Argex's La Blache Titanium Dioxide Achieves Outstanding Brightness and Colour Results on the Cielab Colour Space
MONTREAL, July 20, 2011 /CNW/ --
MONTREAL, July 20, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - Argex Mining Inc. ('Argex') (TSXV: RGX) (FSE: ASV) (OTCBB: ARGEF) announced today preliminary brightness and colour results from samples
of its La Blache ilmenite titanium dioxide ore processed using the CTL
technology developed by Process Research Ortech (PRO). Test results on
samples of Argex's uncoated TiO(2) pigment compare favourably with results obtained on standard products
made by leading TiO(2) producers. Brightness ('L*') and colour ('a* and b*') measurements are
indicators of the effectiveness of the process technology employed in
removal of trace amounts of impurities. The outstanding brightness and
colour figures obtained on the Argex products indicate that the CTL
process is fully capable of producing high purity TiO(2) base products that are competitive with products made from traditional
TiO(2) manufacturing processes. Argex TiO(2) pigment samples tested achieved competitive L* average brightness
levels of 99.69 and 99.87. Better than competitive product average b*
values indicate that the CTL process is able to produce a clean base
TiO(2 )product.
These results, along with all other results reported below were obtained
using a BYK Spectro-Guide instrument (http://www.byk.com/en/instruments/color/solid-color.html) by PRO The La Blache titanium dioxide samples were produced from the
mini-plant at PRO's facility in Mississauga, Ontario, where La Blache
ore samples were crushed, leached, extracted using organic solvent
extraction, precipitated and calcined prior to analysis. The mini-plant
has been operational since February 14, 2011.
The Commission international de l'éclairage (CIE), or International
Commission on Illumination in English, known as CIELAB (CIE L* a* b*),
is the most complete colour instrument that describes colours visible
to the human eye and was created to serve as a device independent model
to be used as a reference.
'Argex's TiO(2 )pigment has achieved brightness results that are in line with or
superior to some of the major TiO(2) industry producers in testing to date', states Argex President and CEO
Roy Bonnell, 'Argex believes that our CTL technology is a highly
competitive process for extracting TiO(2) from ilmenite ore. Argex expects that the CTL process will be a low
cost and environmentally friendly process for producing high purity TiO(2 )products.'
CTL Agreement Expected To Be Finalized In The Near Term
On February 14, 2011, Argex announced it had signed a letter of intent
(LOI) with the principals of Canadian Titanium Ltd. (CTL) for the
purchase of up to a 50.1% interest in CTL. All parties to the LOI have
confirmed that it is their expectation that the definitive agreement
will be executed shortly on the same terms and conditions as previously
announced.
Additional information on the equipment used, and the CEILAB colour
space can be found at the links below, including detailed definition
'L*', 'a*' and 'b*'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lab_color_space
About Argex Mining Inc.
ARGEX MINING INC. is transitioning from a titanium, iron and vanadium
explorer to a development company with projects in Quebec, Canada. The
Company is committed to its strategic plan of rapidly advancing towards
profitable production at its 100% owned La Blache deposits located near
Baie-Comeau, Quebec. For additional information please visit our
website at www.argex.ca.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider
(as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange)
accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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Roy Bonnell, President and Chief Executive Officer
Argex Mining Inc.
514-788-8923
roy@argex.ca