Rock Zero

Rock Zero is a company on a mission to reinvent lithium refining. Lithium hardrock is a geographically-abundant resource, but extracting lithium from hardrock is expensive, emits three times more CO2 than brine-based alternatives, and generates large volumes of chemical waste. At Rock Zero, we have invented a low-temperature hardrock refining process that reduces the cost and environmental impact of producing battery-grade lithium chemicals. Our process utilizes proprietary chemistry developed at MIT to convert each elemental component in hardrock (Li, Al, and Si) into a valuable commodity. We operate the entire process in a closed loop such that the reagent and process water are recycled and reused. Our mission is to scale and deploy this technology and supply low-cost battery materials to the growing battery industry. Rock Zero spun out of renowned MIT professor and cleantech entrepreneur Yet-Ming Chiang’s Lab in 2024. It is backed by leading VCs and federal funding agencies, including ARPA-E and a Fortune 100 automotive company.