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St-Georges Eco Mining: Leading the Charge in Battery Recycling and Sustainable Resource Recovery

Posted by Paul Nanuwa at 1:19 PM on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024


Introduction:

The landscape of battery recycling is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by global concerns over resource scarcity and environmental impact. A new initiative from the U.S. Department of Energy highlights the growing urgency to recycle critical materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt, as demand surges due to the rise in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy technologies. St-Georges Eco Mining, an emerging leader in battery recycling and environmental solutions, is poised to capitalize on this industry shift. Its recent advancements, including the operational launch of its Thorold facility, demonstrate a clear alignment with the evolving market trends and regulatory support for sustainable technologies.

Industry Outlook and St-Georges Eco Mining’s Trajectory:

The battery recycling industry is gaining momentum, with increasing governmental backing. The Department of Energy’s new $14 million initiative underscores the importance of reclaiming critical minerals from discarded batteries, helping to alleviate the pressure on raw material extraction and reduce environmental hazards. This shift presents a significant opportunity for companies like St-Georges Eco Mining, which is at the forefront of developing innovative recycling technologies. With its Thorold battery processing plant in Ontario, St-Georges is strategically positioned to contribute to the circular economy, transforming waste into valuable resources.

Voices of Authority:

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm emphasized the necessity of battery recycling in securing critical materials domestically, stating: “We want to be able to create multiple ways for us to access those critical materials in the United States, and recycling is one component of that.” This sentiment resonates with St-Georges Eco Mining’s mission, which is rooted in creating sustainable solutions for the mining and recycling sectors. Similarly, MIT’s Martin Bazant advocates for increased recovery efforts, saying, “We have to be able to recycle them,” reinforcing the urgent need for infrastructure and innovation in this space—areas where St-Georges is actively making strides.


St-Georges Eco Mining’s Highlights:

St-Georges Eco Mining’s Thorold facility is a landmark achievement, showcasing the company’s capability to process over an incredible 4,200 tons of alkaline batteries annually. The company’s partnership with Call2Recycle further strengthens its position in the industry, enabling it to address Ontario’s growing battery recycling needs while reducing carbon emissions.

The facility which is located in the beautiful region of Niagara Falls, achieved an impressive recycling efficiency rate (RER) of 87.7%, which is the highest in Canada for single-use batteries.

Call2Recycle has seen a 21% growth in battery collection since 2023, with Ontario contributing 40% of the volumes. Operating under rigorous environmental and safety standards ensures that its recycling processes are safe, efficient, and compliant with the highest industry standards. This has helped Call2Recycle maintain trusted relationships and expand its network of over 12,000 collection locations across North America.


Beyond The Battery:

St-Georges is not just focused on recycling; it’s also innovating by turning recovered materials into useful products, such as agricultural fertilizers, showcasing its commitment to a holistic circular economy model.

St-Georges plans to collaborate with its subsidiary, St-Georges Metallurgy (SXM), to develop agricultural fertilizers from components of the black mass. The specific elements in the black mass, such as certain metal salts, can be repurposed into nutrient-rich fertilizers that are beneficial for agriculture.

Developing products from black mass not only reduces waste but also creates additional revenue streams for the company, making the recycling process more economically viable.

Real-world Relevance:

For the average consumer, battery recycling might seem like a distant concept, but its impact is profound. Every discarded phone or laptop that ends up in a landfill represents a lost opportunity to recover valuable materials that are essential for the technologies driving the green energy revolution. St-Georges Eco Mining’s work ensures that these materials can be reused, reducing the need for environmentally damaging mining operations. Just as recycling a plastic bottle can lead to a new product, St-Georges is giving new life to the metals found in batteries, contributing to both environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

Looking Ahead with St-Georges Eco Mining:

As battery demand increases, particularly with the rise of EVs, the need for robust recycling solutions will only grow. St-Georges Eco Mining is already scaling its operations to meet this demand, with plans to enhance its recycling processes and expand its capacity. By aligning its goals with the industry’s shift toward sustainability, the company is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the future of resource recovery. The company’s focus on refining its multi-chemistry recycling lines and integrating metallurgical technologies puts it ahead of the curve, anticipating the complexities of future battery recycling needs.


