Latrobe Magnesium Limited (ASX:LMG) has received a patent in India for its hydromet process which utilises spent fly ash from brown coal-powered electricity generation to produce magnesium.
In making magnesium, LMG’s hydromet process produces at least 60% fewer carbon emissions than Chinese magnesium.
Efficient production of magnesium
This unique process involves the treatment of spent fly ash from brown coal-powered electricity generation using chemicals to reduce sulphur, iron and silicon to acceptable levels.
Beneficiated material is then used as feedstock in the thermal reduction process.
The result is an efficient means of producing magnesium as well as supplementary material extracted from tailings of industrial fly ash.
Previous patents granted
Patents for Australia, Europe, the United States and Indonesia were granted in August 2011 for a total of 20 years.
All these countries as well as India are known to have large lignite/brown coal deposits.
With the patent now granted in India, LMG will investigate potential licensing opportunities.
- Jessica Cummins
