Halifax, Nova Scotia-based Elcora Advanced Materials, global extractor and processor of battery-grade minerals and metals, announced its Lab 4 initiative to begin the test work and process design for its Ermazon Vanadium Project in Morocco.
The objective—to produce vanadium pentoxide—will occur in three stages: Characterization to determine the physical viability of the material; recovery of metals from ores, concentrates, and recycled or residual material, with its accompanying economic analysis; and construction of a pilot plant at the company’s headquarters to confirm the design and provide data and product samples for potential clients. The plant is expected to become fully operational during the first quarter of 2024.
Elcora acquired Ermazon S.A.R.L. (Morocco) in late 2021 in order to establish itself as a leader in battery technologies with both known metal deposits and with respect to untapped mineral sites. The company currently owns numerous polymetallic (vanadium and lead), copper, and manganese licenses/concessions in Morocco.
Lab 4 is a materials and process-development laboratory and engineering company focusing on production and recycling of battery materials.
The use of vanadium, quite arguably, provides a viable solution for renewable energy storage, while simultaneously stimulating regional economic growth by creating new employment opportunities.