Verde Magnesium is emerging as one of Europe’s most important industrial initiatives, marking the continent’s first magnesium metal production in more than two decades. Recognized by the European Commission as a Strategic Project under the Critical Raw Materials Act, the company is pioneering a sustainable, low-carbon approach to extracting and producing magnesium—an essential material for automotive manufacturing, aerospace, clean tech, and other advanced industries.
A Breakthrough for Europe’s Magnesium Supply
After years of stagnation and reliance on imports, Europe is now moving closer to reestablishing domestic magnesium production. Verde Magnesium’s progress is being driven by a committed management team, strong investor backing, and strategic partnerships across the continent. The project holds particular importance at a time when the EU is seeking to strengthen supply chains for critical raw materials and reduce its dependency on external producers.
Major Milestones Achieved
Verde Magnesium has reached several key milestones that push the project firmly into its development phase:
EU Strategic Project Recognition
The European Commission officially designated Verde Magnesium as the EU’s sole Strategic Project for magnesium metal production, reinforcing its role in Europe’s long-term industrial resilience and raw materials autonomy.
Successful Industrial Pilot Tests
Using brucite ore from its mining perimeter in Budureasa, Romania, the company achieved:
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99.9% magnesium metal purity
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A remarkably low carbon footprint of just 1–3 tons of CO₂ per ton of magnesium, with further reductions expected
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Production of valuable by-products such as Al-Mg spinel and calcium aluminate—helping cement, steel, and refractory industries advance their decarbonization goals
Environmental and Social Scoping Completed
A full scoping study evaluating environmental and social factors across mining and smelting operations has been finalized, supporting the project’s commitment to responsible development.
Current Workstreams: Building Europe’s Magnesium Future
Integrated Feasibility Study
In partnership with Ernst & Young and Metallic Engineering, Verde Magnesium is developing a comprehensive feasibility study for both mining operations and a future 30,000-ton-per-year magnesium smelter. The first development stage includes a pilot smelter with a 500-ton annual capacity.
Pilot Plant Development
A pilot plant of up to 500 tons per year is moving toward construction, with production expected to start as soon as the initial facilities are ready. This plant will:
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Support EU-based technology transfer
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Enable certification of products and by-products with major clients—European, Romanian, and U.S. companies with a combined revenue exceeding €500 billion
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Provide advanced workforce training
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Prepare the foundation to scale production to 30,000 tons by 2030 and 90,000 tons by 2036, with potential acceleration depending on market demand and institutional support
Environmental & Life Cycle Assessments
Full Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) are underway through ERM UK and Romania. In parallel, the DLR Institute in Germany is conducting an independent Life Cycle Assessment to validate Verde Magnesium’s ultra-low-carbon operational footprint.
Product Certification
Pre-certification has begun with a leading EU automotive supplier, using ingots produced during pilot tests—an important step toward integrating European magnesium into global automotive supply chains.
Ore Processing Optimization
The company continues to refine processing methods to fully utilize the brucite deposit’s unique properties. These improvements support:
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Higher energy efficiency
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Additional CO₂ reductions
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Production of high-quality, CO₂-free magnesium hydroxide and magnesium oxide, with process development supported by Metso in Finland
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Preparations to restart the Budureasa quarry
From Vision to Execution
Verde Magnesium is shifting decisively from planning to implementation. With ongoing support from investors, European institutions, Romanian authorities, and local communities, the company is positioned to restore Europe’s magnesium independence while setting new global benchmarks for sustainable, low-carbon metal production.
By combining technological innovation, environmental responsibility, and strategic industrial relevance, Verde Magnesium is shaping the future of Europe’s raw materials sector—and reinforcing the continent’s resilience in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
