TORONTO, Oct. 21 /CNW/ - ENPAR Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: ENP)
("ENPAR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce positive results from field testing of its patented "ACID MINE DRAINAGE" Electrochemical Cover (AmdEL) Technology.
The objective of the study was to test the effectiveness of the AmdEL Technology to provide a sink for oxygen, thereby inhibiting the oxidation of sulphide mine tailings and limiting the generation of acid mine drainage (AMD) and associated leaching of metals. ENPAR'S AmdEL Technology operates independently of the mineralogy and associated electrical properties of the underlying waste material (e.g., sulphide mine tailings and/or waste rock).
ENPAR'S AmdEL Technology operates independently of the mineralogy and associated electrical properties of the underlying waste material (e.g., sulphide mine tailings and/or waste rock). The independent study was supported by the Mine Waste Technology Program, which is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) and jointly administered by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy.
The field research was conducted by MSE Technology Applications Inc. (MSE) at its test facility in Butte, Montana. MSE is a diversified research and engineering company that provides engineering, management, and technical support services to agencies of the U.S. Government on behalf of other public and private sector clients.
The 2-year study utilized low sulphide mine tailings from the local Golden Sunlight Mine, and was comprised of 4 in-ground test cells (2 electrochemically-enhanced treatment cells and 2 untreated control cells) with each test cell consisting of a 1.5-metre diameter in-ground hole approximately 3 metres in depth. Acid base accounting was utilized as the indicator of sulphide oxidation.
One of the electrochemically-enhanced cells retained 100 percent of its original sulphide sulphur content in the upper layer of the tailings, whereas the untreated cells contained less than 1% total sulphide sulphur at the conclusion of the demonstration.
Dr. Gene Shelp, President and CEO of ENPAR Technologies stated, "the extremely positive results of this independent study reaffirm the Company's assertion that the AmdEL Technology represents a novel non-invasive method of controlling acid mine drainage. Our goal is to provide the mining industry with another effective tool to assist in managing the long-term disposal of and significant environmental risk associated with reactive sulphide waste deposits."
Acid mine drainage and acid rock drainage (ARD) remain the greatest environmental problems facing the mining industry today. The cost of remediating AMD/ARD sites in Canada and the USA alone has been estimated at greater than US $50 billion. Thus, the mining industry is interested in identifying new technologies that may enhance its competitiveness and reduce its environmental footprint and financial liability.
ENPAR'S AmdEL Technology shows significant promise as a complementary technology for more conventional cover strategies or as a stand-alone system to mitigate AMD/ARD.
The success of this independent study will form the basis for the Company's future commercialization and marketing strategies.
<< About ENPAR Technologies Inc. - >>
ENPAR is a "Technology Company" applying its patented and proprietary "Electrochemical Technologies" to the treatment of waste water and drinking water contaminated by metals or nutrients i.e., nitrate/ammonia associated with the mining, metal processing, chemical, agricultural, municipal and waste management sectors. The common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "ENP". << The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
>> This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbour" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause ENPAR Technologies Inc. results to differ materially from expectations. These include risks relating to market fluctuations, property performance and other risks. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof.
For further information: Dr. Gene Shelp, President, Tel: (519) 836-6155, Fax: (519) 836-5683, E-mail: enpartechnologies@bellnet.ca, Web Site: www.enpar-tech.comhttp://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2008/21/c7945.html
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