Development Program To Produce Scandium-Rich Master Alloy
Perth, Dec 14, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Platina Resources Limited (
ASX:PGM) (P4R:FRA) (PTNUF:OTCMKTS) is pleased to announce it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with Metalysis Limited ("Metalysis"), a UK technology company focused on the development of metal alloy powders, to assess the technical and economic feasibility of using its innovative solid-state process to produce a scandium rich master alloy.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Agreement with Metalysis Ltd to assess the technical and commercial viability of utilising their solid state technology to produce master alloy
- Owendale scandium oxide to be tested for the production of a scandium-rich master alloy containing 15X the amount of scandium compared to the conventionally available product
- Potential to significantly reduce the cost of producing the master alloy with a lower environmental footprint compared to traditional melting processes
- Significant cost saving benefits to the end user by offering scandium rich master alloy
- Strategic initiative part of an overall strategy to produce superior master alloy and accelerate the development of the advanced-stage, Owendale scandium project
Platina is developing one of the largest and highest-grade scandium deposits in the world. The recently completed Definitive Feasibility Study has demonstrated the viability of constructing a low capital expenditure open-cut mining operation and processing facility producing scandium oxide at the Platina Scandium Project in New South Wales, Australia. The process for producing the scandium oxide has been extensively tested through a pilot program which processed 6-tonnes of ore and produced 99.99% scandium oxide. The Company is now actively focused on market development and securing off-take, and assessing options to reduce the production costs of making value-added scandium products including master alloys.
Metalysis has developed a modular, electrochemical technology which can produce a scandium-rich master alloy feedstock, used to make aluminium-scandium alloys. Currently, the traditional industry process route involves producing a 2% aluminium-scandium master alloy by melting scandium oxide powder with aluminium metal (see Figure 1). The master alloy is further diluted with molten aluminium to less than 0.5% scandium metal for use in the end product. Metalysis' technology allows the production of a master alloy addition, which is 15X higher in scandium content using scandium oxide and alumina oxide. The process can produce a wide range of alloy powders at lower cost and environmental footprints than the traditional melting processes.
Scandium rich master alloys produced by Metalysis' process are in demand from industries including aerospace, automotive and additive manufacturing (3D printing). While the solid oxide fuel cell industry has been the dominant consumer of scandium in recent years, scandium's greatest value lies in the functional properties it imparts as an alloy in aluminium. When used in combination with other common aluminium alloys, scandium can produce stronger, heat tolerant, weldable aluminium products. These products are being increasingly incorporated into transportation applications for light-weighting (electric vehicles) and lowering fuel efficiency requirements.
The MOU contemplates using Owendale scandium oxide to produce a scandium-rich master alloy utilising Metalysis' process, and assessing the technical and economic feasibility of utilising the technology within potential development scenarios at Owendale. The program will also produce samples of the scandium rich alloy for testing by customers in the aluminium and alloy industries. Platina will provide Metalysis with refined scandium oxide produced from Owendale during the pilot program completed earlier in 2018.
The Company will negotiate a technology licencing agreement with Metalysis once the initial test work programs have been successfully completed.
Managing Director Corey Nolan commented, "The Company now has two development initiatives underway to assess the potential development of a low-cost process for the production of value-added, aluminium-scandium master alloy.
In September 2018, the Company announced it was developing a process technology that could be provided to the downstream alloy manufacturers to fast-track the path towards integrating aluminium-scandium alloys in their production lines and utilising scandium oxide from Owendale.
The MOU with Metalysis represents another innovative way of potentially producing scandium rich master alloy at potentially lower cost than the traditional melting processes.
The aim of the initiatives is to accelerate the development of the Owendale scandium oxide project by facilitating technology solutions to fast-track the use of scandium oxide in the high-strength, light-weight alloying sector".
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About Platina Resources Limited
Platina Resources Limited (ASX:PGM) (OTCMKTS:PTNUF) is an Australian-based company focused on returning shareholder value by advancing early-stage metals projects through exploration, feasibility, permitting and into development.
The Company has interests in the following projects:
- Platina Scandium Project (100% interest) - located in central New South Wales, the project is one of the largest and highest-grade scandium deposits in the world, which has the potential to become Australia's first scandium producer with cobalt and nickel credits. A Definitive Feasibility Study was completed in late 2018 demonstrating the technical and economic viability of constructing the project. The Company is now focused on completing the permitting and securing offtake and financing.
- Skaergaard (100% interest) - One of the world's largest undeveloped gold deposits and one of the largest palladium resources outside of South Africa and Russia, located in Greenland;
- Munni Munni (30% interest) - Situated in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, the project is one of Australia's most significant Platinum Group Metal occurrences. Munni Munni also has potential for conglomerate hosted gold and is a Joint Venture with Artemis Resources Limited; and
- Blue Moon (to earn a 70% interest) - Located in California, U.S.A, the project is subject to a Nl 43-101 Mineral Resource estimate. The resource is open at depth and along strike and has favourable metallurgy.
For more information please see: https://www.platinaresources.com.au
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