|
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MKANGO RESOURCES LTD.
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COTEC
HOLDINGS CORP.
|
550 Burrard Street
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755
Burrard Street
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Suite 2900
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Suite 428
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Vancouver
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Vancouver
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BC V6C 0A3
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V6Z
1X6
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Canada
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Canada
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HYPROMAG USA FEASIBILITY
STUDY DEMONSTRATES ROBUST ECONOMICS AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP
A MAJOR NEW, DOMESTIC SOURCE OF RECYCLED RARE EARTHS MAGNETS FOR
THE UNITED STATES
London / Vancouver: November 25, 2024
- CoTec Holdings Corp.
(TSXV: CTH; OTCQB: CTHCF) ("CoTec") and Mkango Resources Ltd.
(AIM/TSX-V: MKA) ("Mkango") are pleased to announce the results of
an independent Feasibility Study (the "Feasibility Study") for
HyProMag USA, LLC, ("HyProMag USA or the Project") on the
development of a state-of-the art rare earth magnet recycling and
manufacturing operation in the United States.
The Project is underpinned by the
patented Hydrogen Processing of Magnet Scrap ("HPMS") technology
developed at the University of Birmingham Magnetic Materials Group
and being commercialized by HyProMag in the United States, United
Kingdom and Germany. The HPMS process recovers neodymium iron boron
("NdFeB") permanent magnets from end-of-life scrap streams in the
form of a demagnetized NdFeB metallized alloy powder for
remanufacture into recycled NdFeB magnets with a significantly
reduced carbon footprint, and has major competitive advantages
versus other magnet recycling methods using chemical
processes.
Sintered NdFeB magnets will be
produced in the United States using materials sourced in the United
States, contributing to security of NdFeB permanent magnet supply
and enabling economical, traceable, domestic U.S. production of
recycled NdFeB magnets (DFARS compliant[1]) supporting the defense, aerospace,
automotive, medical science, hyperscale data centers, robotics, and
energy transition industries.
Highlights
· Positive Feasibility Study
results for state-of-the art rare earth magnet recycling and
manufacturing operation in the United States (the "Project"), with
a central Dallas Fort Worth ("DFW"), Texas hub supported by two
pre-processing spoke sites in the eastern and western regions of
the United States:
o US$262 million post-tax Net
Present Value (NPV)[2] and 23% real
internal rate of return (IRR) based on current market
prices[3], [4]
o US$503 million post-tax
NPV2 and 31% real IRR based on forecast market
Prices[5],4
o Low all-in sustaining Cost
(AISC) of US$19.6 per kg of NdFeB product which compares to current
weighted average market prices of US$55 per kg of NdFeB
products, the latter reflects
underlying prevailing low rare earth prices with significant scope
for price recovery
o Expansion potential with the
inclusion of a third HPMS vessel within three years following
commissioning for an additional capital cost of approximately US$7
million
o A 3D fly through of the
Project feasibility design can be found at
HyProMag USA Facility
Flythrough
· Production of 750 metric tons
per annum of recycled sintered NdFeB magnets and 291 metric tons
per annum of associated NdFeB co-products (total payable capacity -
1,041 metric tons NdFeB) over a 40 year operating
life
· Up-front capital cost of the
Project is US$125 million (inclusive of a 10% contingency margin
and Class 3 AACE estimated detailed design study and engineering
costs) over a 1.7 year construction phase
· Payback[6] is achieved at current market prices in 3.9
years at a profitability index ("PI")[7] of
2.1, at forecast market prices payback is achieved in 3.1 years at
a PI of 4.0
· First Revenue targeted in Q1
2027 with a Notice to Proceed ("NTP") expected in mid-2025
following completion of Detailed Engineering Design and Value
Engineering phase, which will commence
shortly and include:
o Evaluation of significant
opportunities to optimize construction and operational efficiency,
and to reduce capital expenditure and operating costs, as well as
to expand production
o Parallel product and
operational testing in the UK at the University of Birmingham
Magnetic Materials Group ("MMG") pilot plant and in conjunction
