ASM completes acquisition of Ziron Tech

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ASM completes acquisition of Ziron Tech

Posted on by Ian Donabie

Highlights

  • Acquisition of a 95% interest in joint venture partner Ziron Tech
  • Acquisition delivers the ownership of all associated intellectual property including patented metal-refining technology
  • Ziron Tech team integrated into ASM

ASM has successfully completed the acquisition of 95% of its joint venture partner Ziron Tech, and through the acquisition now owns Ziron Tech’s patented low emission, high purity metal-refining technology and the pilot plant in Korea.

ASM’s Chairman Ian Gandel and Managing Director David Woodall with ASM’s Ziron Tech Team

ASM Managing Director, David Woodall said: “We welcome the Ziron Tech team to ASM. This talented team, led by Professor Jonghyeon Lee, has successfully produced metal from all products of our Dubbo Project in central west NSW. Having the Ziron Tech team continue the innovative work on a range of high-purity and value-added critical metals used in advanced technologies, including electric vehicles and clean energy, gives ASM a strong foundation for success.

“With the recently announced development of our first commercial metallisation plant in South Korea, the Ziron Tech team is now progressing towards a continuous production process at scale in Korea where there is an established tech manufacturing industry and market for these metals. With the changing dynamics of the critical metals supply chain, ASM is well placed to play a significant role in the global critical metals market, with significant benefits for both Australia and Korea.”

Key terms of the restructured arrangements relating to Ziron Tech are as follows:

  • ASM has acquired 100% of the current joint venture company RMR Tech Corporation (“RMR Tech”) (increased from its previous holding of 10%).
  • RMR Tech has completed the acquisition of 95% of the shares in Ziron Tech.
  • As consideration for the transaction, ASM will in due course:
    • issue 1,306,417 ASM shares for consideration of USD 2 million to current Ziron Tech shareholders (via a holding entity) at an issue price of AUD 2.068 per share based on a 10-trading day VWAP to 2 September 2020 and using an AUD:USD exchange rate of 0.74. These shares will be subject to voluntary escrow for 12 months; and
    • grant existing Ziron Tech shareholders (via a holding entity) a Net Smelter Return of 5% from any global commercial metallisation facility established using the technology, subject to a 50% step-down of the royalty after payments of USD 20 million have been made.
  • The ASM group now owns all of Ziron Tech’s patents and related intellectual property and technology that were the subject of the RMR Tech joint venture, as well as any intellectual property rights or interests that may be developed by Ziron Tech in the future.

 

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ASM and Dongkuk sign agreement to construct a 250kg/day commercial plant

Posted on by Ian Donabie

Highlights

  • Design, develop, assemble, install and verify a 250kg commercial grade continuous reduction system using the Ziron Tech patented metal-refining technology
  • ASM will retain ownership of intellectual property and commercial rights to the Ziron Tech technology

ASM and Dongkuk Refractory and Steel (DK R&S) have signed a joint development agreement for a 250kg/day metal plant incorporating the innovative and patented low emission, high purity metal-refining technology in Korea to be acquired by ASM through the acquisition of a 95% interest in Zirconium Technology Corporation (Ziron Tech).

ASM Managing Director, David Woodall said, “The agreement with DK R&S brings together the strengths of ASM with its innovative metal technology and DK R&S, a leading innovative manufacturer of metals and refractory products within the Korean and global markets.

“This production facility will prove Ziron Tech’s patented low emission, high purity metal-refining technology at scale, paving the way for a 3,000 to 5,000 tonne per year metal plant in Korea. Our team in Korea is now progressing the confirmation of the continuous commercial metal production process with significant benefits for Korea, Australia, and the global customers that are faced with changing dynamics in the critical metals supply chain.”

Established in 1974, DK R&S, a subsidiary of DKI, has been supplying refractories, fine ceramics, steel manufacture to various industries globally and domestically within Korea for over 46 years. Dongkuk Industries Group was founded as Daewonsa in 1967, and is recognised as a global leader of cold rolled steel, refractories, and tubular wind power towers.

The Dongkuk Industries Group (“DKG”) includes Dongkuk Industries, Dongkuk Refactory and Steel, Dongkuk Structural and Construction, and DK DongShin. The DKG is recognised in Korea for innovation and the development of technology.

