July 15, 2024 – Big Blue Technologies is pleased to announce the successful demonstration of magnesium metal and calcium aluminate co-production. Calcium aluminate is a specialty cement and chemical agent for a variety of construction and industrial operations such as steel production and waster treatment. At BBT’s pilot facility in Cheyenne, Wyoming, initial tests resulted in over 100 kg of magnesium metal and over 300 kg of calcium aluminate. Continued testing will target over 1 ton of each material, ready for use by customers.
This achievement doubles down on BBT’s technical effort to increase the cost-competitive basis of its aluminothermic process technology. Previously, BBT had demonstrated the successful co-production of magnesium aluminate spinel, and worked with industry partners to fine tune the product characteristics for marketability. Magnesium aluminate spinel is a high value refractory used for high temperature industrial operations and has remarkable chemical and thermal properties for harsh environments.
Similarly, BBT now has the capability to co-produce calcium aluminate, whose total market value and volume is substantially higher than its spinel cousin. Both of these configurations rely on BBT’s core innovations on smelting and the capture of magnesium metal from the smelter. Moving forward, BBT is committed to the design and construction of its commercial demonstration plant, currently planned for 2,000 tons per year of Mg metal and 6,000 tons per year of calcium aluminate.
