ChemX Materials Ltd (ASX:CMX), a materials technology company focused on providing the critical materials required for electrification and decarbonisation, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Pure Battery Technologies (PBT) that could lead to ChemX supplying suitable manganese to PBT’s proposed battery material refinery hub in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.
PBT is pursuing the development of a battery cathode active material refinery hub in Kalgoorlie after being granted $119.6 million under the Federal Government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative.
Under the MOU, which is non-exclusive for either party, both sides will progress studies and associated works to enable ChemX to supply a suitable manganese product to PBT’s Kalgoorlie battery hub from its Jamieson Tank high purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) project on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
“The MOU will be mutually beneficial for PBT and ChemX as they execute their respective strategies in complementary segments across the lithium battery value chain,” ChemX managing director David Leavy said.
“Our 100 per cent-owned Jamieson Tank Project shall now focus on further exploratory drilling and manganese testwork for production of HPMSM, which is particularly suitable for the lithium battery cathode precursor market.”
The parties aim to complete the studies within the next six months.
Further strengthening ChemX’s position, the company has appointed experienced metallurgical engineer Tony Tang as general manager of battery materials technology.
Mr Tang’s key deliverable will be driving the studies and development of the Jamieson Tank project.
Mr Tang joins Blackstone Minerals (ASX:BSX), where he was general manager of project development – downstream.
“Mr Tang is a welcome addition to the Company and will be primarily focused on the advancement of the Jamieson Tank HPMSM Project,” Mr Leavy said.
“His extensive technical knowledge will also be valuable in the development of ChemX’s rare earth elements and kaolin opportunities across its wholly owned tenements on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.”
