Scandium International Mining (TSX:SCY) has filed five patent applications regarding novel flowsheet designs for the recovery of scandium from its Nyngan Scandium project in Australia. One patent also relates to downstream product design.

As quoted in the press release, highlights from the patent application include:

These patent applications cover novel, unique flowsheet designs, applicable to scandium extraction, from scandiferous laterite resources,
The patented designs are largely supported by test work done with Nyngan project resource material and known design parameters,
The patents cover HPAL system material flows, solvent extraction systems (SX), ion exchange systems (IX), atmospheric tank and heap leaching systems and techniques, and processes for directly making select master alloys containing scandium,
The designs will be part of a definitive feasibility study, scheduled for 2015, and
The master alloy patent application uniquely integrates planned flowsheet design and downstream product development, either by SCY or with future customers.

Scandium International CEO, George Putnam, said:

These patent applications represent an important step in securing ownership and rights to the technical understanding of scandium recovery that we have invested in for several years. The filings will also allow us to work openly with an independent engineering firm to develop the best feasibility study product, and to configure the most efficient process flowsheet for our Nyngan Project, while maintaining control over our unique process designs.

Click here to read the Scandium International Mining (TSX:SCY) press release