Emmerson (AIM:EML) is progressing the patent application process for the Khemisset multi-mineral process (KMP).
The KMP was primarily developed by Emmerson for use in the Khemisset Potash Project located in Morocco. However, the company says it also has potential for application across various potash deposits globally.
As such, Emmerson has filed an extensive portfolio of patent applications intended to protect its valuable intellectual property in those regions of greatest commercial interest.
The UK Intellectual Property (IP) Office has confirmed that Emmerson’s patent application has been granted patent status. This patent provides IP protection for the core KMP process and its optimised derivative products.
Emmerson notes that the introduction of the KMP reduced the Khemisset Project’s water requirements by 50%, increased the recovery rate of muriate of potash from 85% to 91%, and created two new high-value, slow-release multi-nutrient fertilisers, namely struvite and vivianite.
These fertiliser products have environmental and sustainability benefits by virtue of their slow-release characteristics, reducing phosphate run-off to watercourses and enabling less frequent application by farmers.
Emmerson’s Khemisset Project
Khemisset has a resource estimate of 537 million tonnes @ 9.24% potassium oxide and exploration potential with an accelerated development pathway.
The KMP study requires minimal changes to the plant design with net capital expenditure reduced by US$14 million to US$525 million ($749 million), less than half of its global peer average capital intensity.
KMP also further enhances the already robust economics for Khemisset, with a post-tax net present value of US$2.2 billion on an internal rate of return of $40, to produce 700,000 ounces of polyvinylpyrrolidone muriate of potash per year over a 19-year mine life.
Emmerson is a potash developer focused on the development of the Khemisset Project in Northern Morocco.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Emmerson