Conclusion:

St-Georges Eco Mining is a key player in the growing battery recycling industry, equipped with cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships that position it for long-term success. As the global push for sustainable solutions intensifies, the company’s achievements underscore its value proposition for investors looking to align with environmental and economic trends. With a clear vision and proven capabilities, St-Georges Eco Mining stands ready to power the next phase of the green energy revolution.

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Vertical Exploration $VERT.ca Retains WSP Canada Inc. To Assist With St-Onge Wollastonite Quarry Permitting Application $TORR.ca $FA.ca $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 12:48 PM on Thursday, June 18th, 2020
  • Retained WSP Canada Inc. (WSP) to assist Vertical with its quarry permitting application.
  • Vertical’s operations partner, Magnor Exploration Inc., will work with WSP to support the preparation, drafting and submission of the full quarry permitting request

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 18, 2020 / VERTICAL EXPLORATION INC. (TSX-V:VERT) (“Vertical”or “the Company”) is pleased to announce it has retained the services of WSP Canada Inc. (WSP) to assist Vertical with its quarry permitting application to the Government of Quebec for its St-Onge Wollastonite project located in the Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec.

Vertical’s operations partner, Magnor Exploration Inc., will work with WSP to support the preparation, drafting and submission of the full quarry permitting request, including an application under Section 22 of the Environmental Quality Act for a Certificate of Authorization (CA) from the Quebec Ministry of Environment and Fight against Climate Change (MELCC) as well as a request for a BEX (Bail d’Exploitation Miniere Permit) from the Quebec Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MERN).

WSP Canada Inc. is part of WSP Global Inc., which is one of the world’s leading professional services firms providing engineering and design services to clients in the transportation and infrastructure, property and buildings, environment, power and energy, resources, and industry sectors, as well as offering strategic advisory services. WSP Global Inc. has approximately 49,000 employees working in 500 offices across the globe.

Vertical is very pleased to have retained such a prominent professional services firm to support its quarry permitting application for St-Onge and looks forward to providing further updates on the permitting application in the near future.

Vertical advises that the production decision on the St-Onge deposit was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves, demonstrating economic and technical viability, and as a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially minable deposit. Historically, such projects have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure. There is no guarantee that production will occur as anticipated or that anticipated production costs will be achieved.

ABOUT VERTICAL EXPLORATION

Vertical Exploration’s mission is to identify, acquire, and advance high potential mining prospects located in North America for the benefit of its stakeholders. The Company’s flagship St-Onge Wollastonite property is located in the Lac-Saint-Jean area in the Province of Quebec.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Peter P. Swistak, President/CEO

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Telephone: 1-604-683-3995
Toll Free: 1-888-945-4770

Vertical Announces Wollastonite Trial in Organic Crop $TORR.ca $FA.ca $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 8:12 AM on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020
  • Agrinova Research and Development is helping develop the agricultural applications of their Wollastonite Deposit
  • Physicochemical properties of Wollastonite have shown beneficial results for agriculture and forestry
  • The safety of the product for agriculture has been demonstrated and various potential markets have been targeted

VERTICAL EXPLORATION INC. (TSXV:VERT) (“Vertical” or “the Company”) In 2018, Vertical Exploration inc. called upon the expertise of Agrinova Research and Development to carry out a project aimed at developing the agricultural applications of their wollastonite deposit located in Saint-Ludger-de-Milot in Lac-Saint-Jean.

As the physicochemical properties of wollastonite have shown beneficial results for agriculture and forestry, the safety of the product for agriculture has been demonstrated and various potential markets have been targeted.

The application of wollastonite has significant potential to be used, especially in organic farming, to improve the response of many cultures to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this sense, Agrinova, through its Nordic Field Crop Innovation Group, will undertake, in spring 2020, a trial of the application of wollastonite in organic cereals. This test will be carried out with material from the deposit and according to a rigorous experimental system installed on a farm in the Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean region. The test aims to establish a dose-response of the product in relation to the grain yield and to observe, if applicable, the attenuation of the effects relating to stress. For more information regarding the Agrinova report please refer to our press release dated May 14th, 2019.

