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Copyright Group 11 Technologies Inc. | Made By Longhouse Media
When most people think of mining they think of massive open pits or deep and winding underground tunnels. But there is one mining method that does not move a rock and leaves the landscape as is. Group 11 offers a unique combination of In Place Mineral Extraction with a method called In-Situ Recovery (“ISR”) and an environmentally safe solution, water-based and only includes ingredients approved by the FDA for human consumption.
ISR is an environmentally friendly process by which gold can be extracted from the ground with minimal disturbance to the surface environment. ISR mining has a long history, starting with uranium mining in the 1960s. Arizona also has a positive track record for ISR permitting. For example, the San Manuel copper mine, owned by BHP Billiton, was a successful operation that integrated ISR methods with open pit and underground mining and produced approximately 3.25 billion pounds of copper in 14 years of production.
Until now, there was no leach solution or lixiviant that could dissolve gold in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. The recent introduction of Envirometal’s proprietary eco-friendly and safe process has only now opened the door to the advanced research of the in-situ recovery of gold from underground deposits.
Like many stories about innovation and technological development, Group 11 brings together people with a vision and entrepreneurial skills who chose to do things a different way, challenging conventional ways and thought. The Group 11 team identified an opportunity to revolutionize the mining industry by mitigating the environmental footprint associated with conventional methods, in turn increasing the value proposition for local stakeholders, while also redefining the economic parameters for many mineral deposits.
In 2016, Golden Predator Mining Corp. (now Sabre Gold) built the 1st Yukon-based pilot processing plant to process gold mineralization using cyanide-free recovery methods locally. The initial test processing plant utilized a relatively simple gravity and water closed circuit that recovered over 85% of contained gold. Concentrate #1 was poured into a dore bar and the remaining high-grade sulphide concentrate averaging approximately 3,000 gpt gold was unable to be recovered with gravity and water and was sent for direct shipment to a smelter.
In order to further the cyanide-free testwork and recover the remaining gold onsite, Golden Predator (now Sabre Gold) began working with Envirometal Technologies Inc. and ran a series of lab tests utilizing Envirometal’s proprietary environmentally-friendly cyanide-free hydrometallurgical technology to extract gold. Based on successful lab tests, Golden Predator (now Sabre Gold) designed and constructed a Secondary Recovery Unit (SRU™) to be used with EnivroLeach’s solution to replace the smelting process.
Golden Predator (now Sabre Gold) and Envirometal’s working relationship resulted in the world’s first on-site test of a new cyanide-free technology on both pilot and production-scale levels. Working together with the mobile SRU (aka ‘the washing machine’) and Envirometal solution (aka ‘the soap’) gold was successfully recovered faster and more thoroughly than with cyanide and confirmed the ability of our new eco-friendly formula to extract gold into solution from sulfide concentrates
The Envirometal process delivers numerous economic and environmental benefits over current extractive technologies. The solution can effectively dissolve gold into aqueous solution and is sustainable, safe and environmentally friendly. This water-based process has a broad applicability spectrum and is effective on most gold ores and concentrates. It can potentially unlock the value of many deposits located in environmentally sensitive areas that cannot be developed using current extraction methods. Combined with environmentally responsible extraction technologies that replace conventional open pits and underground mines with their associated tailings and surface disruptions, IPME can potentially revolutionize the way that industry produces gold and other metals.
enCore Energy with its team of ‘in-situ’ (recovery method, a form of In Place Mineral Extraction) recovery experts from the uranium sector were closely watching the results from Golden Predator (now Sabre Gold) and Envirometal’s tests. This team, which includes scientists and professionals instrumental in the initial development and utilization of in-situ recovery technology successfully saw an opportunity to adapt this technology to test the ability to extract gold and other metals in place.
With this combination of in the field experience of Golden Predator (now Sabre Gold), environmentally friendly solution from Envirometal and expertise in the field of In Place Mining from enCore Energy, Group 11 Technologies Inc. was created to focus on the development of new technology to extract precious metals in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
Group 11 is now focused on bench-scale testing of its technology in the lab with samples from projects within jurisdictions that have a strong understanding and background with IPM and the necessary regulations to guide testing in the field after the completion of necessary lab work. Pilot projects and plant testing wil continue to identify the first commercial site applications anticipated by YE 2021.
Mr. Sheriff is a co-founder of Group 11 Technologies Inc. An entrepreneur and visionary with over 30 years’ experience in the minerals industry and the securities industry, Mr. Sheriff was a pioneer in the uranium renaissance as co-founder and Chairman of Energy Metals Corp. He was responsible for compiling the largest domestic uranium resource base in US history before the company was acquired by Uranium One Corp for $1.8 Billion. Mr. Sheriff also founded and serves as Executive Chairman of enCore Energy Corp., Chairman of Sabre Gold Mines Corp. and a Director of Exploits Discovery Corp. He holds a B.Sc degree (Geology) from Fort Lewis College, Colorado and an MSc in Mining Geology from the University of Texas-El Paso.
