It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Thursday, June 08, 2023
Metso introduces sustainable battery black mass recycling
Battery black mass recycling is becoming an important means to complement virgin battery metals supply and to reduce the carbon footprint
By Canadian Mining Journal Staff June 7, 2023 A rendering of what a Metso hydrometallurgical black mass recycling plant might look like. Metso image
Battery black mass recycling is becoming an important means to complement virgin battery metals supply and to reduce the carbon footprint of the battery supply chain. To respond to these needs, Metso is launching an advanced sustainable battery black mass recycling process.
The recycling process complements Metso’s extensive battery minerals technology offering, which covers concentration and hydrometallurgical processing as well as related services.
Metso is eager to close the loop and extend the life cycle of the many critical minerals that go into batteries for electric vehicles of all sizes. “With Metso’s technology, the critical metals can be sustainably extracted from black mass and re-used in new battery production or in other applications. Recycling of black mass from batteries with Metso’s process can reduce up to 60% of embedded carbon compared to use of virgin materials,” explains Don Simola, director, battery chemicals technology at Metso.
Metso’s hydrometallurgical black mass recycling process enables the treatment of mechanically separated and shredded batteries for recovering battery raw materials like nickel, cobalt, and lithium, as well as manganese and copper. The process is based on Metso’s proprietary VSF X Solvent extraction technology and complemented with OKTOP reactors, Larox PF filters, dual media (DM) and LSF filters, and thickeners and scrubbers. Many of these technologies are part of Metso’s Planet Positive offering.
The process flowsheet can be tailored according to feed materials and desired end products with a possible phased approach for adding equipment also for the recovery of less valuable materials.
Metso VP, hydrometallurgy Mikko Rantaharju said that with the launch of the battery black mass recycling process, the company’s battery minerals value chain covers 90% of the end-to-end production process.
Clients will be supported in the design of the process with comprehensive testing and research from Metso.
Key considerations for mining companies and investors
Canada has long been an attractive destination for foreign investment, thanks in part to its rich natural resources, including its vast reserves of minerals and metals. These minerals are viewed as essential to Canada’s long-term prosperity, and Canada is eager to both grow and protect its mining industry. However, as the global geopolitical landscape shifts, Canada’s stance on foreign investment in its mining sector has also evolved. This consideration came to the fore in November 2022 when the Canadian government announced the blocking of three investments in Canada’s critical minerals sector. Given the current political and legal landscape, Canadian mining companies and non-Canadian companies who own Canadian mining assets or who are looking to invest in Canadian mining assets need to understand the complex Canadian regulatory landscape that applies to minerals and mining, and how it applies to a subset of minerals termed “critical minerals.”
What is critical?
In its Critical Minerals Strategy, published in 2022, the Canadian government provides a comprehensive summary of those 31 minerals considered to be critical minerals. These minerals have few or no substitutes, are strategic and somewhat limited commodities, and are key materials needed for electric vehicle batteries and motors, semiconductors, batteries, and other technology and energy related areas. Of the 31 critical minerals identified in the strategy, six minerals (lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, copper and rare earth elements) are prioritized for their distinct potential to spur Canadian economic growth.
The strategy aims to position Canada as a trusted and reliable supply of responsibly sourced and sustainably produced minerals, while also recognizing the strategic value and importance of critical minerals to Canada’s own national security and the importance of bilateral cooperation with allied countries. The five core objectives of the strategy are (i) supporting economic growth, competitiveness, and job creation; (ii) promoting climate action and environmental protection; (iii) advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples; (iv) fostering diverse and inclusive workforces and communities; and (v) enhancing global security and partnerships with allies.
The strategy addresses six areas of focus for meeting the objectives of the strategy, namely: (i) driving research, innovation, and exploration; (ii) accelerating project development; (iii) building sustainable infrastructure; (iv) advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples; (v) growing a diverse workforce and prosperous communities; and (vi) strengthening global leadership and security. The strategy focusses predominantly on developing value chains (as compared to the traditional focus on supply chains), from exploration and extraction, to processing and manufacturing, to product use and recycling.