with HyProMag commercial developments in UK and
Germany
o Completion of commercial
arrangements with potential feed supply and product off taker -
discussions with several potential parties
underway
o Continued discussions with
federal, state and municipal governments, in relation to financing
opportunities and other economic incentives including carbon price
premiums which could improve economics
· Project will help secure the
re-vitalization of NdFeB magnet production in the United States
with the creation of approximately 90 jobs across Texas, South
Carolina and Nevada
· Minviro Limited[8] has been commissioned to complete an ISO-14067
compliant "Product Carbon Footprint" analysis of sintered materials
by the end of Q4 2024 using the results of the Feasibility
Study
· HyProMag USA is targeting 10%
of U.S domestic demand for NdFeB magnets within five years of
commissioning - design is modular, can be replicated and
accelerated to facilities in eastern and western United
States
·
The Feasibility Study was undertaken by a multidisciplinary
team appointed by CoTec and Mkango and led by independent
engineers, Canada-based BBA USA Inc. ("BBA") and U.S. based
PegasusTSI Inc. ("PegasusTSI") with other independent experts and
support from University of Birmingham, HyProMag Ltd and HyProMag
GmbH
Julian Treger, CoTec CEO commented: "We are very pleased with
the results of the independent Feasibility Study, which further
demonstrates the advanced commercialization potential of HyProMag's
technology. HyProMag has the capacity to provide the United States
with a secure domestic source of permanent magnets to accelerate
the revitalizing of U.S. magnet production, metallization, and
skills development, a strategic priority for the U.S.
Government."
"The Detailed Engineering Design phase is expected to deliver
further cost savings and design improvements which should enhance
the project's metrics even further. The company is now focused on
securing funding from the U.S. Government, financing, off-take and
feed supply. The end-to-end process of recycling end-of-life NdFeB
magnets into new sintered NdFeB magnets is supported by the
Minerals Security Partnership[9] which aims
to accelerate the development of secure, diverse, and sustainable
supply chains for critical minerals. We are very excited the
business can be used as a platform to create a market leading
position for low cost, low carbon magnet
recycling."
Will Dawes, Mkango CEO commented: "This is a major milestone for HyProMag, further validating
the HPMS technology and opportunity to roll-out into the United
States.
Our strategy to develop rare earth magnet recycling and
manufacturing hubs in the United States, UK, Germany and, in the
future, Asia, is aligned with the evolving geopolitical environment
through the development of more robust rare earth supply chains for
the respective domestic markets, while catalyzing new centers of
excellence in magnetic materials and cross-fertilization of skills
across jurisdictions and between industry and
academia."
Ownership
HyProMag is 100 per cent owned by
Maginito Limited ("Maginito"), which is owned on a 79.4/20.6 per
cent basis by Mkango and CoTec. HyProMag USA is owned 50:50 by
CoTec and Maginito.
Detailed Engineering Design and Value
Engineering
Following completion of the
Feasibility Study, the Project will now proceed to the Detailed
Engineering Design and Value Engineering phases.
The Detailed Engineering Design will
include the completion of sufficient engineering design works to
support a AACE Class 1 capital estimate, as well as final site
selection is expected to be completed in H1 2025 and site
permitting targeted for completion by Q4 2025 in line with the
initial project schedule. This targets initial revenue in Q1 2027.
Environmental and permitting studies are supported by U.S. based
Weston Solutions, Inc. Following completion of the Detailed
Engineering Design, a NTP decision will be taken mid-2025 as to
whether HyProMag USA will proceed with the construction of the
Project.
Detailed Engineering Design will
focus on optimization of construction and operational efficiency
and identifying potential improvements that could lead to
substantial capital expenditure and operating cost savings. It will
also encompass definition and optimization of the third HPMS
expansion case. In parallel with Detailed Engineering Design and
Value Engineering, product and operational testing will continue in
the UK at the University of Birmingham Magnetic Materials Group
(MMG) pilot plant in conjunction with HyProMag commercial
developments in UK and Germany.
