Sep 29 2010
BioteQ Environmental Technologies, Inc. (TSX:BQE), a leader in the treatment of industrial waste water, has signed a development agreement with EcoMetales Limited, an industrial waste management company owned by Codelco, Chile's largest mining firm.
The companies have signed an agreement to jointly evaluate and develop waste treatment projects to recover, recycle and treat metals from industrial waste, including mine, smelter, and refinery waste, and have initiated their first project together to recover molybdenum from leach solutions.
EcoMetales Limited, a company wholly owned by Codelco, the largest copper producer in the world, operates a plant located 35 km northeast of Calama. The company, as an independent business unit, provides waste management treatment and metal recovery services for the mining industry in Chile.
Brad Marchant, BioteQ's CEO stated, "We are pleased to be working with EcoMetales. This strategic alliance provides access to new customers in an important mining region, and creates opportunities for potential new projects where we can apply our existing technologies for metal recovery and sulphate removal."
Ivan Valenzuela, CEO of EcoMetales stated, "EcoMetales is expanding its industrial waste treatment services internationally. By combining our technologies and know-how with BioteQ, we believe we can open new market opportunities for both companies. Together, EcoMetales and BioteQ can provide treatment solutions that recover valuable metals from waste, produce clean water for re-use, and reduce environmental liabilities for site owners."
Before signing this agreement, EcoMetales contracted BioteQ Environmental Technologies Inc. to provide laboratory test work, piloting and conceptual engineering services for the recovery of molybdenum from leach solutions. Initial laboratory testing has been completed, and pilot testing at the site is in progress. Upon completion of pilot testing, EcoMetales will evaluate the project economics of a full-scale plant, and will determine the appropriate business model to advance the project.
Source: www.bioteq.ca