Western Magnesium Corp. (TSX-V:WMG, OTCQB:MLYF) has told investors that magnesium metal production at its commercial pilot plant, announced earlier this month, has been an "overwhelming success".
The company is currently in a so-called "calibration and optimization phase" at the plant, which will continue until satisfactory operating parameters are defined. This will then be used to validate the industrial process for commercialization - the final stage in the research and development (R&D) of Western Magnesium's new process.
"With any new disruptive technology, it is paramount that we follow a thorough and cohesive commissioning and optimization plan to ensure the equipment is not overstressed in the initial runs and that any deficiencies are identified and corrected prior to the next phase," said the company's chief technology officer Paul Sauve in a statement.
READ: Western Magnesium takes aim at China's magnesium production share with 'cutting edge' pilot plant technology
Executive chairman Ed Lee added: "Our technical team has proven the value of being cautious in implementing this innovative technology to produce magnesium metal and I look forward to exploring the full range of capabilities the commercialized pilot plant has to offer."
Western Magnesium wants to be a low-cost producer of green, primary magnesium metal, a strategic commodity prized for its strength and light weight.
Unlike costly and highly polluting production processes, the firm plans to use a continuous silicothermic process to produce magnesium, which significantly reduces labor and energy costs compared to current methods, while being environmentally friendly.
Each output of metal at the pilot plant is now being tested and will undergo third-party evaluation over the next several weeks, said the firm.
Contact the writer at giles@proactiveinvestors.com