CoTec Holdings has just ignited a spark in the mining sector with its bold move to harness the power of Salter Cyclones’ multi-gravity separators (MGS) technology. This isn’t just another partnership; it’s a strategic gambit that could redefine how we think about waste in mining. By securing a three-year exclusivity deal for applying MGS to iron ore globally and manganese in key regions, CoTec is positioning itself at the forefront of a potential revolution in mineral processing.
The MGS technology, developed by the late Richard Mozley, has been a stalwart in the mining industry for decades, known for its efficiency in recovering valuable metals like tin, chromium, copper, and zinc. However, its application to bulk commodities like iron and manganese has been largely unexplored. CoTec’s audacious plan to change this could unlock vast, untapped reserves of critical minerals from what is currently considered waste.
The implications of this agreement are profound. Millions of tonnes of tailings are produced annually from iron ore operations, and historical tailings are scattered across major mining districts worldwide. If CoTec can successfully apply MGS technology to these tailings, it could transform these environmental liabilities into valuable assets. This isn’t just about increasing the bottom line; it’s about rethinking our approach to mining waste and sustainability.
CoTec’s initial results from the Lac Jeannine Project in Québec are promising, with concentrate grades of critical mineral status achieved from ultra-fine iron tailings. This success could be a harbinger of things to come. If CoTec can replicate these results on a larger scale, it could become a significant player in the high-grade, low-carbon iron concentrate market.
The partnership also highlights a shift in the mining industry’s approach to technology and innovation. By collaborating with Salter Cyclones, CoTec is not only leveraging proven technology but also opening the door to further advancements. The MGS technology’s ability to process ultrafine tailings material without chemicals aligns perfectly with CoTec’s strategy to develop new markets and create additional value from waste projects.
Ian Daniels, managing director of Salter Cyclones, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our MGS technology is highly effective at processing ultrafine tailings material to achieve saleable grade concentrates without the need for chemicals. We believe it is a natural fit with other technologies and strengths within CoTec, which should help to develop new markets for the MGS technology.”
This agreement could also set a precedent for how mining companies approach tailings management. If CoTec’s venture proves successful, other companies may follow suit, leading to a broader industry shift towards more sustainable and profitable tailings processing methods. This could reshape the mining landscape, driving innovation and challenging the status quo.
Julian Treger, CoTec CEO, expressed optimism about the partnership, saying, “We are very pleased to have entered into an agreement with Salter, a company that has a long history with the MGS technology. Our initial due diligence of the MGS has produced exciting results from our Lac Jeannine Project in Québec, Canada achieving concentrate grades of critical mineral status from ultra fine iron tailings. We plan to build on these results in the coming months supporting CoTec’s strategy to become a leading supplier of high grade, low carbon, iron concentrate through the processing of tailings material.”
As CoTec and Salter Cyclones forge ahead with this groundbreaking collaboration, the mining industry watches with bated breath. This partnership could catalyze a new era of mineral recovery, turning waste into wealth and setting a new standard for sustainability in mining. The coming months will be crucial as CoTec works to build on its initial successes and prove the viability of MGS technology on a larger scale. If successful, CoTec could emerge as a mid-tier producer of high-grade concentrate, reshaping the market dynamics and inspiring others to follow in its footsteps.
