US Company Secures Domestic Magnesium for Clean Tech

America just took a major step toward building its clean energy future without relying on other countries for critical materials.

Element One Hydrogen & Critical Minerals Corp. recently visited the Twin Sisters olivine quarry in Washington State to secure a domestic source of magnesium. The mineral is essential for producing hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and other clean technology that powers everything from electric vehicles to renewable energy storage.

CEO Brad Kitchen and COO Tim Johnson toured the Whatcom County site after signing a partnership agreement with Twin Sisters LLC. The quarry sits on one of North America's largest deposits of olivine, a rock that contains magnesium in abundance.

Right now, the United States imports most of its magnesium from China and other countries. That creates supply chain vulnerabilities and makes American manufacturers dependent on foreign sources for materials they desperately need.

The Washington quarry offers a solution that's been hiding in plain sight. The site has been producing olivine for decades, but recent advances in extraction technology now make it economically viable to pull magnesium from the rock at scale.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership could spark a broader transformation in how America sources materials for its clean energy transition. When companies can access critical minerals domestically, they cut transportation costs, reduce carbon emissions from shipping, and create jobs in local communities.

The timing couldn't be better. Demand for magnesium is surging as automakers race to build more electric vehicles and energy companies expand battery storage capacity. Having a reliable American source means manufacturers can plan long-term investments without worrying about supply disruptions or price spikes from overseas.

Washington State already has strong environmental protections and labor standards, which means the magnesium will be extracted responsibly. That's a stark contrast to some foreign operations where mining practices raise serious environmental and human rights concerns.

Element One isn't stopping with magnesium either. The company is exploring how to extract hydrogen from the same olivine deposits, potentially creating a dual supply of clean energy fuel and critical minerals from a single operation.

The clean energy revolution needs raw materials, and finding them close to home makes the whole system stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable for the long haul.