Technical Paper on American Manganese's Proprietary Process Accepted for Publication in SME's Minerals and Metallurgical Processing Journal
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 08/23/11 -- Larry W. Reaugh, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Manganese Inc., (TSX VENTURE: AMY)(PINK SHEETS: AMYZF)(FRANKFURT: 2AM) ('American Manganese' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce the detailed technical paper 'New Developments in the Recovery of Manganese from Lower Grade Resources' has been reviewed and accepted for publication in the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration's (SME) prestigious Minerals and Metallurgical Processing Journal (February 2012 Industrial Minerals Special Issue).
The paper which was presented at SME's Denver meeting March 2, 2011 shows details of mass and energy balances for the complete process with specific references to the significant reductions in energy use and environmental impact achieved when compared with existing conventional technology used to produce high grade electrolytic manganese from resources which are an order of magnitude higher in manganese.
The conceptual process has passed scrutiny by experts on the peer review panel and has now advanced to pilot plant stage confirmation.
The paper is a joint effort by Kemetco Research Inc. and American Manganese Inc. The proprietary technology is subject to U.S. and PCT patent applications. American Manganese continues to pursue efforts to progress the development to commercial operations thru continuing work contracted to Kemetco Research Inc.
About Manganese
China controls electrolytic manganese production (EMM) supplying and producing 98.44% of the world's needs (3.0 billion pounds per year).
There is no substitute for manganese in steel (total manganese market greater than 31 billion pounds per year, fourth largest traded metal).
Manganese is the most critical metal at risk to supply and restriction in the United States as there is no US production. EMM's greatest uses are the upgrading of specialty steel (47%), and the manufacture of aluminum alloys (32%) and electronics (14%).
Electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) for the battery industry is expected to be the fastest growing segment of the manganese market.
China has a 20% export duty on EMM and the US has a 14% import duty; (US Price $1.81/lb) the current world price for Electrolytic Manganese Metal is about $1.54/lb. Manganese resources are declining in China especially carbonate ores for production of EMM, forcing Chinese companies to seek production offshore.
China is currently shutting down production of EMM in several provinces for environmental reasons.
China production of EMM predicted to fall 500 - 700,000 T's out of 1.4 million T's in next 3 - 5 years.
About American Manganese Inc.:
American Manganese Inc. is a diversified specialty and critical metal company focusing on potentially becoming the lowest cost producer of electrolytic manganese from its Arizona Manganese Project. The Company is well financed ($7 million) to execute its contemplated work programs.
This release has been reviewed by John W. Fisher, P. Eng., a qualified person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101.
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