of the demonstration plant
- Commissioning and technical-scientific validation
- Environmental and socio-economic impact assessment
- Planning for replication to other locations
Environmental and Social Objectives
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewable energy sources
- Minimize fresh water consumption
- Limit the use of harmful chemicals
- Promote sustainable and locally rooted industrial models
Demonstration sites: Trapani and Kitros
The project involves the installation of an integrated pilot plant near the Trapani salt pans (Italy), with the aim of demonstrating the technical feasibility and environmental effectiveness of the process. Once validated, the system will be replicated in the Kitros salt pans (Greece)to confirm its transferability to a different geographical context.
An in-depth video shows the operation of the experimental plant built in Trapani as part of the SEArcularMINE project, the technological basis on which MareMag LIFE is developed.
Partners
The partners who contributed to the creation of the MareMag Life project
The MareMag LIFE project is the result of a synergistic collaboration between six scientific, industrial, and territorial entities.
Thanks to co-financing from the European Union, MareMag LIFE promotes a replicable model of circular economy for the benefit of the environment, businesses and coastal communities.