The data used to develop the
processing flowsheet is based on historical test work and magnet
production at the HPMS Pilot vessel through the MMG at the
University of Birmingham in the UK, which developed the HPMS
technology being commercialized by HyProMag. Additional test work
will be undertaken to further optimise the flowsheet, particularly
in the HPMS operations. The capital and operating costs will be
refined in line with the expected improvements to the overall
process flowsheet, which will influence long-lead capital items. A
formal request for proposal ("RfP") process will also be undertaken
as part of the Detailed Engineering Design phase of the
Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management ("EPCM") contract
to solicit final vendor quotes to improve the accuracy of the
capital cost estimate. The detailed engineering considers a "one
contractor" approach who is appointed to develop and build the
complete process plants.
In parallel, HyProMag USA is working
towards securing potential U.S. Government funding, U.S. State
financial grants and incentives and strategic partnerships with
U.S. companies. Significant progress was achieved in the areas of
feed supply and recycled NdFeB magnet offtake during the
Feasibility Study and the Project is now able to proceed with
securing long term commercial agreements.
CoTec is responsible for funding
the Detailed Engineering Design, Value
Engineering and the project development
costs. Funding provided by CoTec would be in the form of
shareholder loans to HyProMag USA.
The
Feasibility Study
The Project will use a
"hub-and-spoke" operational model, with the central, DFW, Texas hub
supported by two pre-processing spoke sites in eastern and western
United States.
The Feasibility Study is based on
the development of a state-of-the-art 40-year magnet manufacturing
facility in DFW, Texas, capable of producing up to 750 metric tons
payable of sintered NdFeB magnets and 291 metric tons of associated
NdFeB co-products (total payable capacity - 1,041 metric tons
NdFeB) annually. First Revenue is targeted in Q1 2027 with a Notice
to Proceed (the "NTP") expected in mid- 2025 following completion
of the Detailed Engineering Design phase.
The Feasibility Study demonstrates
robust economics at Current Prices and indicates a significant
upside based on the forecast recovery in the rare earths market.
Based on a current market prices, derived
from current market pricing for the various products,
the Feasibility Study indicates a post-tax
NPV[10] of US$262 million and real IRR of
23% (pre-tax NPV US$343 million and real IRR of 27%) at a real
discount rate of 7.0%. Based on forecast market prices, the
Feasibility Study indicates an post-tax NPV of US$503 million and
real IRR of 31% (pre-tax NPV of US$647 milliion and real IRR of
36%) at a real discount rate of 7.0%.
The up-front capital cost of the
Project is US$125 million (inclusive of a 10% contingency margin
and Class 3 AACE[11] estimated detailed
design study and engineering costs). The current market price
payback[12] is achieved in 3.9 years at a
profitability index ("PI") of 2.1[13],
whilst at Forecast Prices, payback is achieved in 3.1 years at a PI
of 4.0.
The Project has a low all-in
Sustaining Cost of cost production at US$19.6 per kg of NdFeB which
compares to current market prices of US$55 per kg of NdFeB
product.
Production at the hub facility is
readily expandable with the inclusion of a third HPMS vessel within
three years following commissioning for an additional capital cost
of approximately US$7 million - the third HPMS vessel is expected
to supply excess HPMS NdFeB payable powder to the U.S market for
the developing domestic magnet production industry.
The main products are sintered
magnet materials split between blocks and finished magnets at
magnet grades that have been previously demonstrated at the
University of Birmingham pilot facility[14]. These include DFARS compliant products and will
support a closed loop system in the United States whereby
end-of-life U.S.-sourced NdFeB magnets are recycled into new
magnets via HyProMag's short-loop process.
The Project will therefore provide a
long-term, traceable source of permanent magnets for U.S industry
including applications for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and
many electronic devices critical for U.S. critical mineral supply
chains and the energy transition. Furthermore, the Project will
help secure the re-vitalization of NdFeB magnet production in the
United States with the creation of approximately 90 jobs in
relation to magnet manufacturing, further catalyzing the developing
rare earth industry ecosystem in Texas and the cross fertilization
of skills, training and R&D between the United States, UK and
Europe.
The key Feasibility Study metrics of
the Project are summarized in Table 1. The Feasibility Study did
not incorporate prospects for potential economic support from
governments, funding opportunities, or other economic incentives
which could improve the economics and influence a future updated
detailed design engineering and investment decision.
