Electric Metals (USA) Limited has made significant progress in achieving high manganese extractions of over 90% using a reductant in their recent metallurgical test work conducted with Kemetco Research Inc. The tests, carried out on samples from the Emily manganese deposit in Minnesota, have shown promising results for the extraction of chemical grade manganese products, including EMD, EMM, and MnCO3.
The initial leach tests conducted by Kemetco in 2013 established that over 80% of manganese could be recovered from the ore without pre-concentration, showcasing the potential for efficient extraction. Subsequent batch leach tests produced chemical grade manganese products, indicating the viability of the extraction process.
Building on the success of the earlier work, Electric Metals recommissioned Kemetco in 2023 to further optimize the leaching process. The latest tests have demonstrated that high manganese extractions of more than 90% can be achieved using a reductant, paving the way for the development of a viable flow sheet for commercial processing.
The focus of the ongoing metallurgical test work is to determine the economic feasibility of producing High Purity Manganese Sulphate Monohydrate (HPMSM), a crucial component in electric vehicle batteries and other energy storage applications. The Company’s CEO, Brian Savage, expressed optimism about the positive results obtained so far and emphasized the importance of advancing the project to meet the growing demand for high-value manganese chemicals in the market.
With the increasing emphasis on clean energy and electric vehicles, the successful extraction of high-grade manganese products from the Emily deposit holds significant potential for Electric Metals (USA) Limited. The Company aims to become a domestic producer of high purity manganese products to cater to the growing demands of the energy and technology sectors in the US market.
