Aqua Metals and MOBY Robotics Partner to Pioneer Sustainable Refining of Deep-Sea Critical Minerals

According to a company announcement, Aqua Metals, Inc. has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MOBY Robotics Inc. to jointly explore sustainable refining technologies for deep-sea polymetallic nodules, marking a significant step toward building a domestic, low-impact critical mineral supply chain in the United States.

Under the agreement, both companies will assess the technical and commercial feasibility of extracting and refining nickel, cobalt, manganese, and rare earth elements (REEs) from seabed nodules using Aqua Metals’ proprietary AquaRefining™ process, which operates at low temperatures and produces minimal waste. The company plans to begin bench-scale testing later this year to adapt its process for this new mineral feedstock.

The collaboration aims to expand the AquaRefining™ platform beyond lithium-ion battery recycling to include deep-sea resources, a move expected to enhance the U.S.’s supply independence for key materials used in EV batteries, clean energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing.

“Deep-sea nodules represent a significant new opportunity to strengthen the U.S. supply of critical minerals,” said Steve Cotton, President & CEO of Aqua Metals. “The collaboration underscores Aqua Metals’ leadership in sustainable refining and its role in building a resilient, independent U.S. supply chain for critical minerals.”

MOBY Robotics, which specializes in autonomous subsea systems, will contribute environmentally friendly robotic technologies designed to access and collect polymetallic nodules efficiently and responsibly.

“We’re excited to collaborate on adapting their process to the unique challenges and opportunities of deep-sea nodules using our environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and autonomous robotic technologies,” said Alex Petersen, CEO and Co-Founder of MOBY Robotics.

Industry experts note that the partnership aligns with a growing push in the U.S. to reduce reliance on foreign critical minerals—particularly from China—by fostering innovation in sustainable mining and recycling. As demand for nickel, cobalt, and manganese continues to surge, domestic solutions such as this could play a crucial role in supporting energy transition goals and supply chain security.

This marks Aqua Metals’ second deep-sea mineral collaboration, following earlier initiatives aimed at expanding its refining applications beyond batteries. Analysts view these moves as a strategic step to position the company as a first mover in the multi-billion-dollar critical minerals market.

Source: Aqua Metals Inc.

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Aqua Metals’ alliance with MOBY Robotics underscores the growing momentum toward sustainable, U.S.-based critical mineral refining that supports both clean energy and supply chain independence.