Table 1: Feasibility Study Key Metrics in
US$
Assumptions
|
Unit
|
Current
Prices
|
Forecast
Prices
|
Project Duration (Life of
Asset)
|
Years
|
40
|
40
|
Average annual system
capacity
|
Metric tons NdFeB per
annum
|
1,147
|
1,147
|
Average annual payable
production
|
Metric tons NdFeB per
annum
|
1,041
|
1,041
|
Average total payable Sintered
Magnets
|
Metric tons NdFeB per
annum
|
750
|
750
|
Average total payable co-products
excluding residual scrap
|
Metric tons NdFeB per
annum
|
291
|
291
|
Economic Assumptions
|
|
|
|
Weighted average price (Life of
Asset)
|
US$/Kg
|
55
|
94
|
Capital Cost
|
|
|
|
Construction period
|
Years
|
1.7
|
1.7
|
Initial CAPEX (excl. closure and
sustaining)
|
US$ million
|
125.3
|
125.3
|
Sustaining CAPEX
|
US$ million per annum
|
0.21
|
0.21
|
Operating cost per metric ton
|
|
|
|
Transport Cost (Spoke to
Hub)
|
US$/kg NdFeB
|
0.46
|
0.46
|
Royalty Cost
|
US$/kg NdFeB
|
0.23
|
0.69
|
TOTAL AISC[15] LIFE OF ASSET
|
US$/kg NdFeB
|
19.63
|
31.86
|
Basis of Feasibility Study
Feasibility design and economic
analysis thereof was undertaken for the Project. A system capacity
of 1,147 metric tons per annum has
been used as a basis for the Feasibility Study.
The process begins with scrap
pre-processing at the spoke facilities located
in the eastern and western United
States, where electronic and industrial scrap
containing NdFeB magnets is pre-processed, sorted, and prepared
for HPMS at the hub. This
pre-processed material is then transported to the central hub in
DFW for HPMS and
magnet
manufacturing.
At the DFW hub in Texas, the HPMS system uses
hydrogen to extract NdFeB powder from the scrap
material in a series of controlled reactions that occur at
near atmospheric pressure. This
method minimizes energy consumption and reduces environmental
impact compared to conventional extraction methods. Following
extraction, the NdFeB alloy powder undergoes
conventional magnet manufacturing to produce high-performance
magnets that meet industry
standards.
Economic analysis has been performed
in accordance with the process design and
schedule, metallurgical testing, and product payability analysis
developed in the study, and the estimates and analyses therein have
been prepared to a Class 3 AACE Feasibility level.
Processing Design
The proposed plant is based on both
historical, and 2022 to
2024 pilot test work at the University of
Birmingham together with the approximate US$100
million of historical R&D expenditure and
the significant know-how and
related intellectual property for
HPMS.
HyProMag USA will produce NdFeB
permanent magnets in the United States using recycled end of life
NdFeB magnets embedded in electronic and industrial scrap as the
source material. The HPMS process liberates embedded rare earth
permanent magnets, in the form of a demagnetised
NdFeB powder, from any electrical drive, be it
including hard disk drives ("HDD"), electric
motors, MRI magnetic units, speakers and other end-of-life
assemblies containing NdFeB, enabling recovery of the NdFeB whilst
leaving behind the associated casing materials.
These casing materials are recovered and sent to any suitable scrap
recycling plant for processing. The recovered NdFeB magnet material
can be fed back into any point in the rare earth supply chain, the
preferred and principal route for HyProMag being
short-loop magnet manufacturing which is facilitated by HPMS.
In the short-loop magnet manufacturing process, the recovered NdFeB
magnet material is treated and reformed into blocks that can then
be shaped and magnetized for use in equipment
requiring permanent rare earth magnets of the NdFeB composition.
Any scrap material produced from the shaping of the magnet blocks
will be recycled for use within the plant or sold to third parties.
The only waste products from the process are the
casing materials housing the rare earth magnets, which are
recycled, and minor discharges of steam and inert
gases.
Figure 1: A simple Block Flow Diagram
of the magnet recycling and production operation
Pre-Processing technology
Maginito and Inserma Anoia S.L
("Inserma") have entered into a binding and exclusive agreement to
collaborate on the optimization, commercialization and roll-out of
pre-processing technologies for HyProMag in the United Kingdom,
Germany, the United States and other regions. The technologies
autonomously pre-process scrap such as hard disk drives to remove
the NdFeB magnet containing component which can be processed via
HPMS to deliver purified alloy powder on a very large
scale.