Janet Lee-Sheriff is an innovative communicator and strategist with over 20 years of public company leadership in the mineral extraction industry. Ms. Lee-Sheriff develops and manages communications for several public companies and created the ‘America’s Clean Energy Company™’ brand for enCore Energy Corp.
Ms. Lee-Sheriff led the world’s first on-site test of a solvent which replaced cyanide in the gold extraction process, and created a mobile Secondary Recovery Unit (SRU®). This work resulted in the formation of Group 11 Technologies Inc., focused on the development of non-invasive, in-place and environmentally friendly mineral extraction. Ms. Lee-Sheriff also established and owns the Yukon Mint®, which has created 100% green gold coins with indigenous art to celebrate the local communities and artists. With a strong commitment to social responsibility and community engagement she has successfully negotiated and implemented socio-economic and exploration agreements, plus implemented numerous innovative programs, including the award-winning Elders-in-Residence Program.
Ms. Lee-Sheriff also serves as Chief Communications Officer for enCore Energy Corp (NYSE American:EU), previously served as President of Tigris Uranium (now enCore Energy Corp.), CEO of Golden Predator Mining Corp, and Vice President of Communications & First Nation Relations. She is the host of the Mined in America podcast and maintains a weekly blog about her life in the mineral extraction industry at www.janetsheriff.com. Ms. Lee-Sheriff is a graduate of Queen’s University and a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Commemorative Medal awarded for outstanding achievements by Canadians.
Mr. Nelson is the founder and a Director of the Board of EnviroMetal Technologies Inc., and a co-founder of Group 11 Technologies Inc. He has been instrumental in the development of their proprietary environmentally friendly to solution to extract previous and strategic metals from ores, concentrates and eWaste. Prior to Envirometal, Mr. Nelson was Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Silvermex Resources Inc., a past TSX-listed gold and silver producer. He is also the founder of Quotemedia Inc., a successful financial market data company and a leading provider of global financial stock market data for the Toronto Stock Exchange, NASDAQ OTC, and others. Mr. Nelson also serves as a Director with NGO Sustainability, Inc., in consultative status to the United Nation’s Environment and Social Council.
Mr. Morgan is a renowned precious metals analyst that has been involved in the natural resource sector for over 30 years. He originated The Morgan Report, a monthly report that covers economic news, the global economy, and to invest in the resource sector. Mr. Morgan frequently travels the world providing presentations and media appearances. He has appeared on media outlets including Fox Business, CNBC, Wall Street Journal and BNN Blomberg. He holds degrees in finance and engineering. A dynamic, much-in-demand speaker all over the globe, he is a a big-picture macroeconomist whose main job is education—educating people about honest money and the benefits of a sound financial system. Mr. Morgan has an MS Business from La Verne, Los Angeles, California and a BS Aeronautical Engineering from San San Luis Obispo, California.
Dr. Stover has a 40 year career focused on direct involvement with commercial uranium exploration, project development, and mining operations. Dr. Stover served as Executive Vice President, Americas for Uranium One, Inc. where he oversaw commercial development of Uranium One’s substantial U.S. uranium assets. A leading expert in the field of In-Situ Recovery, he has authored numerous papers regarding In–Situ Recovery (ISR), including three IAEA Guidebooks and Manuals related to both Acidic and Alkaline Uranium ISR technology. He is the author of six United States Patents concerning various aspect of ISR of uranium and reservoir restoration. Dr. Stover holds BSChE, MSChE, and PhD degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan as well as a BA in Chemistry from Kalamazoo College. His graduate studies focused on electrochemical kinetics as well as oxidation-reduction reactions of metals.
Mr. Pelizza has spent over 40 years in the uranium industry with project experience focused primarily on permitting and operating ISR technology. Mr. Pelizza is the Principal of M.S. Pelizza & Associates LLC where he represents clients in the areas of ISR of uranium, permitting and regulatory matters. He previously with Uranium Resources Inc. for over 30 years, working his way up to Sr. Vice President of Health, Safety and Environmental Affairs. He was previously Chairman of the Texas Mining and Reclamation Association and Chairman of the Uranium Producers of America. Mr. Pelizza received his B.S. in Geology from Fort Lewis College and his M.S. in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. He is a licensed Professional Geoscientist in Texas and a Certified Professional Geologist with the American Institute of Professional Geologists.
Dr. Underhill has 50 years of international experience with natural resource exploration, development and analysis. He is an internationally recognized uranium expert, with broad based knowledge in all phases of both commercial and International Atomic Energy Agency (“IAEA”) uranium programs. His specialties range from world uranium, gold and REE geology and resources, resource estimation, and ISR technology. Dr. Underhill has a PhD Geology from McMaster University (Ontario, Canada); an MBA from Colorado State System (USA); an MSc Geology from McGill University (Montreal, Quebec); and a BA Geology from the University of Connecticut (USA).
Mr. Harrington is an award-winning environmental scientist and serves as the President of MineWater LLC, a private company that develops and implements strategies to remediate heavy metal contamination at mine sites across the US. He was a Vice President of the Alexco Environmental Group and was involved in their reclamation efforts across North America. Mr. Harrington is the patent inventor of the heavy metals immobilization treatment technology and has been. Mr. Harrington graduated summa cum laude from the University of Idaho in 1996 with majors in Chemistry and Microbiology and completed his graduate work at the University of Idaho in 1998 in Metallurgical Engineering.
