MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 06/03/16 -- Dundee Sustainable Technologies Inc. ("DST" or the "Corporation") (CSE: DST) is pleased to announce that it has received, from Environment Canada, through the Canadian Environmental Technology Verification Program ("ETV"), an independent certification of the performances of its cyanide-free gold extraction process (the "DST Gold Process").
The certification confirms that the DST Gold Process successfully extracted an average of 81%, with a maximum of 90%, of the gold content from a refractory gold bearing pyrite concentrate, while the cyanide extraction process achieved an average of 71% on the same material. This material is from a jurisdiction which has restricted the use of cyanide within its territory. This refractory concentrate was chosen due to the difficulty of extracting its gold using conventional processes, hence demonstrating the effectiveness of the DST Gold Process.
Throughout the ETV program, a total of 170 tonnes of gold bearing refractory pyrite concentrate were processed. The performance test sampling was conducted at DST's demonstration plant according to the test protocol developed by STS Canada Inc. and under its supervision. Samples were submitted for analysis to SGS Canada - Mineral Services - Lakefield, an accredited laboratory.
All solid residues met environmental norms and DST's chlorination circuit delivered the anticipated gold recoveries which were higher on average than cyanide yields on same samples. In addition, the process successfully demonstrated its closed circuit operation with the recycling and regeneration of the reagents.
John W. Mercer, President and CEO of DST stated: "We consider this an important endorsement of the DST Gold Process; demonstrating its potential as an interesting alternative to cyanide".
DST is currently working on projects for the commercialization of its technologies in Canada, Argentina, Bulgaria, Chile, Ireland, Namibia and Peru.
About Canadian Environmental Technology Verification
Environmental Technology Verification ("ETV") provides an independent evaluation of new technologies with a view to validate environmental claims so that users, developers, regulators, and other parties can make informed decisions about purchasing, applying and regulating innovative technologies. Verification builds vendor credibility and buyer confidence by providing assurance that environmental performance claims are valid, credible and supported by high quality, independent test data and information.
ETV was introduced in Canada in 1997 to support the implementation of innovative environmental technologies. ETV is delivered by GLOBE Performance Solutions under a license agreement from Environment Canada.
About Dundee Sustainable Technologies, a company controlled by Dundee Corporation
The Corporation is engaged in the development of environment-friendly technologies for the treatment of materials in the mining industry. Through the development of patented, proprietary processes, DST extracts precious and base metals from ores, concentrates and tailings, while stabilizing contaminants such as arsenic, which could not otherwise be extracted or stabilized with conventional processes because of metallurgical issues or environmental considerations.
At present, DST most advanced proprietary processes are associated to the extraction of precious metals using a chlorination process which provides a cyanide-free alternative for the exploitation of gold deposits. The primary benefits of this innovative technology are shorter processing times, a closed-loop operation eliminating the need for costly tailings pond, and a reduced environmental footprint related to the inert and stable characteristics of the cyanide free tailings.
The chlorination process developed by DST is a recognized "green technology" for which it was awarded a $5 million grant from the Government of Canada to assist in the construction and operation of a demonstration plant. The plant will serve as a demonstration platform for the chlorination process on an industrial scale and under continuous operating conditions.
In addition to this chlorination process, DST operates a pilot plant designed to demonstrate its arsenic stabilization process which is designed for the sequestration of arsenic in a stable glass form. This process is becoming an attractive solution to segregate the arsenic and is therefore opening opportunities for materials considered to contain too much of this toxic material to be exploited or stabilized using conventional approaches.
DST has filed, published and was granted patents for these processes in several countries.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains forward-looking statements that address future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, some of which may be beyond the Corporation's control. These factors include: general market and industry conditions, risks related to continuous operations and to commercialization of new technologies and other risks disclosed in the Corporation's filings with Canadian Securities Regulators.
Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Corporation's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward - looking statements. The Corporation expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Dundee Sustainable Technologies Inc.
John W. Mercer
President and CEO
(514) 866-6001 # 239
(514) 866-6193 (FAX)
info@dundeetechnologies.com