ABOUT AGRINOVA

AGRINOVA (www.agrinova.qc.ca), the Center for Research and Innovation in Agriculture, is a Technology Access Centre located in Alma, Quebec that provides technical help and services to farmers and agricultural companies throughout the province in order to help them access new technologies and assist them with the adoption of innovative new technologies and practices.

ABOUT VERTICAL EXPLORATION

Vertical Exploration’s mission is to identify, acquire, and advance high potential mining prospects located in North America for the benefit of its stakeholders. The Company’s flagship St-Onge Wollastonite property is located in the Lac-Saint-Jean area in the Province of Quebec.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Peter P. Swistak, President

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Telephone: 1-604-785-5513

CLIENT FEATURE: Vertical Exploration $VERT.ca Partners with AREV Brands to Distribute Wollastonite to the Cannabis and Hemp Industries $TORR.ca $FA.ca $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 11:13 PM on Thursday, March 12th, 2020

Vertical Exploration is developing its St. Onge Wollastonite as a soil additive for optimizing marijuana growth. Recently engaged AGRINOVA’s Phase 1 Reseach program also demonstrated Wollastonite can potentially become BNQ certified for agricultural use in Quebec. Recently signed distribution agreement with AREV Brands International to Supply St-Onge Wollastonite to the Cannabis and Hemp Industries. Click Here for More Info.

  • Definitive distribution agreement to partner on the sale of Vertical’s wollastonite from its world-class St-Onge Deposit in place.
  • Supplying the fast growing cannabis and hemp industries.
  • Vertical’s high quality Wollastonite has been shown to be beneficial to cannabis plants in a variety of ways
  • In every case the most optimal results occurred with an admixture rate of 10% to 15% wollastonite to the growth medium.
  • The high-grade St-Onge Wollastonite deposit has pit-constrained mineral resources of: 7,155,000 tonnes Measured@ 36.20% Wollastonite & 6,926,000 tonnes Indicated@ 37.04%
  • B.C. Buds Testing Confirmed Wollastonite is critical to marijuana growers
  • Engaged AGRINOVA over the past year to conduct research and testing of Vertical’s St-Onge wollastonite on a range of important agricultural end uses.

WOLLASTONITE

  • St-Onge-Wollastonite Deposit located approximately 90 kilometres Northwest of the city of Saguenay, in St-Onge township, in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec, Canada.
  • Wollastonite is a calcium inosilicate mineral that may contain small amounts of ironmagnesium, and manganese substituting for calcium
  • Research and testing in the Phase 1 program for use in cannabis growth was managed and monitored by AGRINOVA, a highly-regarded Center for Research and Innovation in Agriculture in Quebec

St-Onge-Wollastonite Deposit:

HUB on Agoracom

FULL DISCLOSURE: Vertical Exploration is an advertising client of AGORA Internet Relations Corp.

Vertical Exploration $Vert.ca and Wollammo Enjoy Highly Successful BC Home and Garden Show $TORR.ca $FA.ca $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 8:45 AM on Thursday, February 27th, 2020
  • The Wollammo product consists of 100% St-Onge Wollastonite
  • A premium grade natural Wollastonite mineral product that helps to increase plant available silicon, calcium and magnesium in soils and enhance plant stress tolerance, increase yields and improve pest management for a variety of agricultural crops.

VERTICAL EXPLORATION INC. (TSXV:VERT) (“Vertical”or “the Company”) is pleased to provide an update regarding its recent, highly encouraging, test marketing and customer awareness efforts for the Company’s high-quality St-Onge Wollastonite.

