EnviroLeach Technologies Inc. Provides Update on Recovery of Platinum Group Metals from Catalytic Converters
VANCOUVER, June 28, 2021 - EnviroLeach Technologies Inc. (the "Company "or "EnviroLeach"), (CSE:ETI) (OTCQB:EVLLF) (7N2:FSE) is pleased to provide the following update on its research into the extraction of platinum and palladium metals from spent catalytic converters. The most recent phase of research was conducted over a 14-month period starting in April of 2020. The latest series of tests builds on EnviroLeach's early 2019 research into the recovery of platinum and palladium from scrap automotive and diesel catalytic converters. In this phase of research extensive tests were conducted using modified variations of EnviroLeach's patented and proprietary chemistry and processes under various controlled conditions. The program's results were very positive with typical recoveries of over 90% of the contained platinum and palladium being achieved in less than 2 hours. Selected results from the research program are highlighted in the table below.
| Summary of Leach Tests | |||||
| Test Number | Date | Platinum Head Grade (g/t) | Palladium Head Grade (g/t) | Platinum Recovery (%) | Palladium Recovery (%) |
| FF215 | 2020-06-25 | 5,920 | 4,044 | 98.1 | 98.7 |
| FF217 | 2020-07-01 | 5,405 | 2,847 | 93.5 | 91.8 |
| FF233 | 2020-07-24 | 1,569 | 245 | 93.2 | 91.2 |
| FF244 | 2020-08-07 | 264 | 52 | 71.1 | 83.7 |
| FF246 | 2020-08-14 | 5,433 | 2,587 | 96.3 | 81.2 |
| FF251 | 2020-08-31 | 284 | 39 | 65.1 | 89.4 |
| FF352 | 2020-09-21 | 4,557 | 1,781 | 96.8 | 93.0 |
| FF355 | 2020-09-29 | 7,949 | 2,564 | 95.7 | 94.7 |
Research/Testing
The research was conducted in accordance with industry best practices at EnviroLeach's laboratories in Burnaby, Canada. Samples taken from spent catalytic converter material were first ground then assayed to determine head grades for platinum and palladium. The samples were then dissolved in several variations of EnviroLeach's proprietary lixiviant under numerous controlled test conditions (temperature, reagent concentrations, pulp densities, etc.). Electrowinning was the preferred method tested for recovering the dissolved metals. A comprehensive series of cycle tests were also done to determine the long-term reusability of the lixiviant and estimate overall economics. By running tests multiple times under various controlled conditions, the Company was able to determine the effects of altering operating variables and optimize metal recovery.
The research program demonstrated high recoverability for both platinum and palladium using the Company's proprietary lixiviant and patented process. The best single result, using a sample with a platinum head grade of 5,920 g/t and palladium head grade of 4,044 g/t resulted in over 98% recovery of both metals.
Based on the positive results to date, additional test work is planned to further optimize metal recoveries and economics. Solution and process containment, filtration, and materials composition studies are also planned. When these phases are completed, a comprehensive pilot plant test phase will be conducted.
Duane Nelson, CEO of EnviroLeach states, "I am very excited about the results on our latest phase of research targeting the recovery of platinum and palladium from catalytic converters. Our research continues to find new applications for our unique and proprietary chemistry and patented processes."
About Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters are pollution control devices coated with chemicals and a combination of platinum group metals (PGMs) including platinum, rhodium, and/or palladium. The PGMs are responsible for the conversion reactions that turn pollutants into harmless gases. Most present-day vehicles with internal combustion engines, including automobiles, trucks, buses, trains, motorcycles, and planes, have exhaust systems fitted with a catalytic converter. A recent Automotive Catalytic Converter Market report by Allied Market Research, projects that the global automotive catalytic converter market size is expected to reach $183.4 billion by 2022.
About EnviroLeach Technologies Inc.
EnviroLeach Technologies is engaged in the development and commercialization of environmentally friendly formulas and technologies for the treatment of materials in the primary and secondary metals sectors. Using its proprietary non-cyanide, water-based, neutral pH treatment process EnviroLeach extracts precious metals from ores, concentrates, and E-Waste.
Backed by the momentum of a first-class staff of scientists and engineers, tens of thousands of individual tests and assays, independent validations, strategic partners and tens of thousands of hours in research and development, EnviroLeach's technology is emerging as a potential new standard for the provision of eco-friendly methods for the hydrometallurgical extraction of precious metals in both the mining and E-Waste sectors. Further information is available on the EnviroLeach web site: https://EnviroLeach.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This News Release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and the United States securities legislation. Statements contained herein that are not based on historical or current fact, including without limitation statements containing the words "anticipates," "believes," "may," "continues," "estimates," "expects," and "will" and words of similar import, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking information may include, but is not limited to, information with respect to our Research and Development activities, the accuracy of our capital and operating cost estimates; production and processing estimates; the results, the adequacy of EnviroLeach's financial resources and timing of development of ongoing research and development projects, costs and timing of future revenues or profits and adequacy of financial resources. Wherever possible, words such as "plans", "expects", "projects", "assumes", "budget", "strategy", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "targets" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative forms of any of these terms and similar expressions, have been used to identify forward-looking statements and information. Statements concerning future revenue or earnings estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking information. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on the expectations and opinions of EnviroLeach'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. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The CSE has not approved or disapproved of the information contained herein.
Contact Information:
Jason Leikam
VP Corporate Development
EnviroLeach Technologies Inc.
info@EnviroLeach.com
(604) 282-0601
SOURCE: EnviroLeach Technologies Inc.