VANCOUVER, March 26, 2018 /CNW/ - Leading Edge Materials
Corp. ("Leading Edge Materials") or ("the
"Company") (TSXV:LEM) (OTCQB: LEMIF) (Nasdaq
First North: LEMSE) is pleased to provide an update on the
first of a range of research projects aimed at capturing added
value opportunities for the Norra Kärr rare earth element ("REE")
project in Sweden. A Pre-Feasibility Study completed on Norra
Kärr in 2015 ("PFS") identified a range of opportunities to improve
project economics while reducing capital expenditure and minimizing
the environmental footprint of the project.
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Leading Edge Materials has partnered with a research team lead
by Prof. Julien Leclaire at the
Institut de Chimie et Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires
("ICBMS") in Lyon, France to
investigate the extraction and separation of hafnium and zirconium
from a process material previously considered to be waste. Prof.
Leclaire has worked extensively on highly selective extraction
systems that apply carbon dioxide to form reversible extractive
agents, with a focus on REEs in both primary and waste
materials.
The initial six-month research alliance is partially funded by
Leading Edge Materials, which provides the exclusive rights to
apply the intellectual property ("IP") developed within two years
of project completion. If research is not ongoing within the
two-year period, rights to use the IP shall return to ICBMS.
Prof. Leclaire was identified by Leading Edge Materials as a
highly skilled partner in extractive chemistry following
publication of REE research, having developed and patented
innovative technologies with a low environmental impact. Some
this technology was developed through research into carbon capture
and valorization.
The Norra Kärr deposit, along with REE and zirconium, is
enriched in hafnium with a reserve grade of 338 ppm hafnium oxide
(HfO2) (see PFS under Tasman Metals Ltd.'s profile on
SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at
http://leadingedgematerials.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Norra-Karr_PFS_43-101-.pdf). Hafnium,
named from the Latin for the Scandinavian city of Copenhagen, is a highly valued metal as it is
extremely resistant to corrosion, and forms some of the highest
melting point alloys known to man. More than 80% of hafnium is
used for superalloys, plasma cutting equipment and nuclear control
rods, with aerospace and gas turbine technologies forecast to
substantially increase demand. Hafnium metal is presently valued at
around $1,500 per kg with a total
market approaching 100 tonnes per year.
Blair Way, President and CEO,
stated, "While additional revenue from the separation of high
purity hafnium and zirconium is attractive, we are also motivated
to achieve a high degree of resource efficiency at Norra Kärr,
through the application of this technology to convert former waste
streams to salable products. We look forward to working with Prof.
Leclaire on this and other projects where his technology and
patents can be applied to the extraction of high value critical raw
materials."
On behalf of the Board,
"Blair Way"
Blair Way, President & CEO
Qualified Person
The qualified person for the Company's project, Mr. Blair Way B.S. (Geology) M.B.A., a Fellow of the
Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, the Company's
President and CEO, has reviewed and verified the contents of this
document.
About Leading Edge Materials
Leading Edge Materials was formed with our sights firmly focused
on the material demands of a once-in-a-generation revolution, as
the world shifts to the efficient production, storage and
preservation of low carbon energy. From the lithium batteries in
our electric vehicles to our ability to generate energy from the
sun, wind and waves LEM is focused on the green energy markets.
With a focus on Europe and assets
in innovation-rich Scandinavia, Leading Edge Materials is ideally
placed to play a pivotal role in the sustainable supply of critical
technology materials.
Additional Information
Leading Edge Materials is listed on the TSXV under the symbol
"LEM" and Nasdaq First North Stockholm under the symbol
"LEMSE". Remium Nordic AB is the Company's Certified Adviser
on Nasdaq First North.
This information was submitted for publication, through the
agency of the contact person set out above, on March 26, 2018, at 5:15
am Vancouver Time.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this news release.
Forward-Looking Information. This news release may
contain forward-looking statements and information based on current
expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of
future performance or results. Such statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause
actual results, performance or achievements to be materially
different from those implied by such statements. Such statements
include but are not limited to, the Company's expectations
regarding the research projects aimed at capturing added value
opportunities for Norra Kärr, the outcome of the mining lease
application process; unexpected geological conditions; the
Company's expectations regarding exploration activities to advance
critical material projects for energy storage markets, delays in
obtaining or failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from
government authorities. Although such statements are based on
management's reasonable assumptions, there are risk factors which
could cause the Company's actual results, performance or
achievements to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by the
forward-looking information contained herein. All forward-looking
information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary
statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or
update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce
the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking
information contained herein to reflect future results, events or
developments, except as required by law.
SOURCE Leading Edge Materials