EXPLORATION & DEVELOPMENT

ASM closing in on building metals plant in Korea

Initial development scoping show strong headline numbers

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The ASX-listed Alkane offshoot is now spending $1.5 million on detailed engineering for the Korea Metals Plant. 

KMP is promoted as utilising an "innovative, low energy metalisation process" that's been shown capable of producing high-purity titanium and titanium metal powder, neodymium metal, praseodymium metal, an NdPr alloy, dysprosium, zirconium metal powder, ferro-neodymium alloy, and neodymium iron boron alloy. 

The initial plant will have capacity of 5200t (expected to be reached during 2022), with plans to extend to 16,000tpa in 2024. 

"The scoping study demonstrates the potential for the KMP to deliver a profitable standalone downstream business for ASM while the company progresses the Dubbo project," ASM said. 

ASM started the current quarter with A$12.4 million cash. 

Shares in ASM were up 1.7% to $5.41 in morning trade, capitalsing the company at $644 million. 

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