Emerging mineral processing technology company, Zeotech Limited (ASX: ZEO) has been named as an industry partner in the successful Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing Trailblazer Programme, led by Curtin University.
The programme will be used to accelerate commercialisation of the company’s proprietary cleantech innovation for lithium process by-product, in conjunction with project partners, The University of Queensland (UQ) and Covalent Lithium Pty Limited.
The Trailblazer University Programme was announced in November 2021 and includes Federal Government funding of $242.7 million for select universities to boost prioritised research and development and drive commercialisation outcomes with industry partners.
In mid-April 2022, the Curtin-led Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing Trailblazer was named the first of Australia’s Trailblazer universities by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
The objective of Zeotech’s successful proposal is to progress the company’s proprietary cleantech innovation for lithium process by-product from current pilot plant phase through to commissioning and factory acceptance of a large-scale commercial demonstration plant, with technology readiness level (TRL) milestones set at each stage of development.
The Project’s indicative budget is $10.4 million, comprising a contribution from UQ as part of the University Trailblazer programme, together with cash, infrastructure, and in-kind contributions from project partners.
Inclusive of infrastructure expenditure committed by the company to date on existing pilot plant program and utilising the Commonwealth Government’s R&D tax incentive, Zeotech anticipates its remaining net cash contribution will be between 25-30% of the total Project budget.
Zeotech’s Managing Director Peter Zardo said the company is delighted to be a member of the successful Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing Trailblazer Programme led by Curtin University and values its collaboration with Covalent Lithium and The University of Queensland.
“The Trailblazer recognises the importance of managing all aspects of critical mineral processing and validates the commercial potential of Zeotech’s proprietary technology and the funding secured sets a clear path to commercialisation.”
