Emerging sulphate of potash (SOP) player Trigg Minerals says it has received “highly encouraging” results on a new processing technology that could be a “game changer” for the SOP industry.
A second round of bench-scale tests undertaken by an unnamed technology partner have, the company says, shown the potential to deliver a simpler and more commercially robust method for processing feed salts at its Lake Throssell SOP project in Western Australia.
This comes on the back of easing global demand for SOP, with the benchmark price down 40% year-on-year to around US$670 per tonne — which is still well above the long-term price assumption of US$550/t used in the Lake Throssell scoping study.
Alternative needed to secondary evaporation ponds
Trigg says the price drop highlights the need for the company to seek alternative methodologies to mitigate technical and commissioning risks.
The test-work is designed to provide an alternative to developing secondary evaporation ponds where the concentrated brine needs to be maintained in an equilibrium to precipitate the complex potassium-rich salts.
But there has been a problem with this stage, says Trigg.
First-movers have found it a challenge maintaining this part of the process in a steady state when open to the atmosphere, which involves consequent changes in temperature, pressure and humidity.
Tests show promise, pilot-scale tests ahead
Trigg reports “high-encouraging” results at bench-scale for what it describes as an “innovative technology solution”.
Concentrated brine from Lake Throssell is now en route to the technology partner’s laboratory for pilot-scale testing.
Managing director Keren Paterson said it is a very positive factor that the second bench-scale test has replicated the findings of the first ones.
‘Pivotal moment’
“This is a pivotal moment in the development of this new technology which has the potential the improve the processing reliability of the much needed and essential fertiliser required for sustainable food production.”
Ms Paterson added that this could well turn out to “a game changer for Trigg and the broader SOP industry”.
Trigg in early April announced its plans to seek out a new technology for production of SOP feed salts.
It also said it was reducing expenses by about $600,000 per annum by a raft of measures, including cutting fees to non-executive director, laying off staff, and closing the then current office lease.
Lake Throssell has an indicated mineral resource of 8 million tonnes at 10.5 kilograms per cubic metre of sulphate of potash.
