MGX Minerals Inc has announced a review of the Driftwood Creek magnesium project, including process and engine specifications, for use of magnesium (Mg) as a propellant in Mg/CO2 type thrusters.
The company noted that the ignition, combustion, and performance of magnesium carbon-dioxide type rocket engines have been experimentally studied.
The ignition temperature of medium-sized magnesium particles in CO2 is about 960 K (kelvins). The calculated specific impulse of powder rocket engines is higher than that of traditional propulsion systems.
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Although broad applications may exist for powder fuel rockets, the company said Mg/CO2 engines have been primarily studied for Mars exploration, ascent, and return to Earth by NASA, due to the abundance of CO2 on Mars.
Meanwhile, MGX said it has completed a Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment at the Driftwood Creek magnesium project:
- Measured 2.8 million tonnes grading 43.3% plus indicated 5.2 million tonnes grading with mineral resource totaling 8.028 million tonnes grading 43.3% magnesium oxide (MgO)
- Inferred mineral resource totaling 846,000 tonnes grading 43.20% MgO
- Bulk of resource is located less than 100 meters from surface.
MGX is a diversified Canadian resource and technology company with interests in advanced metals, industrial minerals, and energy technologies.
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