Though still committed to diamond exploration in California, Ateba Mines (ABM-A) has entered the environmental cleanup business through a newly acquired subsidiary, Claytech Environmental Services.
Ateba President Peter Howe says Claytech has developed a proprietary process for the reclamation of phosphate rock and clay from the waste lagoons of the phosphate mines of North America.
To get the ball rolling, Ateba has initiated discussions with several mining companies interested in the technology’s potential to address the problem of waste lagoons and gypsum heaps created by the phosphate extraction industry in Florida and the Carolinas.
Ateba’s goal is to create joint ventures with phosphate producers to conduct field trails to show how the technology can alleviate potential environmental problems and, at the same time, lead to secondary production of phosphate.
The patented treatment process is also reported to be applicable to tailings treatment and clay removal because of its ability to turn loose materials, liquids and slurries into a solid material similar to sedimentary rock.
Howe points out that when clay occurs in alluvial deposits, it coats the gold or diamond particles, which restricts recovery. “By introducing [our] process, recovery can be enhanced and, therefore, greater profits can be earned,” he adds.
Claytech is not looking to sell the product commercially, but is willing to provide it in return for a royalty or joint-venture interest.
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