Vertical’s distribution partner, Wollammo Distribution Inc. (Wollammo), received significant positive interest in its Wollammo product at the 2020 BC Home and Garden Show that took place at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver from February 19th – 23rd. The Wollammo product, which consists of 100% St-Onge Wollastonite, is a premium grade natural Wollastonite mineral product that helps to increase plant available silicon, calcium and magnesium in soils and enhance plant stress tolerance, increase yields and improve pest management for a variety of agricultural crops.

The prestigious BC Home and Garden Show has been a staple in British Columbia consumers’ calendars since 1971, attracting more than 50,000 plus qualified visitors each year which makes it one of the largest home and garden shows in the province. The 2020 Show featured high-interest exhibits, high-profile industry personalities and the latest home, garden and lifestyle trends. The Wollammo Distribution team was one of over 400 exhibitors, hosting a high profile vendor booth at the event.

Throughout the five day Show, the Wollammo team received an excellent response from event patrons for the St-Onge based Wollammo product – the team provided over 3800 test market Wollammo packaged samples to interested home, garden and larger agricultural customers which far exceeded its initial estimate of 2000 samples for the entire event. Thousands more consumers also visited the booth to specifically touch, feel and find out more about the Wollammo product and its valuable agricultural uses.

Matt Harvey, Director of Wollammo Distribution Inc., commented: “My team and I were simply overwhelmed by the positive response we received at the BC Home and Garden show regarding our premium Wollammo product. The people and businesses that visited our booth were very eager to learn about all the numerous plant health benefits of the natural calcium-silicate rich St-Onge Wollastonite. The Wollammo test market samples literally flew off our display shelves – we now have hundreds of new customers and enquiries to follow-up on in the days and weeks ahead, including a large range of agricultural companies and wholesale businesses that want to further test and potentially purchase our Wollammo product as soon as possible.”

Peter P. Swistak, President/CEO of Vertical Exploration Inc., also commented: “I was personally at the Show, working alongside Matt and his excellent team, to help provide up to date information about our premium St-Onge Wollastonite to the thousands of interested people and also the retail and wholesale businesses that visited our booth. The BC Home and Garden Show has been an unqualified success for our Company and the Wollammo brand, and it bodes extremely well for our plans to move quickly ahead with our Quebec quarry permitting process and on to future sales to a wide range of agricultural and cannabis customers following that.”

Vertical anticipates providing further updates regarding the numerous test market opportunities and partnerships, that both the Company and its Wollammo Distribution partner are currently following up on, that have arisen as a result of attending the 2020 BC Home and Garden Show in Vancouver.

ABOUT VERTICAL EXPLORATION

Vertical Exploration’s mission is to identify, acquire, and advance high potential mining prospects located in North America for the benefit of its stakeholders. The Company’s flagship St-Onge Wollastonite property is located in the Lac-Saint-Jean area in the Province of Quebec.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Peter P. Swistak, President/CEO

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Telephone: 1-604-683-3995
Toll Free: 1-888-945-4770

Vertical Exploration $Vert.ca Moves Forward to Register its St-Onge Wollastonite as an Approved Supplement for the Canadian Agricultural and Cannabis Industries $TORR.ca $FA.ca $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 8:28 AM on Tuesday, February 11th, 2020

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 11, 2020 / VERTICAL EXPLORATION INC. (TSXV:VERT) (“Vertical” or “the Company”) is pleased to provide an update regarding registration of its high-quality St-Onge Wollastonite for use as an approved supplement for both the Canadian agricultural and cannabis/hemp industries.

Vertical and its distribution partner, Wollammo Distribution Inc. (Wollammo), have moved forward to seek registration of Vertical’s St-Onge Wollastonite as a Supplement under the Fertilizer Act established by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Vertical and Wollammo have engaged Ms. Niki Nickel, Compliance Manager, QA, to help the companies move forward with the registration process in an expedited fashion, given the importance and market appeal that this registration will bring to Vertical and Wollammo.