Investment Canada Act – national security reviews
The Canadian government has many tools to achieve its foreign policy objectives, including the Investment Canada Act (ICA), which is Canada’s primary legislation for overseeing foreign investment into Canada. The ICA’s stated purpose is to review significant investments in Canada by non-Canadians in a manner that encourages investment, economic growth, and employment opportunities in Canada, while also reviewing all investments into Canada that could be injurious to Canada’s national security. While the ICA assesses foreign investment in several ways (including reviewing significant investments into Canada that exceed high financial thresholds to confirm that they are of “net benefit” to Canada), for critical minerals, the key review regime now is the government’s ability to conduct national security reviews of foreign investments.
National security reviews are conducted at the government’s discretion and assess whether an investment could be, as mentioned above, “injurious to national security.” Governmental guidance indicates that all investments by state-owned and state-influenced enterprises (SOEs) will be subject to enhanced scrutiny, regardless of the size or value of the investment, and such SOE investments will be scrutinized even more if they involve investments in critical minerals or energy, with the government cautioning parties to identify any potential connections to “SOEs or entities linked to or subject to influence by hostile or non-likeminded regimes or states.”
Following in the footsteps of this guidance, in November 2022, the Government of Canada announced that it had conducted national security reviews of a “number of Canadian companies engaged in the critical minerals sector, including lithium” culminating in orders that three foreign investors, each based in China, divest their interests in the following three TSXV-listed Canadian lithium exploration companies:
1. Sinomine (Hong Kong) Rare Metals Resources (Sinomine) was ordered to divest its “past and ongoing investments,” including a 5.7% minority interest, in Power Metals Corp., a company with lithium and other mineral assets in Ontario. Sinomine also had an offtake agreement in connection with these assets. In December 2022, Power Metals announced that Winsome Resources agreed to acquire Sinomine’s voting shares in Power Metals and its interest in the offtake agreement, with a nominee director replacing Zhiwei (Frank) Wang, the vice-president of Sinomine.
2. Chengze Lithium International Limited was ordered to divest its “role and interest” (including 19.35% minority interest) in Lithium Chile Inc., a company advancing a lithium property portfolio in Chile and Argentina. Importantly, Lithium Chile does not have any mining operations in Canada.
3. Zangge Mining Investment (Chengdu) Co., Ltd. (Zangge) was ordered to divest its 14.17% minority interest in Ultra Lithium Inc. Ultra Lithium is an exploration and development company focused on acquiring and developing lithium, gold, and copper assets with interests in a brine lithium property in Argentina, hard rock spodumene type lithium properties at Georgia Lake-Forgan Lake, Ont. Zangge also had an agreement with Ultra Lithium which included US$50 million in payments and investments related to Ultra Lithium’s lithium exploration project in Argentina for a 65% stake in the subsidiary owning the Argentinian property. Ultra Lithium has since disclosed that Zangge and the company agreed to terminate this investment agreement.
The Canadian government provided no specific reasons for the divestiture orders, including not specifying any factual determinations made about the investments that influenced the government’s decision to make these orders, and the orders themselves were kept confidential. There is additional uncertainty as to what was considered in determining that Lithium Chile’s assets implicated Canadian national security, since the mineral properties are located outside of Canada.
Given the number of Canadian companies operating in foreign jurisdictions, as well as the mineral richness of areas such as the “Lithium Triangle” of Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia, it is of note that the Canadian government is willing to extend its reach into those jurisdictions through the nexus of Canadian public companies. Unsurprisingly, TMX Group Inc., the owner and operator of the Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange, was critical of the government disrupting the flow of capital to exploration companies without providing some replacement for that funding.
How Bill C-34 further changes the foreign investment landscape
On Dec. 7, 2022, the Canadian government proposed several amendments to Canada’s national security regime through the introduction of Bill C-34: An Act to amend the Investment Canada Act, which will further strengthen the government’s ability to conduct national security reviews under the ICA.
The most notable change for the purpose of this article is an amendment requiring pre-closing filings for investments in Canadian businesses engaged in activities in prescribed business sectors if the investors will acquire control of a Canadian business or part of a Canadian business (such as through a director appointment right). The investment cannot be implemented until the government confirms (explicitly or implicitly) that there will not be a national security review, or the national security review is terminated. While the prescribed business sectors have not yet been identified, we expect that critical minerals will be subject to this new pre-closing filing requirement.
