N.S. Technology Makes International Impression
Phase Remediation Inc. today demonstrated innovative technical developments that have led to a new Swedish business partner for the Dartmouth-based company.
The Kuryluk Mineral Separator (KMS) concentrator places Phase Remediation Inc., or PRI, on the leading edge of the mineral-and metal-separation business in both the mining and environmental sectors.
Along with today's demonstration, company president Brian Lowe announced PRI's biggest licensing agreement yet, which could mean up to $25 million from the treatment of mercury-contaminated soils in Sweden.
"Countries around the world are looking for cost-effective ways to process large quantities of contaminated soils," said Mr. Lowe. "We are working in Sweden now and have deals in the works in Germany and France. It's an exciting feeling to know this is just the beginning."
PRI's new business partner is Ragn Sells of Sweden.
The concentrator was developed with the support of the departments of the Environment and Economic Development and Tourism.
"This is an important breakthrough for PRI, and another great achievement for Nova Scotia," said Environment Minister Don Downe, who attended today's announcement. "The department's Environmental Industries and Technologies Division assists by providing the necessary support tools to make the most of a sound technical and business idea. The reward is in creating opportunities for Nova Scotians."
The concentrator also has applications in mining. Eleven are in use to recover coarse gold for the Tangier Mining Partnership on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore.
The KMS concentrator effectively separates metals such as mercury and gold from soils and ores. It uses a controlled upward flow of water to separate minerals of different weights and specific gravities. It does not uses chemicals, is accurate, and has more capacity and is less expensive than current metal separators.
Phase Remediation Inc. has been providing technology and equipment to the environment and mining sectors since 1995. It employs 14 people at its Burnside location.