Trekor it is improving niobium recovery at Aley while expanding ferroniobium testing and preparing for talks with potential buyers.
Trekor Metals reported new technical and commercial developments in its Aley niobium project a wholly-owned mining development located in northeastern British Columbia, Canada. The company has improved ore processing and is now seeking to connect the project with potential niobium buyers.
In particular, the work carried out over the past few years allowed for the optimization of Aley’s flotation process. According to the company, the tests increased niobium recovery and improved the concentrate grade while significantly reducing reagent consumption.
The advance is significant because of niobium’s role in the manufacture of specialty steels and other high-performance alloys. Trekor believes Aley could become a new North American source of this critical mineral.
Aley improves its process for recovering niobium
Furthermore, pilot tests were conducted using material from a metallurgical sample obtained in 2018, the results confirmed the operational viability of an optimized flotation process that yields a concentrate with improved characteristics.
From this material, Trekor developed a two-stage smelting process and produced commercial-grade ferroniobium. This material is primarily used as a feedstock in the manufacture of special steels due to the properties it imparts to alloys.
Furthermore, the company has protected its flotation process with patents in the United States, Australia, Brazil, and Europe. This technology is a central component of Aley’s planned metallurgical development.
The team is also working on a hydrometallurgical flow diagram to transform the flotation concentrate into niobium oxide. Trekor is studying both a direct production route and the possibility of using external processors to obtain high-purity oxide.
Reserves of 84 million tons in the Aley niobium project
According to the previous technical report prepared under the National Instrument 43-101 standard, Aley has proven and probable mineral reserves estimated at 84 million tons with an average grade of 0.50% Nb2O5.
With a planned processing capacity of 10,000 tons per day, the project could produce around 14,000 tons of ferroniobium per year. That production would be equivalent to about nine million kilograms of niobium annually.
Previous technical planning contemplated a mining life of 24 years, however, Trekor has continued to develop the project since the publication of the last technical report and much of that work has been concentrated on perfecting the processing of the ore.
The team is currently expanding the pilot program to obtain additional quantities of ferroniobium, this new phase will provide more material as the company ramps up its marketing activities.
Trekor seeks niobium buyers in North America
At the same time, the project is beginning to gain a more defined commercial component, Trekor is maintaining contacts with potential buyers and processors interested in niobium-derived products.
The company is positioning Aley as a potential North American source for consumers seeking to diversify and secure their supply chain. Canada, the United States, and Europe consider niobium a critical mineral due to its importance in various industries and technologies.
Among its applications are the high-performance steels, stainless steels, superalloys, niobium alloys, magnetic materials, superconductors and certain energy systems.
Trekor’s president and CEO, Stuart McDonald, highlighted the progress made on the project’s timeline, the company now looks forward to advancing commercial and strategic discussions with customers in North America who require a stable supply of niobium.
Steve Sparkowich joins the Niobium Aley project
In parallel with this phase, Trekor appointed Steve Sparkowich as director of the niobium project Aley, a metallurgical engineer, has more than 30 years of experience in materials engineering, metallurgy, business development and supply chain innovation.
His career includes work related to critical and refractory metals, including niobium, from his new position, he will support Aley’s technical development, market positioning, and commercial strategy.
One of its objectives will be to connect planned production capacity with the needs of potential customers. These include large steel mills and manufacturers of stainless steel, superalloys, and niobium products.
With the pilot program expanding, Trekor aims to translate Aley’s metallurgical advancements into a commercial proposition for niobium consumers. The next stage will involve additional ferroniobium production, developing a route for niobium oxide, and discussions with potential buyers.
Source and photo: Trekor
