JV video: Dundee’s clean-tech solutions unlock value in complex ore projects

Key Concepts

• Arsenic in mining: A prevalent challenge in gold and copper extraction, particularly from deeper deposits where sulfides are common.
• Glass Lock Process: Dundee Sustainable Technologies' proprietary method for safely removing and stabilizing arsenic from concentrates by vitrifying it into glass.
• Clever Process: Another technology offered by Dundee that solubilizes arsenic, which can then be vitrified by the Glass Lock process.
• Arsenopyrite, Tennantite, Cobaltite: Common arsenic-bearing sulfide minerals found in complex ore deposits.
• Smelting and Concentrate Market: The industry segment where arsenic presence leads to penalties, reduced market options, and short-term agreements.
• Operational Data at Scale: Crucial for de-risking new technologies and building confidence within the mining industry.
• Commercial Adoption: The ultimate goal for new technologies, requiring demonstration of value and reliability.

Update on Dundee Sustainable Technologies and Miner Response

Dundee Sustainable Technologies has experienced significant momentum in its partnerships with miners, particularly concerning its Glass Lock process for safely removing and stabilizing arsenic from concentrates. Jean Philippe Mai, CEO of Dundee, reported that dealing with arsenic-bearing sulfide concentrates has represented over 60% of their business in the past year. This trend indicates that miners and project developers are increasingly recognizing the added value and benefits of alternative approaches for managing complex and arsenic-rich concentrates.

Case Studies and Public Disclosure of Results

Dundee has worked with several companies, including Revival Gold, which publicly disclosed results demonstrating higher gold grades and almost no residual arsenic after utilizing Dundee's technology. Mai highlighted the significance of these proactive disclosures, as they serve as a crucial showcase for the technology's efficiency. He noted that for many years, working with arsenic was considered a "taboo," and projects involving it were often handled discreetly due to the problematic nature of the element. The increasing willingness of clients to publicize their results is a positive development for Dundee and the industry.

The Challenge of Arsenic in Gold and Copper Production

Arsenic poses a growing challenge for gold and copper producers as oxide deposits deplete, forcing the industry to explore deeper deposits where base metals are often associated with sulfide minerals. These sulfide minerals, such as arsenopyrite, tennantite, and cobaltite, frequently contain arsenic. When these sulfides are floated to create concentrates, high levels of arsenic are carried along, a trend that has been trending upwards over the past decade.

The smelting and concentrate market is highly competitive, with stringent regulations on arsenic thresholds. Exceeding these thresholds results in significant penalties, directly impacting the cost of production. Furthermore, the presence of arsenic limits market options for projects and hinders the ability to secure long-term offtake agreements, leading to reliance on shorter-term contracts and market volatility. Removing arsenic not only mitigates these penalties but also diversifies market options and allows for longer-term project planning.

Commercial Adoption and Operational Demonstrations

Dundee operates plants in Canada and a copper smelter in Africa, which have been instrumental in opening doors for commercial adoption. Mai emphasized that developing new technologies for the mining industry is a difficult task. Having operational plants provides crucial operational data at scale, builds confidence, de-risks the technology, and fosters awareness and understanding of the process. Visitors to their plant in Tét for mine can witness the process and equipment firsthand. Dundee utilizes equipment already common in the industry, albeit for different applications or scales, making the transition more accessible.

Future Steps and Strategic Vision

Dundee's ultimate goal is to make its Glass Lock and Clever processes standard practice for gold and copper miners dealing with complex ores. Their strategy involves providing options and acting as a tool for the industry to evaluate the best solutions for their specific projects. Dundee has cultivated strong relationships with miners and smelters, with several projects rapidly progressing towards commercial implementation.

Key active markets for Dundee include Africa, the Asia Pacific region (particularly smelters), and the Americas. Both the Clever and Glass Lock processes can operate independently or in conjunction. The Clever process solubilizes arsenic, which can then be precipitated and vitrified using the Glass Lock process. Dundee adopts a project-focused approach, recognizing that no two projects are identical. They encourage the industry to remain curious and utilize their technologies to explore the value that new approaches can bring.

Conclusion

Dundee Sustainable Technologies is making significant strides in addressing the persistent challenge of arsenic in gold and copper mining. Their innovative Glass Lock and Clever processes offer a viable solution for stabilizing and removing arsenic, leading to improved gold grades, reduced penalties, and expanded market opportunities for miners. The company's commitment to demonstrating the efficacy of its technologies through operational plants and public disclosure of results is fostering confidence and paving the way for broader commercial adoption. As the mining industry continues to face increasingly complex ore bodies, Dundee's approach represents a crucial step towards more sustainable and economically viable extraction practices.