The latest mobile Inserma unit for
HDD can be co-located at hyperscale data centers, shredding,
recycling or HyProMag facilities. These Inserma units rapidly
remove (at <3 seconds per HDD) the Voice Coil Motor ("VCM")
containing the rare earth magnet, providing a highly concentrated
feed for subsequent HPMS by HyProMag - the simultaneous removal of
the center spindle also facilitates downstream shredding of the
rest of the HDD. A 3D flythrough of the Inserma units both in the
HyProMag USA facility and also within a United Sates hyperscale
data center can be found at HyProMag
USA with Inserma HDD Pre Processing Fly Through
, Data Center with
HyProMag USA + Inserma Technology
The goal of the collaboration is to
enable deployment of hundreds of pre-processing units, across
multiple jurisdictions, providing pre-processing solutions for a
range of end-of-life applications, including HDDs, loudspeakers and
electric motors, and generating feed for HyProMag's short loop rare
earth magnet recycling process.
Project Site, Infrastructure and Services
Site selection was focused on
locating a site in DFW, Texas for the hub. DFW was identified
as a suitable location to build the magnet recycling operation
based on its central location in the U.S., its sizable e-waste
recycling activities, proximity to national rail roads and
interstate highways and ease of doing business there. DFW
also has other existing and developing magnet and rare earth
related businesses in the area.
A selection criteria approach was
used to determine potential site locations within the DFW area. The
potential site is approximately 100,000 square feet in area, 36
feet in height and utilizes a pre-existing factory storage unit
with basic utilities fully installed. The Project design assumes
the site will be secured through long term leases in Q1
2025.
The logistics for the project
include two main satellite spokes: Satellite Spoke 1, potentially
located in Las Vegas, or Reno, Nevada and a Satellite Spoke 2,
potentially located in South Carolina. The transportation process
from each Satellite Spoke to the hub employs intermodal (truck and
rail) transportation.
Power supply will be provided
through local utility providers. The current Project design is
assuming grid sourced power, however where possible the Project
will contract renewably sourced power when it is
available.
Supply of Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and
Argon at the DFW hub will be provided through specialized companies
which provide industrial gases in liquid form. These gases will be
delivered and stored on-site in dedicated tanks equipped with
vaporizers to ensure the conversion from liquid to gas as needed
for the operations in a "over the fence" solution.
Figure
2: Map of the United States showing planned locations of
HyProMag USA's operations and functions.
Capital Costs
Initial capital expenditure (CAPEX)
costs for the Project are based on a system capacity of
1,147 metric tons
per annum with a nominal payable production
capacity of approximately
1,041 metric tons
per annum of which 750 metric tons per
annum are sintered blocks and finished magnets. CAPEX
costs are estimated at US$125 million, including EPCM costs, future
Detailed Engineering Design study
costs and a 10%
contingency.
Sustaining capital over the life
of asset (40 years) is estimated at US$9.4
million. Closure cost is estimated at $1M resulting in total life of asset CAPEX cost of US$134.8
million.
Table 2: Capital Costs
Description
|
US$ (M)
|
Hub Plant
|
95.0
|
Spoke Pre-Processing
|
6.0
|
Indirect Costs (DE Study and
EPCM)
|
13.5
|
Estimated Sub-Total Cost
|
114.5
|
Contingency 10%
|
10.9
|
Total Estimated Initial CAPEX
|
125.4
|
Sustaining (over life of
asset)
|
8.4
|
Closure cost
|
1.0
|
ESTIMATED TOTAL CAPEX OF LIFE OF ASSET
|
134.8
|
Operating Costs
The operating costs include manpower
to run the overall operations, power and utilities, materials handling, scrap feed, transport of the scrap materials from the Spoke pre-processing sites to the Hub in
DFW,
Texas and G&A.
