Batchelor manganese deal

Perth-based Mt Grace Resources NL has cut a deal with Magnesium Dev-elopment International (MDI) to evaluate a process called the Heggie metallothermic technology for production of magnesium metal from magnesia.

Under an option agreement, Mt Grace has the right to commercialise the Heggie process and conduct a three month trial to assess the viability of the process for the Batchelor magnesium project located 85 kilometres south of Darwin in the Northern Territory.

The Heggie process, developed by the late James Heggie and held under licence by MDI, involves the reduction of magnesia to magnesium metal in a plasma furnace, using magnesia, lime and aluminium reductant.

Preliminary studies by MDI have identified that the process offers significant advantages over other magnesium metal processes. These include lower unit capital costs, reduced energy consumption and minimal environmental impact.