ORT.A:CA 3.42  -0.19 Today 5d 1m 3m 1y 5y 10y Orbite Produces Its First Aluminum from Cap-Chat Alumina May 25, 2011 (Marketwire) -- MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwire) -- 05/25/11 -- Exploration Orbite (TSX VENTURE:ORT.A) is pleased to announce that it has produced its first samples of aluminum, conclusively demonstrating the viability of its entire value-added chain - from clay to metallurgical aluminum. The samples were manufactured using Cap-Chat Smelter Grade Alumina (SGA), which is designed to meet current industry standards for purity and particle size (granulometry). The quality of the metallurgical alumina (or SGA) was ultimately confirmed by an independent, world-class research facility in Canada through electrolysis smelting into aluminum. "The production of the latest generation of SGA material is a significant milestone for Orbite," explained Dr. Joel Fournier, VP Technologies. "The Bayer process, widely used by the aluminum industry, can take up to 36 hours during crystal growth in order to reach the appropriate granulomety. By contrast, Orbite's patented process offers significant competitive advantages in terms of both crystal precipitation and the growth period, which is reduced to a fraction of the time required by the Bayer The samples of aluminum were produced under the direction of Professor Lionel Roue, at the National Institute of Scientific Research - Energy, Materials and Communications (INRS-EMC), on behalf of Orbite. Dr Roue is a recognized leader in the electrochemistry of aluminum production. The SGA material, delivered by Orbite to INRS, underwent a series of electrolysis smelting experiments at the Institute. The tests were performed under electrolysis conditions commonly used throughout the industry and aluminum was reliably produced in all trials performed.