Gossan Developing Low-Cost Magnesium Production Process
Gossan Resources is currently focused on the development of the Zuliani Production Process, a new highly-efficient method for the production of magnesium from dolomite. The Zuliani Process is projected to significantly reduce the direct operating cost of magnesium metal production by as much as 25% compared to a typical Chinese Pidgeon process plant which, with China producing over 80% of the world’s magnesium, has now become the industry norm.
The Zuliani Process is designed to achieve operating cost savings by process efficiency improvements that significantly reduce both energy and key raw material requirements. The process is designed to maximize raw material recovery and silicon utilization efficiency. Energy efficiency is also improved by eliminating the need for a vacuum and by the development of a technically straightforward method that will ensure highly efficient condensation of molten magnesium metal thereby avoiding the need to re-melt solid magnesium condensate as with other conventional processes.
Bench scale testing of the Zuliani Process is nearing completion at Process Research Ortech, a recognized leader in testing and commercialization of innovative process technologies. This test work is being supported by thermodynamic modeling conducted by Professor Arthur Pelton of Ecole Polytechnique, Montreal using world recognized FactSage software. Based on the experimental and modeling work to date, the Zuliani Process has demonstrated calcined dolomite and silicon efficiencies both over 92%. Compared to a typical Pidgeon plant operating in China, raw material consumption is about 20% less for dolomite and 30% lower for ferro-silicon.
The higher raw material efficiencies of the Zuliani Process coupled with the use of hydro electricity will lower the environmental impact of magnesium production dramatically. Gossan has also contracted Process Ortech to undertake a Carbon Emission Study for the Zuliani Process. Based on the analysis to date, a four-fold reduction in Green House Gas emissions is estimated compared to the level of GHG emissions typical of Chinese magnesium producers.
Gossan has established a substantial resource of high purity dolomite (NI 43-101 compliant) at its Inwood Magnesium Project near Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Company also has a high purity silica deposit and could ultimately become a producer of ferro-silicon. Manitoba has the lowest posted electricity rates in NAFTA countries and an excellent location providing access to the major markets in North America.
Currently, the Company has initiated the design of a pilot scale demonstration plant. Gossan may seek a joint venture partner to assist in the pilot plant testing and subsequent commercialization of the process.
Gossan Resources Limited is engaged in the exploration and development of a broadly diversified portfolio of properties hosting gold, platinum group and base metals, as well as the specialty and minor metals - tantalum, lithium, chromium, titanium and vanadium. Gossan also holds a large deposit of magnesium-rich dolomite, the world-wide rights to the Zuliani magnesium production process, and a high-purity silica sand deposit. All of the properties are located in Manitoba and north-western Ontario, in central Canada.
Suite 404 - 171 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3C 1M4 Tel: (204) 943-1990 Toll Free: (800) 462-4283 Fax: (204) 942-3434 E-mail: info@gossan.ca Website: http://www.gossan.ca
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