Key terms of the ASM and DK R&S Joint Development Agreement for the Commercial Test Plant are as follows:

  • Design, develop, construct, install and verify a 250kg per day commercial grade continuous reduction system
  • 250kg reduction furnace, design, assembly, and verification will be undertaken at facilities operated by DK R&S under the supervision of a temporary Joint Task Force, with the completed furnace jointly owned by ASM and DK R&S
  • The total budget for designing, developing, assembling and installing of the Commercial Test Plant is USD 1 million paid in a 60:40 ratio between DK R&S and ASM
  • Basic and detailed design of the Commercial Test Plant to be complete within four months from the date of the Agreement
  • Ownership of relevant intellectual property is retained by ASM
  • The agreement will terminate if the testing is not successful within 12 months of signing.

ASM is continuing to progress strategic partner, offtake and financing discussions in Korea. The discussions are preliminary and remain incomplete and it is uncertain whether any of these discussions will lead to a proposal for the consideration of ASM’s directors or shareholders.

 

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ASM produces 8.6kg of high purity zirconium metal in Korea

Posted on by Ian Donabie
Highlights:
  • ASM produces 8.6kg of high purity Zirconium metal powder
  • Zirconium powder assay – 98% Zr and 1.5% Hf
  • Confirmation of zirconium metal sample meets the Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute standards

ASM, through its partner Ziron Technology Corporation (Ziron Tech), has successfully produced 8.6kg of a high purity zirconium metal at its commercial pilot plant in South Korea.

The planned flowsheet for ASM’s Dubbo Project in central west NSW, incorporates the production of both industrial grade zirconia and dehafniated zirconia (ZrO2) and hafnium oxide (HfO2) using a process patented by Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation’s (ANSTO) with ASM having an exclusive global licence. Successful production of this high purity zirconium metal from commercial grade zirconia is an important milestone for ASM.

Ziron Tech has received confirmation that the laboratory sample of dehafniated zirconium metal previously produced from Dubbo ore and submitted to the Korean Atomic Energy Institute (KAERI) meets the standards set by them that are crucial for the Korean market, with further work planned to produce 2 tonnes of high purity dehafniated zirconium (Zr) before the end of the year. ASM has now successfully produced key permanent magnet metals of neodymium, praseodymium, neodymium-praseodymium alloy, dysprosium, titanium metal, titanium alloy, titanium metal powder, and zirconium using its innovative metallisation process.

Zr Metal Powder Produced at the Ziron Tech Pilot Plant

The focus is now on the production of 250kg of Neodymium-Praseodymium (NdPr) metal, to be turned into sintered permanent magnets samples in partnership with the Korean Institute of Rare Metals (KIRAM) for the Korean market. Work on the production of ferro-dysprosium and ferroniobium is scheduled for Q4 2020, which will mark the completion of the metallisation of the final products sourced from the Dubbo Project.

ASM Managing Director, David Woodall said: “The production of zirconium metal is a significant result for ASM and the potential development of the Dubbo Project. The successful production of zirconium and the other metals planned to be produced at Dubbo has enabled ASM to optimise the project flowsheet. In the 2018 FEED Study, the plan was for the project to produce predominately zirconium oxychloride (ZOC), today’s result will see the percentage of ZOC reduced significantly to focus on and meet the high purity zirconium metal and hafnium production targets, with potential benefits in the capital and operating costs.”

“I am returning to Korea to continue investment discussions, oversee the design and construction of a 250 kg per day continuous metal plant in Korea, and to continue advancing discussions for a potential partner in the metal business.” Mr Woodall said.

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ASM produces 7.5kg of heavy rare earth metal dysprosium in Korea

Posted on by Ian Donabie
Highlights:
  • ASM produces 7.5kg of heavy rare earth dysprosium metal
  • Dysprosium metal assay – 99.53%
  • Metallisation of ferro-dysprosium and zirconium progressing

ASM, through its partner Ziron Technology Corporation (Ziron Tech), has successfully produced 7.5 kg of a high purity dysprosium metal at its commercial pilot plant in South Korea.

After producing 0.76 kg of the heavy rare earth metal last month, this second run confirms that it can be done at scale, marking the completion of the final key permanent magnet metals to be produced at the Ziron Tech facility. ASM has now produced neodymium, praseodymium, neodymium praseodymium alloy and dysprosium, all key for permanent magnets, through the commercial pilot plant using its innovative metallisation process.

Work has commenced on the production of ferro-dysprosium and zirconium metals. These are anticipated to be the final products metallised from material sourced from the Dubbo Project in central west NSW.

ASM Managing Director, David Woodall said: “ASM is progressing further in its development to become an integrated mine to metal business, with the successful production of the heavy rare earth metal, dysprosium. With the production of these key permanent magnets metals and metal alloys, and the development of zirconium metal production, ASM is one step closer to converting all products from the Dubbo Project into value-adding metals.”

