A Nova Scotia company that is developing technology to recover heavy minerals and bitumen from waste tailings ponds created by oil sands operations in Alberta is continuing talks with potential strategic partners.
Titanium Corp. Inc. (TSX:V.TIC, Stock Forum) said it has attracted interest from international firms that would bring technical, marketing and financial resources to joint ventures.
Along with potential strategic partners, the Alberta government is in the process of developing fiscal programs relevant to the recovery of resources from oil sands waste streams, the company said in a quarterly update.
According to the press release, the company has been conducting an active government relations program and is encouraged by the interest and support. Royalty and other fiscal terms are needed for the development of a new minerals industry and associated recovery of bitumen lost in tailings.
"Our objective is to commercialize our froth treatment tailings solution, creating a new high-value minerals industry, recovering lost bitumen and solvents, and delivering sustainable environmental benefits for all stakeholders,” said Scott Nelson, President and CEO of Titanium. “We are encouraged by the progress we see underway by industry and government in support of that goal."
In addition, during the quarter, the company has been engaged with oil sands operators conducting business and engineering reviews. An external engineering review is underway for one of the oil sands operating sites. This engineering work involves site specific facilities location, infrastructure and review of the SNC-Lavalin prepared engineering cost estimates.
Furthermore, for another oil sands firm, the company has submitted a revised project proposal based on review and feedback related to an initial proposal.
The company continued to maintain a strong balance sheet with a cash position of $9.3 million at the end of the third quarter. Net loss decreased to $0.4 million for the three month period ended May 31, 2012 compared to a loss of $3.2 million for the three month period ended May 31, 2011.
Titanium is developing technology to recover heavy minerals and bitumen contained in the waste tailings streams from oil sands mining operations near Fort McMurray, Alberta.
On Friday, Titanium was up 29% and was trading for $0.85 a share. The company has a market cap of $ 55 million, based on 64.2 million shares outstanding. The 52-week high and low was $2.40 and $0.65 respectively.