Latrobe Magnesium produces world first sustainable magnesium oxide

Latrobe Magnesium (ASX: LMG) has produced the world’s first magnesium oxide from brown coal fly ash – a waste resource from brown coal power generation.

This marks a significant milestone in pioneering a sustainable magnesium extraction method, at an industrial scale, using Latrobe’s patented, world-first hydromet process. ‘

Latrobe’s hydrometallurgical extraction/thermal reduction technology is the only process capable of extracting magnesium from brown coal fly ash and ferro-nickel slag tailing feedstocks.

It produces magnesium oxide, supplementary cementitious material, silica, char, iron oxide and agricultural lime (calcium carbonate).

Not only does this process reduce the operating cost of traditional magnesium and cement production methods, but also reduces carbon emissions by as much as 60%. Further, the process produces no further downstream tailings, ensuring environmental sustainability.

Latrobe chief executive David Paterson says the company is proud of the milestone.

“We are incredibly proud of the results from our demonstration plant and the achievement of magnesium oxide production,” he said.

“As the only new Western producer, the importance of Latrobe Magnesium’s production is globally significant, and this achievement validates our patented hydrometallurgical technology and years of research and development to get to this stage.”

Following this milestone and validating the hydromet process, Latrobe will now officially begin a bankable feasibility study and financing discussions.

The magnesium oxide produced will be sold to Rainstorm Dust Control in accordance with the memorandum of understanding between the companies.