Zinc of Ireland Limited (ASX: ZMI) has announced the successful acquisition of a development grant worth approximately A$1.2 million (€734,000) from the Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) agency. This funding is aimed at accelerating the development of ZMI’s ARGO technology, which is designed to recover critical minerals such as germanium, gallium, and indium from zinc leach residue (ZLR) produced during primary zinc smelting and refining. The grant will facilitate the transition of ARGO from its current Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to TRL 7, which involves pilot plant testing.
The funding will primarily support a major test work program at Solvomet, a renowned metallurgical research and innovation centre in Belgium. ZMI’s CEO, Greg Ross, highlighted the importance of this grant, especially in light of recent climate challenges in Europe, including heatwaves and wildfires, which have intensified the focus on emissions reduction. The ARGO technology promises to replace traditional high CO2 emitting processes with a more sustainable, low-energy solution, thereby aligning with the industry’s push towards greener practices.
Ross expressed gratitude to VLAIO for their support, noting that the grant comes at a crucial time as ZMI expands its workplan for ARGO based on industry feedback. The funding will enable ZMI to establish a European headquarters and laboratory in the Flanders region, further enhancing its product development and marketing efforts. The company anticipates significant progress towards commercialisation, with pilot plant testing expected to commence by early 2027.
The ARGO technology is part of ZMI’s broader strategy to develop innovative metallurgical processes that recover valuable metals from industrial residues and recycling streams. The Flanders region, known for its production of zinc and lead, is home to major players in the industry, including Nyrstar, with whom ZMI has a cooperation agreement for feedstock and testing facilities. This collaboration is expected to bolster ZMI’s efforts in advancing sustainable practices within the sector.
In summary, the VLAIO grant not only underscores the strategic importance of the ARGO technology for the zinc smelting industry but also positions ZMI as a key player in the transition towards more sustainable mining practices in Europe. The company is committed to leveraging this funding to drive innovation and meet the growing demand for critical minerals in a low-emission context.