Table 3: Operating costs
Area
|
US$/kg (current
prices)[16]
|
US$/kg (Forecast
Prices) 4
|
Pre-processing - Spokes
x2
|
1.84
|
1.84
|
Processing - Hub (includes feed
supply)
|
16.23
|
28.00
|
Transport from Spoke to
Hub
|
0.46
|
0.46
|
G&A
|
0.67
|
0.67
|
Royalty
|
0.23
|
0.69
|
ESTIMATED TOTAL AVE. OPEX US$/kg (LIFE OF
ASSET)
|
19.43
|
31.66
|
Economic Analysis and Sensitivity Analysis
Table 4: Economic Results
Economic Assumptions
|
Unit
|
Current
Prices
|
Forecast
Prices
|
Weighted average price (Life of
Asset)
|
US$/kg
NdFeB
|
55
|
94
|
Revenue (Life of Asset)
|
US$M
|
2,325
|
3,941
|
EBITDA (Life of Asset)
|
US$M
|
1,528
|
2,642
|
Pre-Tax NPV at 7% discount rate
|
US$M
|
343
|
647
|
Pre-Tax real IRR
|
%
|
27%
|
36%
|
Post-Tax NPV 7% discount rate
|
US$M
|
262
|
503
|
Post-Tax real IRR
|
%
|
23%
|
31%
|
Payback
|
years
|
3.9
|
3.1
|
PI
|
|
2.1
|
4.0
|
A sensitivity analysis was performed
whereby initial infrastructure capital cost, annual operating costs
and product selling price were individually varied between +/-15%
to determine the impact on Project IRR and NPV between 0 and 10 % discount
rates.
Results are presented in
Table 5 and
6. The project financials are
most sensitive to the product selling price followed by operating costs and finally initial
capital
expenditures.
Table 5: Sensitivity Analysis (US$, Million, Post Tax) -
Current Prices
|
|
Base Case
|
CAPEX
|
Current
prices
|
LOA OPEX
|
|
|
|
15%
|
-15%
|
15%
|
-15%
|
15%
|
-15%
|
IRR
|
|
23%
|
20%
|
26%
|
27%
|
19%
|
22%
|
24%
|
NPV
|
0%
|
|
1,113
|
1,097
|
1,128
|
1,362
|
864
|
1,049
|
1,177
|
5%
|
|
380
|
365
|
396
|
479
|
281
|
355
|
406
|
7%
|
|
262
|
246
|
277
|
336
|
187
|
243
|
281
|
10%
|
|
154
|
139
|
169
|
206
|
102
|
141
|
167
|
Table 6: Sensitivity Analysis (US$, Million, Post Tax) -
Forecast Prices
|
|
Base Case
|
CAPEX
|
Forecast
prices
|
LOA OPEX
|
|
|
|
15%
|
-15%
|
15%
|
-15%
|
15%
|
-15%
|
IRR
|
|
31%
|
28%
|
35%
|
36%
|
26%
|
30%
|
32%
|
NPV
|
0%
|
|
2,005
|
1,990
|
2,021
|
2,416
|
1,594
|
1,939
|
2,071
|
5%
|
|
711
|
695
|
726
|
870
|
552
|
684
|
737
|
7%
|
|
503
|
487
|
518
|
621
|
384
|
483
|
522
|
10%
|
|
314
|
299
|
330
|
396
|
233
|
300
|
328
|
Project Timeline and Phased Execution
The Project is strategically phased
to ensure cost-effective development, operational efficiency, and
flexibility for future expansion. Next
steps:
1.
Detailed Design and Engineering (2025):
The Detailed Engineering Design will include the
completion of sufficient engineering design works to support a AACE
Class 1 capital estimate to complete the bankable Feasibility Study
as well as final site selection to be completed in H1 2025 and the
commencement of site permitting.
2.
Site Development and Facility Construction (2025-2026):
The initial phase includes site preparations and
facility construction at the DFW hub and two spoke locations. The
DFW hub will be equipped with purpose-built
infrastructure for HPMS recycling, magnet
alignment, and sintering operations. The modular layout supports
scalability, allowing for future expansion as demand for NdFeB
magnets grows. The spoke facilities in
east and west United States
will focus on sorting and initial processing of
NdFeB-containing scrap to reduce transportation costs and
streamline material flow to the DFW
hub.
3.
