VanadiumCorp Resource Inc (TSX-V:VRB) announced that it is retaining Impact Global Solutions to conduct metallurgical testing on bulk samples from its Lac Doré vanadium property in Quebec.
The company said the testing would focus on the treatment options for vanadiferous titanomagnetite concentrates.
The first phase, already underway, will consist of grinding and magnetic separations and will provide fresh concentrates for testing.
This will be followed by a second phase which will investigate options for both a selective hydrometallurgical leach for vanadium and the pelletizing of titanomagnetite.
VandiumCorp CEO Paul McGuigan, meanwhile, noted recent advances in the technology of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF), both of which support the production process the company is aiming toward.
The company owns 100% of a newly patented hydrometallurgical process VEPT which involves digesting vanadium-rich feedstocks into concentrated sulfuric acid.
This process could potentially address the demand for vanadium and titanium metals from a range of industries as alternative extraction methods become essential.
“Our top priority is to produce vanadium electrolytes from a decarbonized supply chain,” McGuigan said.
“Anticipated advances in hydrogen production promise a suitable, carbon-free reductant in the DRI process. Contingent on properly priced hydrogen supply, we will aim to process titanomagnetite with DR-EAF, yielding high-quality pig iron and EAF-slags.”
He highlighted that historical tests of the company’s VEPT process successfully demonstrated high vanadium recovery from EAF slags of a European producer of pig iron.
“This optional route effectively combines a known decarbonized pyrometallurgical process with a finish using VEPT hydrometallurgy,” he said.
Vancouver-based VanadiumCorp Resource holds 100% ownership of two strategic vanadium-titanium-iron properties in Quebec: its flagship Lac Doré property near Chibougamau and Iron T near Matagami.