PHOTOS: ASPIRING MATERIALSChristchurch start-up Aspiring Materials is looking at building a manufacturing plant in Southland converting olivine rock from nearby quarries into valuable materials such as magnesium metal. Christchurch start-up Aspiring Materials’ pilot mineral extraction plant launched in Bromley last March (above and below). "It all points to Southland being the home of Aspiring Materials in the future." Working to provide cleaner energy are Aspiring Materials co-founder Dr Chris Ozes, left, US billionaire and clean energy investor Bill Gates and Aspiring Materials chief executive Mark Chadderton. The Aspiring process produces nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) hydroxides which are essential for making lithium-ion batteries.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 05, 2026 21:33 UTC