Zinc of Ireland (ASX:ZMI) subsidiary Metallon Clean Extractions (Meclex) has secured a €734,000 ($1.19 million) development grant from Belgian agency Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) to fast-track its ARGO technology to the pilot plant phase.
The total co-funding agreement equals €1.22 million, with VLAIO providing €734,000 and ZMI funding the remaining €489,000 from existing cash reserves over a 24-month term. ZMI notes continuation past the 12-month mark remains contingent on financial statements and updated budgets.
VLAIO provides development project support up to technology readiness level seven, covering demonstrators, pilots, and scale-ups. The grant enables ZMI to co-fund its testing program at SOLVOMET, the Catholic University of Leuven’s Research Centre for Circular Hydrometallurgy.
ARGO is a hydrometallurgical process designed to recover zinc, lead, silver, and critical minerals — including gallium, germanium, and indium — from zinc leach residue generated during smelting and refining.
ZMI expanded a 12-month testing program designed to advance the ARGO flowsheet to the pilot phase by early 2027, with VLAIO progressively funding the majority of testing based on an agreed budget and schedule.
CEO Greg Ross says the securing of the grant comes at the perfect time for ZMI. The company has recently accelerated and expanded its work plan for ARGO following industry feedback.
“ARGO’s ability to replace the high carbon dioxide emission process with a low energy, high recovery process is a key economic driver for the industry,” Ross says.
The Flanders region hosts significant zinc and lead production, including Nyrstar’s Balen smelter.
ZMI maintains a cooperation agreement with Nyrstar (EBR:NYR) for feedstock supply, industry expertise, and testing facilities; and is considering establishing a European head office and laboratory in Flanders.
Zinc of Ireland is an explorer and developer focused on zinc and associated base metals, with its flagship asset Kildare located in Dublin.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Images: Zinc of Ireland
