SEAVALUE is working on how to extract critical metals from brines while minimising environmental impacts. The aim is to create a process to separate, concentrate, and crystallise molybdenum, magnesium, scandium, vanadium, gallium, boron, indium, lithium, and rubidium in seawater desalination plants.

Large scale production of hydrogen / ammonia in hot, dry countries may use desalinated seawater, causing the creation of waste brines requiring disposal. This review sets out the options, proposes principles of good practice, and explores the possibility of mining valuable elements from salt wastes. Backer et al, Sustainability 2022.