Ms. Nickel has recently reviewed Wollammo’s compliance data documents and believes the Wollammo product, which consists of 100% St-Onge Wollastonite, meets the criteria for registration as a Supplement under the Canadian Fertilizer Act established by CFIA and the Safe Foods for Canada Act SOR 2018-108. Subsequently, a letter of intent will be filed as soon as possible for Vertical’s Wollastonite in the form of a Pre-Market Application Submission (PASO) at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Wollammo’s compliance data shows that the St-Onge Wollastonite improves soil structure, supports plant growth and improves crop yields which are characteristics defined by CFIA as supplements under the Canadian Fertilizers Act and Regulations. Agriculture Canada Standards have been consolidated into the Safe Foods for Canada Act SOR 2018-108, which also includes related and consequential amendments to Section 88 of the Fertilizer Act and to Section 103 of the CFIA Act. Supplements registered under CFIA are therefore included in the Safe Foods for Canada Act, and can be used for Farm, Lawn and Garden uses.

Ms. Nickel, who has completed registrations in more than 60 Countries and U.S. States (including CFIA registration, REACH, and EPA in the U.S. States) and has also worked with several specialty fertilizer companies to complete label revisions and registration, states that “”I’m excited to help Wollammo move ahead with registration as a supplement with CFIA.”

Peter P. Swistak, President/CEO of Vertical Exploration Inc., commented: “I’m thrilled that, with the strong support of our distribution partner Wollammo, we have been able to move ahead so quickly to seek registration for Vertical’s Wollastonite under both the Agriculture Canada Standards Safe Foods for Canada Act SOR 2018-108 and the Canadian Fertilizer Act established by CFIA. Approval under these important Acts will pave the way for significant market awareness and future sales of our St-Onge Wollastonite, and also help provide verification that the Wollammo Wollastonite product has the highly sought after characteristics that agriculture and cannabis/hemp growers alike are looking for in a premium supplement.”

Vertical will provide a further update as soon as the registration process has been completed.

ABOUT VERTICAL EXPLORATION

Vertical Exploration’s mission is to identify, acquire, and advance high potential mining prospects located in North America for the benefit of its stakeholders. The Company’s flagship St-Onge Wollastonite property is located in the Lac-Saint-Jean area in the Province of Quebec.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Peter P. Swistak, President/CEO

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Telephone: 1-604-683-3995
Toll Free: 1-888-945-4770

CLIENT FEATURE: Vertical Exploration $VERT.ca Partners with AREV Brands to Distribute Wollastonite to the Cannabis and Hemp Industries $TORR.ca $FA.ca $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 4:06 PM on Tuesday, February 4th, 2020

Vertical Exploration is developing its St. Onge Wollastonite as a soil additive for optimizing marijuana growth. Recently engaged AGRINOVA’s Phase 1 Reseach program also demonstrated Wollastonite can potentially become BNQ certified for agricultural use in Quebec. Recently signed distribution agreement with AREV Brands International to Supply St-Onge Wollastonite to the Cannabis and Hemp Industries. Click Here for More Info.

  • Definitive distribution agreement to partner on the sale of Vertical’s wollastonite from its world-class St-Onge Deposit in place.
  • Supplying the fast growing cannabis and hemp industries.
  • Vertical’s high quality Wollastonite has been shown to be beneficial to cannabis plants in a variety of ways
  • In every case the most optimal results occurred with an admixture rate of 10% to 15% wollastonite to the growth medium.
  • The high-grade St-Onge Wollastonite deposit has pit-constrained mineral resources of: 7,155,000 tonnes Measured@ 36.20% Wollastonite & 6,926,000 tonnes Indicated@ 37.04%
  • B.C. Buds Testing Confirmed Wollastonite is critical to marijuana growers
  • Engaged AGRINOVA over the past year to conduct research and testing of Vertical’s St-Onge wollastonite on a range of important agricultural end uses.

WOLLASTONITE

  • St-Onge-Wollastonite Deposit located approximately 90 kilometres Northwest of the city of Saguenay, in St-Onge township, in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec, Canada.
  • Wollastonite is a calcium inosilicate mineral that may contain small amounts of ironmagnesium, and manganese substituting for calcium
  • Research and testing in the Phase 1 program for use in cannabis growth was managed and monitored by AGRINOVA, a highly-regarded Center for Research and Innovation in Agriculture in Quebec

St-Onge-Wollastonite Deposit:

HUB on Agoracom

FULL DISCLOSURE: Vertical Exploration is an advertising client of AGORA Internet Relations Corp.

