American Manganese Engages Kemetco for Research on Lithium Manganese Oxide Battery Technology
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 04/07/11 -- Mr. Larry Reaugh, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Manganese Inc. (TSX VENTURE: AMY)(PINK SHEETS: AMYZF) ('American Manganese' or the 'Company'), is pleased to announce it has expanded the scope of Kemetco Research Inc.'s work to include 'Proof of Concept' testing for the manufacture of Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4 ('LMD') powder. The mineral resource at American Manganese's Artillery Peak property will be the source of the manganese component recovered by the Company's patent pending process, which is progressing, on schedule, through pilot plant development. Manganese content of the LiMn2O4 compound is 61% by weight. The focus of the battery industry on Lithiated Manganese Oxide batteries is a result of the very low cost to produce and the high power output, thermal stability and enhanced safety in comparison with other lithium ion battery types. The rapid growth in battery developments is dramatic. Work at the University of Illinois has achieved an advanced prototype battery, using Lithiated Manganese that can be recharged in as little as 2 minutes (equivalent to filling a gas tank). The Company's expanded scope of work with Kemetco represents an important expansion of its business model to include more high value products which are electrolytic manganese metal (EMM); electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD); and LMD. The process to make lithium manganese oxide powder would take, as its basis, high purity manganese carbonate, an intermediate compound in the Company's patent pending process for electrowinning EMM.
'The Company is positioned to take a leading role in providing products to the emerging rechargeable battery market,' says Mr. Reaugh. 'The manganese extraction process is well suited to produce any or all of the high value added manganese products including LMD. LMD is quoted at $30 to $60 US/kilogram FOB China. Artillery Peak's NI 43-101 Resources are Indicated 6.686 Billion pounds and Inferred 8.881 Billion pounds manganese.'
About Kemetco Research:
Kemetco Research is a privately owned contract research and development company specializing in extractive metallurgy, chemical processing and specialty chemical analysis. Kemetco was formed after the acquisition of the industrial process division of B.C. Research. B.C. Research had been in operation for over 60 years as a research and development contractor in British Columbia, Canada.
About American Manganese Inc:
American Manganese Inc. is a diversified specialty and critical metal Company focusing on potentially becoming the lowest cost producer of high value electrolytic manganese products from its Arizona Manganese Project.
On behalf of Management
AMERICAN MANGANESE INC.
Larry W. Reaugh, President and Chief Executive Officer
This news release may contain certain 'Forward-Looking Statements' within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time with the TSX-Venture Exchange, the British Columbia Securities Commission and the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
The TSX-Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
American Manganese Inc.
Larry W. Reaugh
President and Chief Executive Officer
604-531-9639
604-531-9634 (FAX)
www.americanmanganeseinc.com