VanadiumCorp and C-Tech Innovation Limited sign MOU to develop Electrolyte Production Plant in Canada
VanadiumCorp and C-Tech Innovation Limited sign MOU to develop Electrolyte
Production Plant in Canada
VANCOUVER, Jan. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - VanadiumCorp Resource Inc. (TSX-V: "VRB") (the "Company") is
pleased to announce it has signed a memorandum of understanding "MOU" with leading UK technology
company C-Tech Innovation Limited (C-Tech) to collaborate on the development of a vanadium
electrolyte "VE" plant in Canada. Direct VE capacity is the main consideration in the Company's
preliminary economic assessment "PEA". C-Tech will assist in recovery optimization and beneficiation of
VanadiumCorp electrolyte directly from magnetite concentrate.
C-Tech is an innovative research and technology company focused on preparation of VE for use in
vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB). Under the MOU a test plant capable of producing battery-ready
electrolyte will be established in Quebec, Canada. C-Tech will also collaborate with VanadiumCorp (along
with other consultants) on a commercial-scale VE plant.
The MOU will allow the companies to collaborate on a number of key strategic initiatives
including:
The development of vanadium electrolyte produ ction and other specialty high purity vanadium
materials using C-Tech's highly efficient electrochemical processing technology from
VanadiumCorp's mineral claims located in the mining center of Chibougamau, Quebec.
The development and commercialization of efficient and environmentally friendly mineral extraction
and processing technologies to enable the direct production of vanadium electrolyte from unrefined
raw materials, including the simultaneous removal of contaminant metals.
Pursue reasonable efforts to enter into a definit ive agreement within 12 months from the effective
date of signing for the MOU.
The general process & production development outline for The Lac Dore Vanadium Project:
Commence initial testing of VanadiumCorp VTM, V205
Demonstrate recovery and economics with C-Tech electrochemical pilot plant
Commence scaled up commercial vanadium electr olyte manufacture with C-Tech production plant
Ged Barlow, MD of C-Tech Innovation comments, "VanadiumCorp is executing plans to put together a
low cost vertically integrated supply chain for VE manufacture. C-Tech is excited to be part of this
innovative business model and looks forward to capitalizing upon its manufacturing and purification
technologies in the expanding VE market."
Adriaan Bakker, CEO of VanadiumCorp states, "VanadiumCorp's aim is to mitigate VE costs with direct
process, unique supply, low cost power and vertical integration into VRFB technology. The objective of
our partnership with C-Tech is to reduce total VRFB cost and accelerate commercialization."
C-Tech Innovation delivers innovative products and processes for electrochemical and advanced thermal
applications. This includes unique electrochemical processes for use in energy and environmental
applications, such as metal recovery, water treatment, chemical synthesis, fuel cells and batteries.
C-Tech's expertise with flow batteries, and electrochemical production of VE allows for a vertically
integrated process flowsheet, test production and necessary production infrastructure. C-Tech has
developed a proprietary electrochemical process for the production of VE in VRFBs. Approximately 42%
of the total cost of a VRB battery is attributed to VE specifically. VE is thus the critical component that
stores electrical energy indefinitely at megawatt to gigawatt scale and ideal for storing renewable energy
and many other applications such as EV charging stations and remote off grid power. VRFBs manage the
intermittent nature of renewable energy most efficiently compared to competing technologies. Increasing
grid stability, modernization, security and managing power for later use are all possible with the VRFB.
With 100% reusable VE as the sole electrolyte, VRFBs typically last longer than 25 years and represent a
"green" energy storage technology. The lower risk operation of VRFBs makes them ideally suited for
commercial operations where safety is of paramount importance. The cost reduction potential of directly
processed VE for VRFBs could offer significant advantages.
VanadiumCorp is focused on the development of its 100% owned Lac Dore Vanadium project. The
project will incorporate local "green" processing for high-purity vanadium electrolyte, which forms a key
component of flow batteries. Favorable metallurgy, low impurities such as silica and no superficial
oxidation allow for a direct purification process unique to VanadiumCorp.
More information on company activities and vanadium redox batteries, including global installations, can
be found on The Company's website at www.vanadiumcorp.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
SOURCE VanadiumCorp Resource Inc.
%SEDAR: 00005245E
For further information: contact Adriaan Bakker, President and Chief Executive Officer at 604-385-
4485 or [email protected]
CO: VanadiumCorp Resource Inc.
CNW 16:00e 12-JAN-17