12 Nov 2009 11:40
For immediate release:
SIRIUS EXPLORATION Plc - AIM:SXX, OTC:SRUXY
("Sirius" or "the Company")
Sirius Launches new Carbon Capture Research Initiative
Sirius Exploration Plc (AIM: SXX, OTC: SRUXY), the diversified mining and exploration holding company focused on salt and potash deposits in North America and Australia, is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Bicarb Sequestration Pty, has commissioned UniQuest Pty Limited, the contract research arm of The University of Queensland, to conduct formal research into the concept of using land-bound salt beds as a medium for sequestering CO2 as solid carbonates/bicarbonates underground. This research activity is an integral part of the Company's ongoing efforts to identify second generation commercial applications for its properties that can be deployed concurrently or after the mining activity has concluded.
Whilst the concept of using salt as a medium to convert harmful CO2 emissions into inert carbonates is already established, to date the work in this area has been focussed on off-shore installations using sea water as the prime medium by major oil companies.
Under the programme of research to be conducted on behalf of Bicarb Sequestration Pty, UniQuest will initially carry out a six month proof of concept to establish the principle of using a solution mining based process to enable CO2 to be converted into carbonates/bicarbonates (mostly NaH CO3) and then stored underground. Should the initial research prove successful, UniQuest will then carry out further programmes to establish the optimum operating conditions and optimum process equipment to allow a preliminary design for a pilot plant to be created and initial economic analysis conducted.
Richard Poulden, Chairman of Sirius, commented:
"We are optimistic that the approach being proposed by our Bicarb Sequestration division will be able to overcome the issues previously encountered when research teams have looked into the possibilities of converting CO2 into carbonates in an onshore environment. As such, this programme forms part of Sirius's ongoing research activity to identify second generation commercial applications for our properties that can be deployed concurrently or after the mining activity has concluded. Indeed, we firmly believe that we have the opportunity to identify new approaches that can complement those that have already been proven for using salt beds and caverns as mediums for serving the green energy agenda. We are keen to obtain key intellectual property in these new areas to complement our mining activity and this project forms part of those efforts."
-ENDS-
About Sirius Sirius is quoted on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in London and its shares are also traded in North America through the use of an ADR facility. Sirius currently has interests in potash and salt caverns through its subsidiaries Dakota Salts LLC, AusPotash Limited, Adavale Holdings Pty Ltd and Derby Salt Pty Ltd. It also has copper and gold interests in Macedonia and an iron ore interest through its equity position in a CIC Mining Resources Ltd vehicle. For more information, visit www.siriusexploration.com
Further Information:
gth media relations
Toby Hall Tel: +44 (0)20 7153 8039
Christian Pickel Tel: +44 (0)20 7153 8036
Sirius Minerals (SXX)