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Message: Argex announces CTL process breakthrough

Argex announces CTL process breakthrough

SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS IN ENERGY, CAPITAL COSTS AND SPACE
  • IMPROVEMENT IN TiO2 RECOVERY

MONTREAL, June 13, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Argex Mining Inc. ("Argex") (TSXV: RGX) (FSE: ASV) (OTCBB: ARGEF) announced today a milestone breakthrough has been achieved to the iron recovery circuit at its pilot plant in Mississauga, Ontario where the patented CTL process is running continuously.

Continued process improvements on solvent extraction for the iron circuit have increased the iron concentration from 68 gpl to 120 gpl, significantly reducing the energy consumption and also improving the recovery of TiO2 by 3%.

These improvements will ultimately find their way into a full-scale industrial production facility.

Enrico Di Cesare, Chief Operating Officer, VP Technology commented, "Concentration by evaporation from 120 gpl to 140 gpl, which is the typical required concentration for the pyrohydrolysis acid regeneration unit, is much more energy efficient than concentrating from 68 gpl to 140 gpl. This is a major breakthrough for us and substantially saves energy, capital costs, and space. The iron-rich solution in the form of ferric chloride is then treated in the acid recovery circuit. Work is continuing with PRO (Process Research Ortech) to simplify and improve the CTL process".

The CTL process is a proprietary mineral extraction process that allows for the production of high purity (99.8% pure) pigment grade TiO2 product, which can be sold at premium prices to the end-users in the paint, plastic and coating industries.

The process is unique because of its ability to produce high-purity TiO2, Iron and V2O5 through a single process directly from the ore material. The equipment used in all parts of the process is known and readily available. The innovation of the process lies in how the equipment is used and on how the solvents and temperatures are properly balanced. The process operates at atmospheric pressure, thus avoiding the need to handle chemicals at very high temperatures.

The process is also environmentally friendly due to its high energy efficiency, low emissions and its closed-loop design, which uses relatively low levels of hydrochloric acid that is regenerated after use. The process produces minimal inert tailings from the La Blache ore deposit. Ultimately, these tailings could be used by the local construction industry for raw material.

This breakthrough and all the improvements to date will be incorporated into the feasibility study to be initiated shortly.

Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1elQV)

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