Emmerson Plc / Ticker: EML / Index: LSE / Sector: Mining
1 April 2019
Commencement of Comprehensive Metallurgical Testing Moves Khemisset Towards Feasibility Stage
Highlights
· Detailed planning and documentation phase completed
· Commenced comprehensive metallurgical test work programme
· Results will inform the process flow design and optimisation in the upcoming Feasibility Study
· Completion of testwork anticipated to be by end of June 2019, with results reported shortly after
· Work will be supervised by Mr Don Larmour, one of the world's leading potash processing experts, whose recent review of the Scoping Study identified opportunities to further reduce Khemisset's extremely low capital and operating costs
Emmerson Plc, the Moroccan focused potash development company, is pleased to announce that it has commenced a comprehensive metallurgical test work programme ("Met Testing" or "the Programme") for its world-class Khemisset Potash Project ("Khemisset" or "the Project").
The planning phase, which has taken a number of months, included detailed documentation of each testing step to ensure that the Programme is rigorous and defendable in its methodology and accounts for any potential variability in the ore composition across the deposit. Key tests to be conducted in the Programme include:
- Comprehensive brine phase chemistry
- Oxidation rates of various salts
- Decomposition rates at various particle sizes of Khemisset ores
- Liberation analysis
- Magnetic separation testing
The Programme will be completed by the Saskatoon Research Council ("SRC") under the supervision of Emmerson's processing consultant, Don Larmour. SRC is a world leader in applied research, development and testing across many fields but particularly in potash mineral processing.
Mr Larmour, one of the world's leading potash processing experts, joined the Company earlier this year. Since then, he has carried out a detailed review of the Scoping Study and identified number of potential areas to further reduce Khemisset's extremely low capital and operating costs.
Hayden Locke, CEO of Emmerson, commented:
"The commencement of metallurgical testing is another important de-risking step towards our goal of becoming a highly profitable potash producer. The results of the Programme will be used to confirm, adjust and optimise the process flow sheet in the upcoming Feasibility Study.
"The results of the Met Testing will also form a key part the technical due diligence any debt or financial partners will perform when assessing the financeability of the Project.
"Don and SRC have an extensive history working together and we expect that the programme will be completed to a very high standard which will be beneficial to the long-term future of the Project.
"We look forward to continuing to deliver on our many development objectives and timelines during this transformational year for the Company as we advance the world class Khemisset Project towards production."
**ENDS**
For further information, please visit www.emmersonplc.com, follow us on Twitter (@emmerson_plc), or contact: Emmerson Plc Hayden Locke Edward McDermott Tel: +44 (0) 207 236 1177 Beaumont Cornish Limited James Biddle Roland Cornish Financial Adviser Tel: +44 (0) 207 628 3396 Optiva Securities Limited Jeremy King Broker Tel: +44 (0) 3137 1904 St Brides Partners Ltd Gaby Jenner Financial PR/IR Tel: +44 (0) 20 7236 1177 |
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Notes to Editors
Emmerson's primary focus is on developing the Khemisset Potash Project located in Northern Morocco. The project has a large JORC Resource Estimate (2012) of 311.4Mt @ 10.2% K2O and significant exploration potential with an accelerated development pathway targeting a low capex, high margin mine. Khemisset is perfectly located to capitalise on the expected growth of African fertiliser consumption whilst also being located on the doorstep of European markets. This unique positioning means the project will receive a premium netback price compared to existing potash producers. The need to feed the world's rapidly increasing population is driving demand for potash and Emmerson is well placed to benefit from the opportunities this presents.
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014.