“Our focus is now on commencing the design and construction of a 250 kg per day continuous metal plant in Korea. This is the first phase of our strategy to develop a 3,000-5,000 tonne per year plant designed to meet some of the demand for critical materials in the Korean manufacturing sector. ASM continues to advance discussions for a potential partner in the metal business,” Mr Woodall said.

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ASM produces key heavy rare earth dysprosium metal in Korea

Posted on by Ian Donabie
Highlights:
  • ASM produces 0.76kg of heavy rare earth metal dysprosium (Dy)
  • Dysprosium assay – 99.6%
  • Metallisation process proven for the Dubbo Project’s key permanent magnet rare earth products (dysprosium, praseodymium and neodymium)

ASM, through its partner Ziron Technology Corporation (Ziron Tech), has successfully produced high purity dysprosium (Dy) metal in its laboratory at the Ziron Tech facility.

This work using the ASM metallisation process has confirmed ASM’s ability to produce the key permanent magnet metals (dysprosium, praseodymium and neodymium) and alloys that will be sourced from its Dubbo Project in central west NSW.

ASM Managing Director, David Woodall said: “This is a significant result given the temperatures required for the production of dysprosium metal. Our team has now successfully produced the key permanent magnet rare earth products (dysprosium, praseodymium and neodymium metals and alloys) which will be supplied from our Dubbo Project.”

“Now that the protocol for the production of dysprosium metal has been completed, our team led by Professor Lee, will focus on the production the ferro-dysprosium alloy, which is key in the production of high-temperature NdFeB magnets. Our focus now is to produce zirconium metal by the end of September, Mr Woodall said.

The ASM metallisation process uses significantly less energy and has less impact on the environment than existing industry-standard metallisation processes. This innovative process has been used to produce metals of the planned products from ASM’s Dubbo Project including zirconium, hafnium, and rare earths for permanent magnet alloys in the laboratory. Titanium and the key rare earth permanent magnet metals neodymium and praseodymium have been produced in the commercial pilot plant with dysprosium and zirconium scheduled for later this month. ASM and Ziron Tech continue to finalise the detailed documentation in relation to the acquisition of Ziron Tech with the transaction expected to be completed by the end of October 2020.

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Neodymium Praseodymium production and permanent magnet samples

Posted on by Ian Donabie
Highlights:
  • ASM has produced 9kg of Neodymium Praseodymium (NdPr) alloy at commercial pilot plant in Korea
  • The NdPr assayed 99.65%
  • ASM progressing the production of 200kg of NdPr metal as part of an initiative between Ziron Tech and the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) to produce a 600kg sample of permanent magnets for Korean industry
  • ASM continues discussions with Korean government and industry to support supply chain self-sufficiency

Australian Strategic Materials (ASX: ASM) (ASM) has successfully produced 9kg of the key permanent magnet alloy Neodymium Praseodymium (NdPr) at its commercial pilot plant in South Korea. Following this success ASM, through Ziron Tech, is progressing an agreement with the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) (a South Korean government research institute) to produce a sample 600kg of permanent magnets for Korean industry over the coming months.

ASM’s success with the production of titanium and key permanent magnet metals (neodymium and praseodymium) at its commercial pilot plant, using its patented high purity metallisation process, has resulted in continued interest from leading Korean companies and government organisations.

This success in the metal production led to ASM agreeing to acquire its joint venture partner, Ziron Tech, on 3 September to continue the development of their clean metallisation process and production of sample permanent magnets for the Korean industry.

ASM Managing Director, David Woodall said: “Over the past few weeks whilst I have been in South Korea, we have had some important discussions with Korean companies and government around ASM’s metallisation technology and the Dubbo Project. Working with KITECH, a respected and leading innovation group in Korea to produce samples of permanent magnets is an important step in ASM’s commercialisation strategy.”

“Korea imports rare earths magnets and has a strong desire to ensure security of supply of these critical materials to their domestic manufacturing sector. This sample production run is set to provide a framework for increased domestic production to help support their local industry. To progress this, ASM will produce the 200kg of NdPr required for the production of the 600kg sample permanent magnets.”

Director Dr. Lim, Kyung Mook of the Korea Institute for Rare Metals (KIRAM) a KITECH division said: “We welcome ASM as a member of the Korean Rare Earth Institute and we are pleased to work with Ziron Tech under the joint research and development for rare earth alloy production. With our close collaboration with Ziron Tech we are enthusiastic to proceed with rare earth magnet production testing using the metal availability from Ziron Tech.”

