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Operations
GWMG focuses on three core components within its integrated supply chain strategy:
1. Alloy Processing:
GWMG’s alloy processing plan includes:
- GWMG’s two wholly owned subsidiaries Great Western Technologies Inc. and Less Common Metals Limited.
- The development of metal making capacity and facilities.
- The continued expansion of LCM’s alloy production capacity by 100% by 2012 and then, based on industry demand, continued expansion of current capacity.
2. Mining:
GWMG’s mining plan at Steenkampskraal revolves around the following:
- Refurbishment of the mine shaft and related facilities by the end of 2011.
- Readying the mine for extraction activity in the 2nd half of 2012.
- Putting the formerly producing Steenkampskraal mine into full production by Q1 2013.
- Beneficiation at the Steenkampskraal site to produce a mineral concentrate.
- Removal of thorium in the processing stage.
- Leaching to produce a liquid chloride.
- Working with a joint venture partner that will provide technology and expertise to the design, construction and operation of separation facilities.
- The separation of the 15 rare earth elements present into oxides.
- The shipment of selected oxides to GWMG’s processing plants LCM and GWTI, to potential joint venture purchase(s) and the remainder sold on the open market
3. Exploration:
GWMG has adopted the following priorities for its exploration activities:
- Heavy rare earth projects,
- Politically stable environments,
- Potential off-take agreements wherein GWMG may or may not undertake the exploration activities itself,
- Increasing the supply of feedstock for the planned Steenkampskraal processing and separation operation.
Note: In above chart, following the Leaching stage, either a carbonate or chloride can
typically be produced. In this case the product will be a chloride.
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Great Western Minerals Group Ltd.
Mailing Address: 219 Robin Crescent Saskatoon, SK S7L 6M8 Canada |
Less Common Metals Ltd.
Mailing Address: Valley Road Business Park Birkenhead, CH41 7ED United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0) 151 652 9747
Fax: +44 (0) 151 652 9748 Email: general@lesscommonmetals.com Web Site: www.lesscommonmetals.com |
Great Western Technologies Inc.
Mailing Address: 1826 Northwood Drive Troy, Michigan 48084 USA Phone: 248-293-3200
Fax: 248-362-3879 Email: info@greatwesterntech.com Web Site: www.greatwesterntech.com |