- Impossible Metals, founded in 2020 by Oliver Gunasekara, Jason Gillham, and Renee Grogan, is focused on extracting critical battery metals from the seabed without harming the ocean ecosystem.
- Using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), they carefully collect polymetallic nodules—rich in nickel and copper—without disturbing marine habitats, unlike traditional land-based mining.
- Their method prioritizes environmental protection, avoiding the negative impacts of conventional mining.
The climate industry is like a field where many kites are flying, each representing different efforts to combat climate change.
From renewable energy sources to electric vehicles (EVs), all these kites aim to reach the sky, symbolizing a sustainable future.
But as the wind picks up speed, so does the demand for critical battery metals—resources like nickel, cobalt, and copper that power these green technologies.
However, traditional land-based mining methods often cut the string of sustainability, leading to environmental degradation.
The Kite That Stays Aloft: Introducing Impossible Metals
Impossible Metals is the kite that not only soars but stays tethered to its principles. Founded in 2020 by Oliver Gunasekara, Jason Gillham, and Renee Grogan (Sep 2021 - Mar 2024), the company recognized the need for a different approach to mining.
Their mission is clear: to extract critical metals from the seabed without harming the ocean’s delicate ecosystem.
Much like a kite being carefully guided, they are driven by their core values—putting the planet first and proving that it’s possible to make the “impossible” a reality.
Why the Seabed?
Think of the seabed as untapped wind currents for the kite. It holds rich deposits of polymetallic nodules—rocks that contain essential battery metals like nickel and copper.
These metals are crucial for the EV industry, which is why Impossible Metals focuses on this area.
But instead of crashing through the environment like traditional methods, they use underwater robotic vehicles that gently collect these nodules without disturbing the seabed.
This method is not only innovative but also responsible, allowing the kite to fly without tangling in the harmful impacts of land-based mining.
Key Features of Impossible Metals' Approach
- Robotic Precision: Their autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) delicately extract mineral-rich nodules, ensuring that the seabed ecosystem remains intact. This is akin to the kite’s string being held steady, allowing it to glide through challenges smoothly.
- Sustainability First: They have committed to delivering metals in a way that avoids habitat destruction, water scarcity, and displacement of communities—keeping their kite aloft in a world that often pulls others down.
- Partnerships and Progress: With over $500M in off-take Letters of Intent (LoIs) and a partnership with a global offshore logistics company, they are set to scale their operations while staying true to their mission.
Funding and Growth
Impossible Metals has quickly gained traction in the climate industry, much like a kite catching a strong gust of wind.
Their innovative approach has attracted attention and funding, helping them to continue their journey.
As of now, they have successfully tested their AUVs and are working on bioextraction technology, proving that their concept isn’t just theoretical—it’s real and effective.
A Kite Worth Watching Fly
Impossible Metals is a kite that not only flies high but does so with grace and responsibility.
Their approach to mining sets them apart from others in the climate industry, making them a company to watch as they continue to balance innovation with sustainability.
Impossible Metals proves that it’s possible to reach new heights without letting go of what matters most—protecting our planet.
Edited By Annette George