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ASM to acquire 95% of Ziron Tech

Posted on by Ian Donabie
Highlights:
  • ASM to acquire a 95% interest in joint venture partner Ziron Technology Corporation (Ziron Tech)
  • ASM to acquire the ownership of all associated intellectual property including patented metal-refining technology
  • Ziron Tech team will continue development of metallisation technology within ASM

ASM has entered into a binding heads of agreement (HOA) to acquire 95% of its joint venture partner Ziron Tech, which owns patented low emission, high purity metal-refining technology. ASM will also acquire the pilot plant constructed in 2020 to confirm the technology.

The patented technology is a more environmentally friendly, sustainable and cost-effective alternative to existing conventional, energy-intensive metallisation processes. The technology has been successfully applied during pilot plant testwork to all major metals found within ASM’s Dubbo Project including zirconium, hafnium, and rare earths for permanent magnet alloys. In addition, it provides an opportunity to expand its business with the production of titanium metal and associated alloys.

Under the HOA ASM will appoint Ziron Tech’s founder, Professor Jonghyeon Lee as Chief Technical Advisor to lead the Ziron Tech team and the continued development of clean metal processing. ASM is progressing negotiations to commence a feasibility study for larger scale development and commercialisation of the plant.

ASM Managing Director, David Woodall said: “Our joint venture and strong relationship with Ziron Tech since 2016 has achieved significant milestones, with the successful production of metals using this clean technology. This agreement marks the start of the next phase of this positive partnership with Ziron Tech as it becomes part of ASM.”

“With Professor Lee and his team on board, we are looking forward to establishing the first commercial scale metal plant in Korea using the technology, which will help meet the growing demand for ASM’s range of high-purity and value-added critical metals used in advanced technologies, including electric vehicles and clean energy,” Mr Woodall said.

Ziron Tech founder and major shareholder, Professor Jonghyeon Lee said: “We are pleased to further formalise our partnership with ASM and become an integral part of the company. The metal production method we have been testing is set to transform the traditional process of metal production, with it being more efficient and environmentally friendly.”

ASM and Ziron Tech expect to finalise the detailed documentation in relation to this transaction by the end of September 2020 and complete the transaction by the end of October 2020.

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ASM JV produces second key permanent magnet metal – praseodymium

Posted on by Ian Donabie
Highlights:
  • Praseodymium metal successfully produced at Korean pilot plant
  • Commercial pilot plant produces 5.3 kg Pr metal assaying 99.3 %
  • Confirmation of patented metal production method for permanent magnet metals
  • Forward plan for Commercial Pilot Plant production of Neodymium / Praseodymium and Dysprosium metal in August

ASM’s joint venture has produced high purity praseodymium metal (99.3 %) at its commercial pilot plant in South Korea, marking the final testing stage of the patented metallisation process for permanent magnet metals. ASM will now progress to the production of dysprosium metal and to alloying the key permanent magnet metal neodymium / praseodymium (NdPr).

To date, ASM’s Korean joint venture with Ziron Tech has seen successful production of titanium metal and the key permanent magnet metals of neodymium and praseodymium through its commercial pilot plant. Of great importance, the patented process does not have negative environmental impacts that exist in the current supply chain of these critical materials.

ASM Managing Director, David Woodall said: “It has been a real privilege to be in Korea at this time and see the commercial pilot plant and team in action. These metals are essential for advanced technologies, including electric vehicles and clean energy. The production of these key permanent magnet metals brings ASM a step closer to being an integrated “mine to metals” producer.

“ASM has an exclusive worldwide licence to commercialise this clean and environmentally responsible metal-refining technology. We embrace and look to engage with countries, like Korea, that have a vision to move away from the less sustainable traditional production methods.

“This significant result provides a strong base for ASM to progress opportunities with various government and business groups to supply critical materials to Korean industry efficiently and with responsibility to the environment.

“The same could apply to Australia, with ASM currently the only potential integrated supplier of these critical metals, that could support the development of a new technologies’ manufacturing sector in Australia, creating employment and providing a supply base to Australia.”

ASM continues to progress on its 2020 objective to deliver an integrated metals business inclusive of the metallisation and an optimised Dubbo Project in central west, NSW. ASM is advancing the development of its integrated metals plan within Korea and globally. ASM’s Dubbo Project remains ready for construction with all major approvals and licences in place, an established extraction process flow sheet and a solid business case.