The requirement to file investments pre-closing, including minority investments, represents a significant change. Currently, pre-closing national security reviews arise in acquisitions of control of Canadian businesses that exceed certain financial thresholds and in investments where investors file voluntarily to obtain pre-closing certainty. The proposed amendments are broad, with the potential that minimal investments into Canadian companies or their subsidiaries may compel notification if
> the targets have critical mineral interests (or other interests identified by the government);
> the investors obtain access to or can direct the use of material non-public technical confidential information or assets; and
> the investments include any measure of control (e.g., director appointments).
Further regulatory guidance from the government is needed to clarify when this obligation will apply. In the interim, companies involved in critical minerals should be aware that the proposed legislation risks potential months-long pre-closing review processes for investments where no filings were previously required. Depending on the scope of the regulations and any accompanying guidance, these amendments risk adversely affecting the flow of foreign direct investment into Canadian mineral companies.
Conclusion
The Government of Canada has broad powers when it comes to assessing foreign investment into Canada, which will be strengthened under the proposed amendments to the ICA. Further, the government has demonstrated a willingness to use these powers in the context of intervening with foreign investments related to critical minerals. While mining companies are no strangers to dealing with regulatory requirements, companies operating in the critical minerals space soliciting foreign investment now must contend with new risks associated with potential Canadian national security reviews. Canadian critical mineral companies looking to obtain funding or investment and non-Canadian companies looking to invest in Canada’s critical minerals sector should seek expert advice in the early stages of any funding or investment process to identify and consider regulatory deal risks and strategic options.
SASA JARVIS is a partner, mining, capital markets, and securities, at McMillan LLP. BETH RILEY and JOSHUA CHAD are partners, competition, antitrust, and foreign Investment, at McMillan LLP. RAVIPAL S. BAINS is a partner, capital markets and securities, at McMillan LLP.
Why government transparency matters for B.C.’s mining sector
UBC study recommends updating government transparency strategies
The government of British Columbia is determined to improve transparency in the mining sector. Mining companies and communities are preparing for a surge of activity to meet the metals and minerals demand for green technologies. This means a flood of information will be inundating government employees covering a range of issues, including deposits, job creation, permits, waste, consultation, and water and air quality.
A team of graduate students from the University of British Columbia (UBC) are recommending a citizen-centric approach for the online presence of the B.C. ministry of energy, mines, and low carbon innovation. The team of four studied the “B.C. mine information” website and supporting infrastructure, comparing it with mining hubs in Canada and abroad that share similar socio-political conditions. Expert interviews in Queensland, Australia, served a key role in their findings.
The UBC student team with their faculty advisor during field research in Brisbane, Australia. From the left, in the back is David Deen and Jackson Porreca, and in the front is Nehal Gupta, Dr. Nadja Kunz, and Julia Basten. Credit: David Deen
Government’s role as information provider
The study found that governments are often at risk of dumping highly technical data on the public. These efforts aim for transparency, but can lead to confusion among diverse audiences in practice.To combat this risk, an accessible ecosystem is needed to ensure citizens can make informed decisions about mining in their communities. B.C. ramped up transparency efforts following the 2014 tailings dam failure in Mount Polley. The disaster challenged public perception towards the industry and regulation in the province. Efforts continue within the government to increase the reliability of information presented, and determine the appropriate level of synthesis.
Premier David Eby emphasized the importance of equity in information sharing in his 2022 mandate letter to the minister, and it is central to the B.C. mining strategic plan.
The government aims to be a neutral and objective provider of information. Although the burden of earning a social license to operate rests largely with mining companies, the government must ensure citizens have a complete picture of mining’s value and risks. They must also be certain the flows of information remain relevant to all interested parties.
Using Queensland as a guide
The UBC team interviewed experts in Queensland, Australia, across various professions connected to mining, and all were given anonymity in the study. Several experts throughout the state said that effective information sharing prioritizes public needs, which relies on community engagement and openness.
According to one expert, although the bulk of mining information originates from mining companies, the government is the most trusted distributor of information.