Imerys Closure of Wollastonite Mine a Supply and Demand Opportunity for Vertical Exploration’s St. Onge Deposit SPONSOR: Vertical Exploration $VERT.ca $TORR.ca $FA.ca $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 2:17 PM on Thursday, January 30th, 2020
http://blog.agoracom.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/VERT-square-logo.png

SPONSOR: Vertical Exploration is developing its St. Onge Wollastonite as a soil additive for optimizing marijuana growth. Recently engaged AGRINOVA’s Phase 1 Reseach program also demonstrated Wollastonite can potentially become BNQ certified for agricultural use in Quebec. Recently signed distribution agreement with AREV Brands International to Supply St-Onge Wollastonite to the Cannabis and Hemp Industries. Click Here for More Info.

The former NYCO Minerals wollastonite mine. Photo by Carl Heilman II.

The Imerys ore processing operation in Willsboro is closed until further notice for cleaning of asbestos that has contaminated its wollastonite products.

A representative of union workers at the plant said the plant shutdown is temporary, and a plant spokesman preferred to call it a suspension of work.

The France-based Imerys, which acquired the former NYCO Minerals mining and processing operations in 2016, learned of the problem this summer from a customer. The closure brings the latest round of job uncertainties for a mine that New York voters in 2013 agreed to support by amending the state constitution to allow an Adirondack land swap that has yet to happen.

“A third party told them about asbestos. It’s in the ore,” said Ray Bettis, a representative of the United Auto Workers, the union for about 40 workers at the processing operation in Willsboro.

He said the entire workforce was called into a meeting on Wednesday afternoon. Many were relieved that the announcement was not that the plant was closing altogether, Bettis said.

Ryan Toohey, a spokesman for the company, confirmed the contamination problem and said the company intends to reopen for business. He emphasized the plant’s difficulties are not related to the bankruptcy protection sought on Wednesday by Imerys Talc America.

The Chapter 11 bankruptcy announcement was related to lawsuits alleging that the Imerys Talc subsidiaries are liable for products that have caused ovarian cancer and asbestos-related mesothelioma.

Wollastonite is a mineral used in ceramics, paints, plastics and auto-body parts.

In Essex County, the plant closure also worried workers because of repeated statements by company officials that sales of wollastonite at Willsboro, mined by Imerys in nearby Lewis, have been weak.

The plant has been closed since its third shift on Tuesday. The workers are being paid during the closure, Bettis said, and many will return on Monday to clean the premises. They will wear masks, he said.

Tests revealed trace levels of asbestos, and only in some products, the company said, and no contamination in the plant’s air. Toohey issued a statement that said Imerys has no reason to believe the wollastonite or the products sold  are unsafe for handling and use.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are temporarily suspending production and are working to identify the earliest possible date to resume production with ore that meets our standards,” the company said. “We remain committed to producing high-quality wollastonite in Willsboro.”

The company, which has cut staff and farmed out some work in the past few years, has 59 employees. It had employed more than 100 six years ago.

It will be throwing out tons of ore and product from the past 12 months. When workers clean the plants in Willsboro they will be wearing enhanced safety gear because of expected dusty conditions.

Mark Buckley, a former administrator at the plant who served as its safety and health director, said an asbestos contamination issue arose about 16 years ago when a customer discovered the problem. At that time, the company closed for a few days of cleaning and investigation. Workers needed to be fitted for masks for protection then. The root of the asbestos was a rock formation adjoining the ore mine, he said.

The new issue surfaced amid inspections by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration, which sends inspectors into the plant at least twice a year. Already, the plant has received 33 citations for violations this year, according the MSHA web site. An MSHA spokesman was unavailable.

The plant  has a long history as a major employer for mining and plant processing jobs in the Adirondack hamlets of Lewis and Willsboro, though Imerys has discontinued its mining employment and contracts the work to a Vermont excavator.

