Latrobe Magnesium produces the world's first sustainable MgO
Latrobe Magnesium (LMG) has announced that it has successfully produced the world’s first environmentally sustainable magnesium oxide (MgO) from fly ash waste from brown coal power generation in the first phase of its 1000 tonnes per annum Stage 1 Demonstration Plant.
The accomplishment represents a notable advancement in the establishment of a sustainable method for magnesium extraction on an industrial level. The company highlights the utilisation of its patented hydromet process in achieving this milestone.
“We are incredibly proud of the results from our demonstration plant and the achievement of MgO production. The world’s first flow sheet using a hydromet process is a testament to our technology, our staff and contractors involved in the process to date,” CEO David Paterson said. “As the only new Western producer, the importance of Latrobe magnesium’s production is globally significant, and this achievement validates our patented hydrometallurgical technology and years of research and development to get to this stage.”
LMG says its hydrometallurgical extraction and thermal reduction technology stands as the sole method capable of extracting magnesium from brown coal fly ash and ferro-nickel slag tailings.
By converting nearly 100% of these undesirable waste resources into marketable products, this process operates with low emissions. It yields magnesium metal along with valuable secondary products, which are anticipated to contribute approximately 25% to the revenue without incurring additional costs.
LMG’s patented process not only slashes the operational expenses associated with conventional methods of magnesium and cement production but also reduces carbon emissions by up to 60% compared to the industry standard.
Following this achievement and validating the hydromet process, LMG can now officially commence a bankable feasibility study and financing discussions, in relation to the 100%-contracted, 10,000 tonnes per annum Stage 2 Commercial Plant.
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