Multiple experts who worked with mining communities in Queensland said the information provided to public audiences is often not representative of a “spin-free narrative.” While the government aims to curate and simplify complex and technical information, this simplification risks not being perceived as neutral and objective. This perception challenges transparency.
Tools for transparency
Queensland, Australia presents a strong case for meeting the needs of diverse user groups through distinct online portals directed towards general and technical audiences. Websites were found to be easy to navigate and full of timely information.
The state shares information about mining through a website hosting three platforms. It caters to the general public through the following:
> a balance between high level information and an interactive spatialized map interface;
> change management;
> links to other databases
> video tutorials guiding users; and
> a dedicated help center.
This format of information sharing, tuned to specific audiences, contributes to transparency and public trust in government as an infomediary.
Bird’s eye view of Eskay Creek project in northwestern B.C. at sunset (2021). Credit: Skeena Resources
Next steps for B.C.
British Columbia is expanding its information sharing efforts through its mine information website and Mines Digital Trust, a dedicated portal for information disclosure about industry. It is an innovative first step directly targeting the public.
Similar to Queensland, there are opportunities in B.C. for these tools to provide the content sought by diverse audiences. There is also room to connect and integrate with other platforms like CleanBC, which are effective at communicating citizen-centric information in the context of the province’s emissions reduction plans.
Communities are empowered when they can access information which is relevant to their needs, up-to-date, and well-communicated.
As B.C. prepares for an increase in mining activity, the time is right for the government to develop a digital ecosystem which is reliable and trusted.
David Deen, Nehal Gupta, Julia Basten, and Jackson Porreca are graduate students at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia. Their full report is expected to be made public in May 2023.
CBLT acquires historic Falcon gold mine
CBLT Inc. (TSXV: CBLT) purchased the former Falcon gold mine adjacent to its Copper Prince property along the Garson fault in Ontario
Site of the Falcon gold mine between patented and unpatented Copper Prince claims. CBLT image
CBLT Inc. (TSXV: CBLT) purchased the former Falcon gold mine adjacent to its Copper Prince property along the Garson fault in Ontario’s Sudbury Basin. The Falcon property is sandwiched between CBLT’s three patented and its other unpatented Copper Prince claims.
The Falcon property has been explored intermittently since 1900. A 2005 report filed by Millstream Mines said over 850 metres of diamond drilling had been conducted there over time. CBTL said some of the historical data appears to be reliable, but there are gaps as some exploration was unrecorded. The company has been unable to find any production data associated with the property.
The Bailey report, compiled by Gordon Baily for Falconbridge and published in 1996, is perhaps the most reliable information. The report highlighted two pyrite-rich surface samples (50.47 and 53.21 g/t gold) and three pyrite-rich dump samples (33.60, 3833, and 40.46 g/t gold). The work and the report are not compliant with Ni 43-101.
Subject to the qualifications set out above, Bailey included a resource estimate at Falcon. In 1988, Falconbridge completed a 24-hole, 4,560-metre drill program which increased the mineral inventory of the Falcon deposit to 53,975 tonnes grading 7.75 g/t gold in a pyritiferous zone traced to a vertical depth of 180 metres with an average dimension of 3.35 by 30.5 metres.
CBLT intends to carry out a program of data aggregation, mapping, and sampling at Falcon this summer.
Although under construction at press time, the CBLT website is at www.CBLTinc.com.
Eramet has opened an office in Chile, it said on Monday, as it looks to develop lithium production in South America to supply battery makers.
The office, whose role is to “support future technical and commercial operations”, will be mainly focused on business development and exploration, it said.
Eramet is due to start lithium production next year in Argentina in partnership with Chinese steel group Tsingshan, and has said it is interested in studying other potential sites in a lithium-rich zone of South America that also includes Chile.
South America’s lithium deposits are drawing intense interest as makers of electric vehicle batteries look to secure supply chains. The European Union sees raw materials as a key issue in talks over a trade deal with the Mercosur bloc of South American countries.
Eramet, which is 27% held by the French state, is the world’s leading producer of manganese, and a major nickel supplier.
At home, it is among companies exploring geothermal extraction of lithium in the Rhine basin around the French-German border, and is also studying a battery recycling project with environmental services group Suez.