Equipment Installation and Commissioning (2026):
Construction will follow to equipment
installation, including HPMS vessels, sintering
furnaces, alignment presses, and auxiliary systems. Each piece of
equipment will be tested and calibrated to meet quality and
operational standards. The commissioning phase verifies that the
facility operates as designed, ensuring smooth
transitions between production stages and mitigating risks of
downtime.
4.
Initial Production Ramp-Up (2027): The Project's
first production phase is expected to
begin Q1 2027, with a gradual increase in
output to stabilize operations and optimize equipment performance. Initial production volumes will be
dedicated to fulfilling contracts with key customers in sectors
such as defense, renewable energy, and
electronics.
5.
Full Operational
Capacity and Modular Expansion (2027 Onward):
By H2 2027, the Project aims to
reach full capacity at 750 metric tons per year, positioning
HyProMag USA as a major player in the U.S. NdFeB magnet market. The
facility's modular design supports phased expansions, allowing for
the addition of processing lines and spoke sites as demand increases. This flexible approach allows HyProMag to
scale up with minimal disruption and align production with market
growth, particularly in EVs, wind energy, and
defense.
6.
Modular Expansion (2030 Onward): By 2030 potential installation of the third HPMS vessel,
debottlenecking and expansion of system capacity.
7.
Regional expansion (2030 Onward): HyProMag USA is targeting 10% of the U.S domestic demand[17] within five years of
commissioning - design is modular, can be replicated and accelerated to facilities
on eastern and western United
States. Any
legislation to support recycling will
further accelerate expansion.
Qualified Persons and Data Verification
The independent Qualified Persons
are Professional Engineers employed by BBA,
Pegasus TSI and Weston Solutions
who are responsible for
Engineering Design, Processing, Infrastructure, Transportation, Services, Capital Costs, Operating Costs,
Project Timeline, Permitting and Economic Analysis
and
Sensitivity.
The Qualified Persons have reviewed
and approved the scientific and technical content
of this news release.
About HyProMag
HyProMag is commercializing HPMS
recycling technology in the UK, Germany and United States. HyProMag
is also evaluating other jurisdictions, and in mid-2024 launched a
collaboration with Envipro on rare earth magnet recycling in
Japan. HPMS technology was developed
at the Magnetic Materials Group (MMG)
at University of Birmingham, underpinned by
approximately US$100 million of research and development funding,
and has major competitive advantages versus other rare earth magnet
recycling technologies, which are largely focused on chemical
processes but do not solve the challenges of liberating magnets
from end-of-life scrap streams - HPMS provides this
solution.
The MMG is internationally
recognized for its work on the circular economy of rare earth
magnets. The group has made major contributions to
research and industrial application of hydrogen for processing of
magnets. Professor Emeritus Harris pioneered the initial work on
hydrogen decrepitation (HD), currently used worldwide to produce
magnets, and co-authored the 1986 paper on the
world's first hydrogen based sintered magnet. Today, almost all
NdFeB magnet production and recycling methods take advantage of the
HD process.
About CoTec Holdings Corp.
CoTec is a publicly traded
investment issuer listed on the Toronto Venture Stock Exchange
("TSX- V") and the OTCQB and trades under the symbol CTH and CTHCF
respectively. CoTec is an environment, social, and governance
("ESG")-focused company investing in innovative technologies that
have the potential to fundamentally change the way metals and
minerals can be extracted and processed for the purpose of applying
those technologies to undervalued operating assets and recycling
opportunities, as it transitions into a mid-tier mineral resource
producer.
CoTec is committed to supporting the
transition to a lower carbon future for the extraction industry, a
sector on the cusp of a green revolution as it embraces technology
and innovation. It has made four investments to
date and is actively pursuing operating opportunities where current
technology investments could be deployed.
For more information, please
visit www.cotec.ca.
About Mkango Resources Ltd.
Mkango is listed on the AIM and the
TSX-V. Mkango's corporate strategy is to become a market leader in
the production of recycled rare earth magnets, alloys and oxides,
through its interest in Maginito Limited ("Maginito"), which is
owned 79.4 per cent by Mkango and 20.6 per cent by CoTec, and to
develop new sustainable sources of neodymium, praseodymium,
dysprosium and terbium to supply accelerating demand from electric
vehicles, wind turbines and other clean energy
technologies.
