Developed by Derek Fray in conjunction with the department of materials science and metallurgy at the University of Cambridge, the process converts verdete into a conventional potash product using heat and a mixture of salts. A patent was filed in December, covering the production of muriate of potash and sulphate of potash from the verdete.
Further details of the innovation are scarce, but the possibility of converting verdete into standard potash significantly increases the potential market, and could be a game-changer for the company. Kaiser also notes it could add significant value.
"The Thermopotash suggests a
$10 to $15 price target eventually," Kaiser says, "but the other stuff is the one that could take it to $50 or more." He notes that Verde belongs in a select category of companies looking at non-traditional sources of raw materials, by "using research and development, and out-of-the-box-type thinking."
Veloso says that if testing and development go well, there could be a scoping study out on the process by the end of the year. But the company’s near-term focus is very much on starting Thermopotash production.
"We are determined to get into production, and help Brazil address its issue with fertilizer imports," Veloso says. He has high praise for the company’s management team and board who are working to make it happen, and expresses a deep confidence in the company’s future.
"We will certainly become one of the most successful Brazilian fertilizer companies," he says. |