The JV with Ziron Tech connects ASM directly with leading South Korean companies, building customer relationships for off-take contracts under the South Korea-Australia free trade agreement, and strengthening the economics of the Dubbo Project.

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Successful titanium production from commercial pilot plant

Posted on by Ian Donabie
Highlights
  • Titanium metal successfully produced through electro-refining process.
  • Commercial pilot plant produces 9.16kg Ti metal powder assaying 99.83%.
  • Confirmation of patented metal production method.
  • Forward plan for Commercial Pilot Plant Dysprosium, Praseodymium and Zirconium metal in August.

ASM’s joint venture partner has produced high purity (99.83%) titanium metal powder through its new electro-refining process at the commercial pilot plant in South Korea. This was the final stage of the patented metal process that confirms 50% less energy is used than traditional methods. ASM will now focus on the production of dysprosium, praseodymium and zirconium metals in August.

ASM Managing Director, David Woodall said:

“ASM’s exclusive global licence to commercialise this clean metal-refining technology, replacing conventional energy-intensive and polluting metallisation processes with a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative is progressing extremely well and reinforces our “mine to metal” strategy.

“In addition to the valuable metal titanium, we have already proven production of a key permanent magnet metal – neodymium – with praseodymium and dysprosium production targeted for August, all essential for advanced technologies and manufacturing. This significant result provides a strong base for ASM to progress opportunities with various Korean government and business groups.”

“Whilst my team and I are in Korea, we are discussing the development of a clean metal plant in Korea to feed critical metals to Korean industry, as well as one in Australia to supply Australian manufacturing. This will position ASM as the only integrated mine-to-metal producer outside of China, providing critical materials directly to Australian and international manufacturers,” said Mr Woodall.

ASM’s 2020 objective is to deliver an integrated metals business inclusive of the metallisation and an optimised Dubbo Project. Given the increased revenues from the production of metals and flotation at the front end of the Dubbo flowsheet, our work is focused at increasing revenues and reducing project capital and operating costs. With all major approvals and licences in place, an established extraction process flow sheet and a solid business case, ASM’s Dubbo Project is ready for construction.

Our Ziron Tech JV is connecting ASM directly with leading South Korean companies, building customer relationships for offtake contracts under the South Korea-Australia free trade agreement. At the same time, ASM is progressing quickly on the development of its integrated metals plan with the strengthening the economics of the Dubbo Project and proving the clean metal process by the production of high purity metals.

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High-quality neodymium metal produced

Posted on by Ian Donabie

Highlights:

  • Successful production of 7.6 kg of neodymium metal
  • Assay confirms neodymium produced is at 99.8% purity
  • Metal purity is higher than typically traded neodymium metal
  • Validation of the patented carbon-free metallisation technology for rare earth metals

ASM’s Korean JV partner, Ziron Tech, has successfully completed the first production run of neodymium (Nd) metal in its commercial pilot plant. The production of 7.6 kg of neodymium metal assaying 99.8 per cent Nd from its patented reduction process in South Korea. The metal has been produced at a higher purity than typically traded neodymium metal.

ASM continues to progress a metalisation program using its innovative low emission, high purity metal refining technology to produce metals of zirconium, titanium, rare earths and other critical materials used for the renewable energy, speciality alloys and permanent magnet markets.

ASM’s JV is advancing the final commissioning of the electro-refining plant and is currently progressing the production of other key metals including zirconium, praseodymium, and dysprosium; which are all essential for the new technologies and advanced manufacturing markets in Australia and globally.

As previously advised, the commissioning of the electrorefining section of the pilot plant is progressing well. This process is expected to produce high purity (99.9%) titanium metal with results expected in August 2020. Further pilot plant runs are planned to produce additional neodymium, dysprosium, praseodymium, as well as other Dubbo products, in metallic form.

Australian Strategic Materials Managing Director, David Woodall said:

“This is a significant result for ASM, as this process has resulted in the production of neodymium metal at a higher purity than typically traded. My team and I have travelled to South Korea to discuss the significant potential of ASM’s integrated strategy with various Korean government and business groups. This also allows me to see the progress made by the great Ziron Tech team and to celebrate this major milestone with them.

Our strategy of integrating the products from our Dubbo Project into metals that can deliver to end use customers continues as we progress clean metal production and secure the financing needed for project development.

It is possible that a standalone clean metal plant could be built in Korea to feed critical metals to Korean industry, but also possible that another clean metal plant could be located within Australia to feed critical metals for advanced Australian manufacturing.”

Today marks the first day as a standalone ASX listed entity for ASM, trading as ASX:ASM.

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