Securing supplies of battery materials like lithium is a key priority for the French government, which is funding projects by Eramet and other firms such as Imerys.
(By GV De Clercq and Gus Trompiz; Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten)
Initial testing with Nuton demonstrating optionality to continue scaling the asset beyond the base case Pre-feasibility Study (“PFS”) parameters
Primary sulphides, currently excluded from the PEA and pending PFS, comprise 25% of total mineral resource
(total: 4.9 blbs of inferred and 1.6 blbs of indicated copper resources)
Copper extraction for columns range from 61% to 82% on primary sulphides with an optimized targeted copper extraction for a life of asset blend of 80%
Extraction rates improve when blending both primary and secondary sulphides
Excellent results from unoptimized preliminary leach conditions with further optimization planned in a potential second phase of the test work program
Value impact for ASCU shareholders will inform the next phase of the work program and commercial framework with Nuton
FIGURE 1: Cactus Mine Project Map of Sample Locations (Graphic: Business Wire)
June 05, 2023
CASA GRANDE, Ariz, & TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. (TSX:ASCU | OTCQX:ASCUF) (“ASCU” or the “Company”) an emerging US-based copper developer and near-term producer, today reports positive preliminary column leach metallurgical extraction rates using the NutonTM technologies as part of the Phase 1 testing program with Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto venture. Primary sulphide extraction ranges from 61% to 82% based on 5 columns, including 2 early cycle columns returning 83% and 61%, 2 mid-cycle columns above 70% and 1 with lower extraction based on biotite content. Nuton is currently reassessing the additives for this low extraction column to address future biotite exposure, which accounts for approximately 1-2% of the Cactus West deposit in the primary zone. A total of 13 ongoing columns are approximately 75-150 days through their 300-day leach cycle and include samples from the sulphide, both primary and enriched (secondary sulphide) zones from both Cactus and Parks/Salyer deposits, as well as from the tailing facility, all of which are situated on wholly-owned private land in Pinal County, Arizona.
“Nuton has a wide range of potential use cases. At Cactus and Parks/Salyer we are encouraged by the potential of Nuton to unlock copper resources, currently not in the Company’s mine plan. This would increase resource utilization and enable a larger, more economically and environmentally efficient operation.”Tweet this
Nuton offers a portfolio of proprietary copper leach related technologies and capabilities, developed by Rio Tinto to deliver increased copper recovery and leading environmental performance. In December, samples were sent to the Nuton testing lab to begin column leach testing, following initial mineralogical analysis and associated performance modelling of ASCU material. The columns are leaching under a range of conditions and additive combinations with a view towards identifying the ideal Nuton offering for further test work and commercial deployment. With ASCU input, the metallurgical programs are overseen by the Nuton technical team and have been provided Qualified Person confirmation by Samuel Engineering.
George Ogilvie, Arizona Sonoran Copper Company President and CEO commented, “We are extremely encouraged that the initial column testing is consistent with the initial modelling presented by the Nuton team. While our onsite teams remain focused on delivering a robust PFS based on our oxides and enriched material, Rio Tinto’s NutonTM technologies present ASCU with future optionality for continued scaling of our assets from our currently excluded primary resource. We look forward to continuing to explore the leaching opportunity with Nuton, which would utilize a traditional SX/EW plant for the primary sulfides, and has a cleaner footprint than a concentrator, lower GHG emissions and reduced water consumption requirements.”
Adam Burley, CEO of Nuton LLC commented, “Nuton has a wide range of potential use cases. At Cactus and Parks/Salyer we are encouraged by the potential of Nuton to unlock copper resources, currently not in the Company’s mine plan. This would increase resource utilization and enable a larger, more economically and environmentally efficient operation.”
Sample Location and Preparation
Samples were prepared and composited from enriched and primary material from drill holes SE-02, ECP-019, ECW-011, SE-10 and SE-12 (see FIGURES 1 and 2 below) from the Cactus East, West and Parks/Salyer deposits. Additional samples from the historic Cactus tailings were also collected for the Phase 1 metallurgical test work program. Chemical and mineralogical analyses of each column sample were completed by Nuton to obtain a full chemical and mineralogical understanding of the material introduced to each individual column test. Chemical and mineralogical assay data was used to predict column test results. The mineralogy of the samples is shown below in FIGURE 3.