Maginito holds a 100 per cent
interest in HyProMag and a 90 per cent direct and indirect interest
(assuming conversion of Maginito's convertible loan) in HyProMag
GmbH, focused on short loop rare earth magnet recycling in the UK
and Germany, respectively, and a 100 per cent interest in Mkango
Rare Earths UK Ltd ("Mkango UK"), focused on long loop rare earth
magnet recycling in the UK via a chemical route.
Maginito and CoTec
are also rolling out HyProMag's recycling
technology into the United States via the 50/50 owned HyProMag USA
LLC joint venture company. HyProMag is also
evaluating other jurisdictions, and recently launched a
collaboration with Envipro on rare earth magnet recycling in
Japan.
Mkango also owns the advanced stage
Songwe Hill rare earths project and an extensive rare earths,
uranium, tantalum, niobium, rutile, nickel and cobalt exploration
portfolio in Malawi, and the Pulawy rare earths separation project
in Poland.
For more information, please
visit www.mkango.ca
Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure
The information contained within this
announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside
information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations
(EU) No. 596/2014 ('MAR') which has been
incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act
2018. Upon the publication of this
announcement via Regulatory Information
Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the
public domain.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements
This news release contains
forward-looking statements (within the meaning of that term under
applicable securities laws) with respect to Mkango and CoTec.
Generally, forward looking statements can be identified by the use
of words such as "plans", "expects" or "is expected to",
"scheduled", "estimates" "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or
variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain
actions, events or results "can", "may", "could", "would",
"should", "might" or "will", occur or be achieved, or the negative
connotations thereof. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no
assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which
they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking
statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks
and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to
the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and
other forward-looking statements will not occur, which may cause
actual performance and results in future periods to differ
materially from any estimates or projections of future performance
or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Such factors and risks include, without limiting the foregoing, the
availability of (or delays in obtaining) financing to develop the
Recycling Plants being developed by Maginito in the UK, Germany and
the US (the "Maginito Recycling Plants"), the implementation of
matters set out in the Feasibility Study, governmental action and
other market effects on global demand and pricing for the metals
and associated downstream products for which Mkango is exploring,
researching and developing, the ability to scale the HPMS and
chemical recycling technologies to commercial scale, competitors
having greater financial capability and effective competing
technologies in the recycling and separation business of Maginito
and Mkango, availability of scrap supplies for Maginito's recycling
activities, government regulation (including the impact of
environmental and other regulations) on and the economics in
relation to recycling and the development of the Maginito Recycling
Plants and future investments in the United States pursuant to the
proposed cooperation agreement between Maginito and CoTec, the
outcome and timing of the completion of the feasibility studies,
cost overruns, complexities in building and operating the plants,
and the positive results of feasibility studies on the various
proposed aspects of Mkango's, Maginito's and CoTec's activities.
The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are
made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by
law, the Company and CoTec disclaim any intention and assume no
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether because of new information, future events or otherwise,
except as required by applicable law. Additionally, the Company and
CoTec undertake no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or
statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters
discussed above.
For
further information on Mkango, please contact:
Mkango Resources Limited
William
Dawes
Alexander Lemon
Chief Executive
Officer
President
will@mkango.ca
alex@mkango.ca
Canada: +1 403 444 5979
www.mkango.ca
@MkangoResources
SP
Angel Corporate Finance LLP
Nominated Adviser and Joint
Broker
Jeff Keating, Caroline
Rowe
UK: +44 20 3470 0470
Alternative Resource Capital
Joint Broker
Alex Wood, Keith Dowsing
UK: +44 20 7186 9004/5
For
further information on CoTec, please contract:
CoTec Holdings Corp.
Braam Jonker
Chief Financial Officer
braam.jonker@cotec.ca
Canada: +1 604 992-5600
The TSX Venture Exchange has
neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press
release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation
Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the
TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a
solicitation of an offer to buy any equity or other securities of
the Company in the United States. The securities of the Company
will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and may not be offered
or sold within the United States to, or for the account or benefit
of, U.S. persons except in certain transactions exempt from the
registration requirements of the U.S. Securities
Act.