#United States #Louisiana #Flash Joule Heating #Metallium #ElementUSA

Metallium's Partnership with ElementUSA for Critical Mineral Recovery

In a bold move to enhance the recovery of critical minerals in the United States, Metallium (ASX: MTM; OTCQX: MTMCF), through its wholly owned subsidiary Flash Metals USA, has entered a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with ElementUSA. This strategic collaboration is centered around the recovery of gallium and scandium from red mud in Louisiana, a significant industrial waste material. This partnership brings not only a promising technological advancement but also up to $10 million in non-dilutive funding, aimed at kickstarting the deployment of Metallium's Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology.

What is Flash Joule Heating Technology?

Flash Joule Heating technology is a pioneering method that allows efficient extraction of valuable metals from various sources, including e-waste and mineral concentrates. It operates on the principles of rapid heating, which leads to the breakdown of complex compounds and the liberation of metals. This technology is particularly beneficial for extracting materials such as gallium, germanium, and rare earth elements, which are essential for applications in defense, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.

The Importance of Gallium and Scandium

Gallium and scandium are categorized as 'critical minerals' due to their essential roles in various high-tech and defense applications. However, the supply of these minerals in the Western hemisphere has been historically constrained, which has raised concerns about dependency on foreign sources. By harnessing domestic waste materials such as red mud, which is often overlooked, this partnership aims to bolster local resources and reduce reliance on imports.

According to Michael Walshe, the managing director and CEO of Metallium, “This is a significant milestone for Metallium and a strong endorsement of our FJH technology within a major industry-supported effort to expand domestic critical minerals capability.”

A Commercial Framework

The signed LOI lays the groundwork for further cooperation, establishing a framework for a detailed Development Agreement and Licensing Agreement. Under this agreement, Metallium will maintain complete ownership of its FJH intellectual property, allowing it to innovate and enhance its technology further. Meanwhile, ElementUSA will retain ownership of its proprietary methods for separation and refining, ensuring that both parties can capitalize on their strengths.

The collaboration also hints at exploring additional recovery opportunities. Programs may include assessments for recovering other materials such as aluminum, titanium, and sodium, as well as evaluating residual products that could serve as substitutes in clinker applications.

ElementUSA’s Role in the Collaboration

ElementUSA is a US-based company dedicated to tapping into the potential of critical minerals found in industrial waste streams. Based in Cedar Park, Texas, ElementUSA operates its Critical Resource Accelerator, where it conducts advanced processing development and scaling of mineral separation technologies. This commitment to innovation is essential for unlocking the untapped resources of gallium, scandium, and other vital materials.

In summary, the partnership between Metallium and ElementUSA represents a crucial step towards fostering a self-sustaining supply chain for critical minerals in the United States. It highlights how collaboration between innovative companies can lead to solutions that support both environmental sustainability and economic security.

Conclusion

As the demand for critical minerals continues to grow, this collaboration stands out as a beacon of innovation and hope for the future. By transforming waste materials into valuable resources, Metallium and ElementUSA are positioning themselves at the forefront of a new era in mineral recovery technology. Their efforts will not only aid in alleviating the pressures of supply constraints but could also pave the way for a sustainable future in industrial practices.