Overview of Nuton Flowsheet
The Nuton flowsheet is a conventional crushed and agglomerated feed, bio-heap leach flow sheet, for heap leaching of copper sulphide minerals, however, it includes the addition of catalytic and other reagents, as well as a bacterial growth and inoculation facility.
TABLE 1 below and FIGURES 4-6 illustrate results from preliminary extraction rates ranging from 75 days up to 150 days of direct column leaching. Testing is ongoing.
TABLE 1: Preliminary Extraction Rates and Acid Consumption
1 As reported on February 23, 2022, Arizona Sonoran Updates on Metallurgical improvements at the Cactus Mine Project
2 Initial flotation results from 2022 testing program
3 Excludes ASC 6 (ECW-011) that has anomalous high Biotite content (See Phase 2 workplan)
4 Excludes column ASC 6 (ECW-011) that has anomalous high Biotite content and low temperature (See Phase 2 workplan)
5 Net acid consumption is either nil or net generating
The initial results show enhanced extraction rates on existing enriched material within Cactus and Parks/Salyer which may or may not be incremental to the ASCU-only extraction rates, even in a blended sulphide approach, and is subject to further ASCU-only metallurgical test work and the impact of a commercial framework with Nuton.
PHASE 1: METHODOLOGY
All 13 Nuton, 6-inch (150 cm) diameter columns were a height of 3.3 ft (1 m) and controlled at a range of temperatures. The column temperatures are controlled and continuously monitored. In a commercial scale heap, heat is generated by exothermic bio-oxidation reactions which can be positively affected by the existence of pyrite.
Core samples were obtained from Cactus, as well as from the historical tailings facility for the Phase 1 test work program. Samples were separated into primary and secondary samples, dependent on the classification provided by the ASCU geology team. Subsequent mineralogical analyses of the primary samples showed that these are dominated by chalcopyrite as the main copper bearing mineral. Enriched samples generally provided a mixture of primary and secondary copper mineralization. Unoptimized preliminary leach conditions already provided excellent results, with further optimization planned for the potential second phase of the test work program.
PHASE 2: PROGRAM
Subject to agreement on a commercial path forward, a Phase 2 program is currently being planned, under the guidance of ASCU’s independent QP, with additional sample material being prepared for shipping to the Nuton test facilities. The Phase 2 program will expand on Phase 1’s proof of concept and provide more rigorous testing scenarios.
The additional column test program is expected to continue for a further 12 to 16 months from the end of Phase 1, but interim data will provide further information for development of the final process design criteria.
Commercial Framework
Testing work to date has been consistent with the terms of a Material Testing Agreement between ASCU and Nuton, which does not include the granting of any type of license for ASCU’s use of the NutonTM technologies. The Parties continue to explore various commercial frameworks for the deployment of the NutonTM technologies at Cactus and/or Parks/Salyer and potential integration in ASCU’s technical studies. The Parties are working toward agreement on major terms; however, it is possible that the Parties may be unable to reach agreement for any number of reasons.
Qualified Persons Statement
Technical aspects related to the metallurgical program of this news release have been reviewed and verified by James L. Sorensen – FAusIMM Reg. No. 221286 with Samuel Engineering, who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101– Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The indicative metallurgical information presented describes preliminary results from testing that is currently in progress and subject to confirmation. Final metallurgical performance estimates will require decommissioning of the columns and analysis of the column residues.
Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor the regulating authority has approved or disproved the information contained in this press release.
About Nuton
Nuton is an innovative new venture that aims to help grow Rio Tinto’s copper business. At the core of Nuton is a portfolio of proprietary copper leach related technologies and capability – a product of almost 30 years of research and development. The NutonTM technologies offer the potential to economically unlock low-grade copper sulphides resources, copper bearing waste and tailings, and achieve higher copper recoveries on oxide and transitional material, allowing for a significantly increased copper production outcome. One of the key differentiators of Nuton is the potential to deliver leading environmental performance, including more efficient water usage, lower carbon emissions, and the ability to reclaim mine sites by reprocessing mine waste.