The plant also received the uncommon opportunity from New York voters to swap state forest preserve land for the rights to mine wollastonite in an area of Lewis known as Lot 8. Imerys has yet to take advantage of that opportunity, granted after heavy lobbying from the former owners who said they needed Lot 8 to preserve jobs. Voters approved a trade of 200 acres in the Jay Mountain Wilderness for lands of equal or greater value.

John Brodt, a spokesman for the Imerys mining division, said Imerys intends to continue testing the ore at Lot 8. Imerys wants to capitalize on the mining opportunity extended by voters in 2013, he said.

An application, submitted late last year, is pending before the state Department of Environmental Conservation to conduct horizontal drilling from the company’s land adjacent to Lot 8, he said. The goal is to add to previously collected test data before determining the value of Lot 8.

If the company and the state arrive at a land swap deal, the Lot 8 acquisition could happen in 2022, Brodt said.

SOURCE: https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/stories/asbestos-contamination-closes-adirondack-mine

Vertical $VERT.ca Announces Financing $TORR.ca $FA.ca $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 2:34 PM on Friday, January 24th, 2020

VANCOUVER, BC / January 24, 2020 / VERTICAL EXPLORATION INC. (TSXV:VERT) (“Vertical” or “the Company”) announces that it has arranged a non-brokered private placement of up to 26 million units (“Units”) at a price of $0.05 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,300,000.00 (the “Offering”).

Each unit will be comprised of one common share (“Share”) and one-half of one transferable Share purchase warrant of the Company (“Warrant”). Each full Warrant will entitle the Subscriber to purchase one Warrant Share for a 24-month period after the Closing Date at an exercise price of $0.07 per share. Proceeds raised from the Offering will be used to advance the Company’s St. Onge project in Quebec, for general working capital and unallocated funds as per Tier 2 status requirements.

Finders’ fees may be payable on the private placement, subject to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

This offering is subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance.

ABOUT VERTICAL EXPLORATION

Vertical Exploration’s mission is to identify, acquire, and advance high potential mining prospects located in North America for the benefit of its stakeholders. The Company’s flagship St-Onge Wollastonite property is located in the Lac-Saint-Jean area in the Province of Quebec.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Peter P. Swistak, President

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Telephone: 1-604-683-3995 Toll Free: 1-888-945-4770

CLIENT FEATURE: Vertical Exploration $VERT.ca Partners with AREV Brands to Distribute Wollastonite to the Cannabis and Hemp Industries $TORR.ca $FA.ca $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $TRST.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 7:38 PM on Friday, January 10th, 2020
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  • Definitive distribution agreement to partner on the sale of Vertical’s wollastonite from its world-class St-Onge Deposit in place.
  • Supplying the fast growing cannabis and hemp industries.
  • Vertical’s high quality Wollastonite has been shown to be beneficial to cannabis plants in a variety of ways
  • In every case the most optimal results occurred with an admixture rate of 10% to 15% wollastonite to the growth medium.
  • The high-grade St-Onge Wollastonite deposit has pit-constrained mineral resources of: 7,155,000 tonnes Measured@ 36.20% Wollastonite & 6,926,000 tonnes Indicated@ 37.04%
  • B.C. Buds Testing Confirmed Wollastonite is critical to marijuana growers
  • Engaged AGRINOVA over the past year to conduct research and testing of Vertical’s St-Onge wollastonite on a range of important agricultural end uses.

WOLLASTONITE

  • St-Onge-Wollastonite Deposit located approximately 90 kilometres Northwest of the city of Saguenay, in St-Onge township, in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec, Canada.
  • Wollastonite is a calcium inosilicate mineral that may contain small amounts of ironmagnesium, and manganese substituting for calcium
  • Research and testing in the Phase 1 program for use in cannabis growth was managed and monitored by AGRINOVA, a highly-regarded Center for Research and Innovation in Agriculture in Quebec

St-Onge-Wollastonite Deposit:

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