September 1, 2024 – Big Blue Technologies has secured an exploratory lease on a dolomite deposit on private land in the state of Wyoming. Dolomite, a mixture of magnesium and calcium carbonate, is one of the raw materials that can be used in BBT’s smelting technology for the production of magnesium metal. Calcium is a key ingredient for the co-production of calcium aluminate, a value-add byproduct. Using this lease, BBT intends to perform core drillings and prepare a resource report to estimate the total reserves that could supply a commercial production plant.
Wyoming has made waves for its recently-discovered deposits related to other critical materials such as rare earths and uranium. Today, the state supplies over 70% of the bentonite used domestically in the U.S. Wyoming is also well-regarded as an energy state, supporting the nation’s renewable energy projects with over 3 gigawatts of wind power.
Historically, magnesium products were also mined in the state, setting a feasibility precedent for converting those magnesium ores into higher value products such as metal and calcium aluminate. Big Blue Technologies is honored to do business with the landowner and aims to return value from the deposit to the family and the state.