ASCU’s objective is to become a mid-tier copper producer with low operating costs and to develop the Cactus and Parks/Salyer Projects that could generate robust returns for investors and provide a long term sustainable and responsible operation for the community and all stakeholders. The Company’s principal asset is a 100% interest in the Cactus Project (former ASARCO, Sacaton mine) which is situated on private land in an infrastructure-rich area of Arizona. Contiguous to the Cactus Project is the Company’s 100%-owned Parks/Salyer deposit that could allow for a phased expansion of the Cactus Mine once it becomes a producing asset. The Company is led by an executive management team and Board which have a long-standing track record of successful project delivery in North America complemented by global capital markets expertise. Forward-Looking Statements
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of ASCU to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals; the results of drilling; inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the properties; environmental liabilities (known and unknown); general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; results of exploration programs; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; political instability, terrorism, insurrection or war; or delays in obtaining governmental approvals, projected cash operating costs, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals.
Although ASCU has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and ASCU disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Intramotev Finalizes Agreement With Iron Senergy to Provide Three ReVolt Self-Propelled, Battery-Electric Railcars for Cumberland Mine
PR Newswire Tue, June 6, 2023
Regenerative Braking and Battery Technology is Designed to Reduce Costs and Diesel Emissions in Both Captive and Long-Haul Traditional Train Operations
ST. LOUIS, June 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Intramotev, a pioneering technology company focused on developing autonomous, zero-emission rail solutions, has finalized an agreement withIron Senergy to provide three (3) ReVolt railcars for its 17-mile private rail line that transports coal produced by its Cumberland Coal Mine to its Alicia Harbor Facility located on the Monongahela River in Western Pennsylvania. This will be the world's first deployment of self-propelled battery-electric railcars in a traditional freight train, using regenerative braking and battery technology to reduce diesel consumption from locomotives, resulting in lower costs for rail operators and reducing emissions impact from rail operations.
Intramotev is developing and deploying a suite of products to address the primary element behind the lack of growth in the rail industry, shipment certainty, while further building upon rail's strengths in safety and sustainability. They include TugVolt, a proprietary kit that can retrofit/upfit existing railcars to become battery-electric, move independently like a truck, and decouple to service first- and last-mile legs; ReVolt, capturing waste energy in traditional trains via regenerative braking; and automated safety systems including gates and hatches.
Every day, freight trucks navigate choked highways across the nation, producing an estimated 433 million tons of carbon emissions annually, while close to a million freight railcars sit idle in switching yards, awaiting locomotives to bring them to their destination. Intramotev is poised to help meet the Federal Railroad Administration's Climate Challenge, a commitment to partner with owners and operators in the U.S. rail network, and manufacturers of rail equipment, to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. While reducing railway emissions as well as relieving congested and polluted roadways, Intramotev's technology offers reduced operational costs and the highest level of safety, with stopping distances at a fraction of traditional heavier trains, among other benefits.
"Captive routes between mines and processing facilities have the opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and save costs through our proprietary battery-electric technology," said Intramotev CEO Timothy Luchini, PhD. "Using our technology will help Iron Senergy become a cleaner, healthier operation in western Pennsylvania. We hope their success will inspire other rail managers' decarbonization efforts across mining and steel mill transportation."
"We are honored to partner with Intramotev and help pioneer the deployment of this technology," said Iron Senergy CEO and owner Justin Thompson. "This investment is consistent with our commitment to innovation and the environment, and I look forward to exploring additional opportunities with the Intramotev team that will allow us to further increase efficiencies, lower costs and reduce our environmental footprint."
About Iron Senergy
Founded in 2020, Iron Senergy is a veteran-owned company based in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania that manages critical assets in the southwest corner of the Commonwealth, including the Cumberland Coal Mine, the former Emerald Coal Mine (being reclaimed and repurposed as the "Keystone State Clean Energy Park"), and approximately 15,000 acres of surface land. Iron Senergy employs over 750 individuals, including approximately 575 miners represented by Local 2300 of the United Mine Workers of America, making it one of the largest employers in Greene County, Pennsylvania and the last union coal operator in the Commonwealth. While the Cumberland and Emerald Mine properties have been in operation for several decades under numerous ownership groups, they are now serving as the foundation for a new platform - one focused on operating as a responsible energy company and serving as a blueprint for strategic reclamation and synergistic diversification within the U.S. coal industry.
