The Japan Patent Office has issued patent 7571058 entitled ‘synthesis of adsorption materials’ to emerging mineral processing technology company Zeotech (ASX:ZEO)
The patent relates to novel and proprietary mineral processing technology held by the company for producing impurity-free synthetic zeolite from aluminosilicate feedstock, such as kaolin and process by-products.
The University of Queensland developed and optimised the technology during a pilot program funded by Zeotech from February 2021 to November 2022.
Granting of the Japanese patent represents a significant milestone for Zeotech since entering the national phase in October 2021.
Zeotech says the patent is especially important because 80-85% of Japan’s zeolite molecular sieve market, estimated at $240 million per annum, is driven by domestic production and patent protection could expand commercial opportunities by licensing the technology.
Japan represents 7% of the global zeolite market and Zeotech continues to develop this market opportunity by pursuing patent protection for its novel mineral processing technology in Australia, Canada, India, the Republic of Korea, and the US.
Zeotech head of projects, research and development John Vogrin says securing a Japanese patent for its impurity-free zeolite processing technology marks an important milestone.
“Japan is a large domestic manufacturer and consumer of manufactured zeolites in the Asia-Pacific region, and the protection of Zeotech’s IP in this region represents a key commercial imperative,” Vogrin says.
Zeotech is focused on leveraging wholly owned high-grade kaolin resources to produce advanced materials for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, such as zeolites for fugitive methane control and high-reactivity metakaolin (HRM) for the low-carbon concrete market.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images Zeotech
