Aqua Metals and MOBY Robotics Sign MOU Establishing Collaboration Framework for Sustainable Refining of Deep-Sea Critical Minerals

Core Insights - Aqua Metals, Inc. has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MOBY Robotics Inc. to lead in sustainable refining of deep-sea polymetallic nodules, aiming to enhance domestic solutions for critical mineral independence [1][5][7] Collaboration Details - The MOU focuses on evaluating the technical and commercial feasibility of producing battery-grade materials from polymetallic deep-sea nodules, with bench-scale testing planned for later this year [2][3] - The collaboration will also explore the extraction and refining of rare earth elements (REEs) from the nodules, which would expand Aqua Metals' role in the domestic supply chain for batteries and advanced manufacturing [3][4] Strategic Importance - This initiative marks Aqua Metals' second MOU related to deep-sea minerals, extending its AquaRefining™ process beyond lithium-ion battery recycling to new sources of critical minerals [4] - The collaboration is seen as a significant opportunity to strengthen the U.S. supply of critical minerals, particularly as international demand for nickel, cobalt, and manganese increases [5][6] Market Position - Aqua Metals is positioned as a first mover in sustainable refining and battery metals recycling, with initiatives expected to enhance its standing in the multi-billion-dollar critical minerals market [7]