About Intramotev Intramotev is a high-technology company focused on transforming modern freight movement by developing autonomous, zero-emission rail solutions that decrease costs, increase usage and safety, and promote environmental responsibility. Founded in 2020 in Saint Louis, Missouri, the company's products include TugVolt, ReVolt, and automated safety systems gates and hatches. Intramotev: Rail, Reborn & Ready To Roll. Visitwww.intramotev.com.
SOURCE Intramotev
Scientists use 3D printing to create stronger titanium alloys
The new discovery may lead to applications in aerospace, biomedical, chemical engineering, space and energy technologies.
Scientists have used 3D printing to engineer a new class of titanium alloys that function better under tension. The result is materials that are stronger and less brittle.
This is according to a new press release by RMIT published on Thursday.
The researchers included members from RMIT University and the University of Sydney, in collaboration with Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence in Melbourne.
Lead researcher Distinguished Professor Ma Qian from RMIT told MIT that circular economy thinking was embedded in their new design from the very beginning.
“Reusing waste and low-quality materials has the potential to add economic value and reduce the high carbon footprint of the titanium industry,” said Qian from RMIT’s Centre for Additive Manufacturing in the School of Engineering.
BHP and Microsoft use AI to lift Escondida copper recovery
A new collaboration between BHP and Microsoft has used artificial intelligence and machine learning with the aim of improving copper recovery at the world’s largest copper mine.
The use of new digital technology to optimise concentrator performance at BHP’s Escondida operation in Chile is expected to improve copper recovery.
BHP Chief Technical Officer Laura Tyler said by augmenting new digital technology capabilities with new ways of working, the team at Escondida is well-positioned to generate more value from an existing resource.
“We expect the next big wave in mining to come from the advanced use of digital technologies. As grades decline at existing copper mines and fewer new economic discoveries are made, next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics will need to be used to unlock more production and value from our existing mines,” she said.
BHP estimates the world would need to double the amount of copper produced over the next 30 years, relative to the past 30, to keep pace with the development of decarbonisation technology such as electric vehicles, offshore wind and solar farms assumed under its 1.5 degree scenario1.
“We are excited to partner with BHP on this transformative project that demonstrates the power of AI, machine learning and cloud technologies”, said John Montgomery, CVP, AI Platform at Microsoft.
By using real-time plant data from the concentrators in combination with AI-based recommendations from Microsoft’s Azure platform, the concentrator operators at Escondida will have the ability to adjust operational variables that affect ore processing and grade recovery.
BHP is a top three global producer of copper and has the largest copper endowment of any company globally2. BHP has operated Escondida, an open-cut mine located in the Atacama Desert in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile, for over 30 years.
1 For information about the assumptions, outputs and limitations of this 1.5°C scenario refer to the BHP Climate Change Report 2020 available at bhp.com.
2 Based on ownership interest. Peers include: Anglo American, Antofagasta, Codelco, First Quantum Minerals, Freeport, Glencore, Rio Tinto, Southern Copper and Teck. Source peers: Wood Mackenzie Ltd, Q1 2022.
Copper exports signal Chile is leaving woes behind Bloomberg News | June 7, 2023 | Mining trucks at Codelco’s Chuquicamata copper mine in Chile. (File image)
At first glance, the latest copper numbers out of Chile appear to fit the recent narrative of supply-side disappointments. A closer look, however, suggests output may be improving in the top-producing nation.
While revenue from shipments fell 2.3% in May from April, according to central bank data released Wednesday, average copper prices slid more the 6% in the same period, signaling volumes probably rose. The year-on-year comparison is even more promising, with revenue up almost 7% despite a steep drop in prices.
The data suggest Chilean production may be stabilizing after a series of project delays, mine-specific setbacks and plant maintenance. That follows monthly data showing Peruvian output rising sharply and the Congo’s giant Kamoa-Kakula mine continuing to ramp up.
Stronger mine supplies — coupled with fragile Chinese demand — help explain why warehouse inventories are at seven-month highs.
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