Patent application for new alumina technology approved
The joint patent application by Nordic Mining and Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) for a new technology for extraction of alumina from aluminium/calcium-rich minerals has been approved by the Norwegian Industrial Property Office (Norw. Patentstyret).
CEO of Nordic Mining, Ivar S. Fossum comments: “The patent is an important achievement for this technology, which may give exciting industrial opportunities.”
About the technology
Today’s alumina production is mainly based on production from bauxite resources through the Bayer process. With the new technology, the so-called “Aranda-Mastin process”, alumina can be produced from alternative mineral sources, and production can be done in a more environmentally friendly manner. In addition to alumina, precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) and silica may be produced as by-products. PCC is a commercial commodity used as filler in paper, plastics and paint. Silica can be used as filler in car tyres and plastics, and in production of cement, among other applications.
The new multi-product process gives potential for almost full utilization of the mineral resource while reducing waste production. Furthermore, the process utilises approximately 500,000 tonnes of CO2 per million tonne of alumina. This CO2 can either be stored safely and/or utilised as part of commercial production of PCC. Additionally, this process does not produce any toxic waste.
More information is available on:
- The webpage of the Norwegian Industrial Property Office: https://search.patentstyret.no/Patent/20140317
- Nordic Mining's webpage: http://www.nordicmining.com/alumina-from-anorthosite/category8.html
For further information please contact Exploration Manager, Mona Schanche, telephone +47 922 81 253.
Oslo, 6 October 2015
Nordic Mining ASA
Nordic Mining ASA (www.nordicmining.com)
Nordic Mining ASA (“Nordic Mining” or “the Company”) is a resource company with focus on high-end industrial minerals and metals in Norway and internationally. The Company’s project portfolio is of high international standard and holds a significant economic potential. The Company’s assets are in the Nordic region.
Through the subsidiary Nordic Rutile AS Nordic Mining is undertaking large-scale project development at Engebø in Sogn and Fjordane where the Company has rights to a substantial eclogite deposit with rutile and garnet. Permits for the project were granted by the Norwegian government in April 2015. Nordic Mining has rights for exploration and production of high-purity quartz in Kvinnherad in Hordaland and develops the project through its subsidiary Nordic Quartz AS. Nordic Mining’s associated company Keliber Oy in Finland plans to start mining of lithium bearing spodumene and production of lithium carbonate. Nordic Mining holds exploration rights on the Øksfjord Peninsula in Troms and Finnmark, where the Company has discovered a prospective area of sulphide mineralisation. Through the subsidiary Nordic Ocean Resources AS, Nordic Mining is exploring opportunities related to seabed mineral resources.
Nordic Mining is listed on Oslo Axess.
Institute for Energy Technology (IFE)
IFE is an international research foundation for energy and nuclear technology. IFE’s mandate is to undertake research and development, on an ideal basis and for the benefit of society, within the energy and petroleum sector, and to carry out assignments in the field of nuclear technology for the nation. The Institute strives for a more climate friendly energy system based on renewable and CO2-free energy sources. See more on www.ife.no