Mr. Jafari is the Chief Technical Officer at Envirometal Technology Inc, prior to this he was an associate researcher with UBC focused on chemical analysis, analyzing test work data for processing plants, and applying processing methods such as floatation and leaching, gravity and magnetic concentration. In addition, he has worked as a field and mining engineer on various projects from 2007 to 2011.
Pete Poston is a retired Professor of Chemistry at Western Oregon University, Monmouth, Oregon where he offered courses in General Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, Instrumental Methods, Computational Chemistry, Environmental Geochemistry, Forensic Photography, and Experimental Chemistry. His research interests are focused on the applications of Laser Raman Spectroscopy and Xray Fluorescence to such diverse fields as Nanotechnology and Archeology. He is trained and experienced in the use of modern chemical instrumentation including portable Xray Fluorescence (pXRF), portable Raman Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). He is also experienced in the use of lasers, having built laser-based instrumentation during and after graduate school.
Given his teaching load over the years, Dr. Poston is the author of a modest number of publications, focusing on in situ adsorption studies on the surface of gold nanoparticles, and research at the boundary of Spectroscopy and Archeology. He wrote two reports to the National Park Service on the Raman spectroscopy of rock art pigments found on the Colorado Plateau, and using pXRF, looking for spatial variation in cartridge case composition of bullets fired by Warriors at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Previous to Mr. Poston’s academic career in Chemistry, he worked as a geologist at the Schwartzwalter Uranium Mine in Colorado, followed by the Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, South Dakota. Dr. Poston received a BS in Geology in 1981 from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. This was followed in 1984 by a second BS in Chemistry, also from Fort Lewis College. He obtained a Ph.D in Physical-Analytical Chemistry from the University of Utah in 1989.
Mr. Cherry is a veteran executive of the natural resource industry, having worked for several leading companies in the areas of mining, production, conversion, marketing and power generation operations for 40 years. Mr. Cherry previously served as President and CEO of Cotter Corporation and Nuclear Fuels Corporation, both affiliates of General Atomics Corporation. Mr. Cherry was responsible for all aspects of Cotter’s mining and milling operations in Colorado, including uranium and vanadium ores with over 200 employees along with their In-Situ Recovery projects in Wyoming. Mr. Cherry has evaluated the technical and commercial aspects of many ISR projects and also applied for Patents relating to ISR technology in the US and Canada. Mr. Cherry holds an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Wichita State University, a B.S. in Engineering Physics from the University of Oklahoma and is a Licensed Professional Engineer (State of Kansas).
Robin Fraser has been involved in the completion of many mining construction, operation and maintenance projects worldwide. He was instrumental in operation of Golden Predator (now Sabre Gold)’s Yukon test plant and the development of its Secondary Recovery Unit (SRU™), where the Envirometal solution and Golden Predator (now Sabre Gold)’s pilot-scale mobile facility were first tested to successfully recover gold. He and his team provide expert personnel, detailed evaluations and optimization plans. Canadian Northern Mining has an established track record in early design, construction, start up and day to day operations.
Mr. Craft has over 35 years of mineral processing and metallurgical testing experience, focused on the recovery of precious and base metals, in a variety of mineralogical and process settings. Most recently he has worked with Golden Predator (now Sabre Gold) on the 3 Aces Bulk Sample, and now the cyanide free, gold recovery unit known as the SRU™. He was instrumental in the construction, commissioning and successful operation of the SRU during 2019 season.
He has served as the Mine Manager and/or Mill Superintendent at the QR, Baker and Cusac Gold Mines, as well as Cantung’s tungsten and Roca’s Max Moly projects. He has also consulted on a number of projects for FLSmidth and JDS.
Mr. Maslowski is a geological engineer with a career in the mineral resource industry spanning more than 35 years in exploration, engineering, underground and open pit mining design and operation in the Americas and East Africa. Mr. Maslowski presently serves as the Chief Operating Officer with Golden Predator Mining Corp. (now Sabre Gold) Previously he was the Technical Services Superintendent for Teck Washington Inc. at their Pend Oreille mine in NE Washington State, an underground lead-zinc mine and was with Coeur d’Alene Mines for ten years in numerous positions including Director of Exploration and Assistant General Manager of the Palmarejo Mine in Mexico. He was the team leader for the discovery of the Diamond Hill Mine for Pegasus Gold then was responsible for advancing the mine into production. Mike is a member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) and the American Institute of Professional Geologists. He holds a B. S. in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) with the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
Mr. Spiering is a registered geologist with over 30 years of experience in the mineral exploration sector. He recently served as VP Exploration for Quaterra Resources where he led the discovery of the only two uranium deposits found in Arizona since the 1990s. He has also been involved in the discovery and development the Aguablanca nickel sulfide mine, El Valle and Carles gold mines along with two copper porphyry deposits in Nevada. Prior to his role with Quaterra, he served as VP Exploration with Rio Narcea Gold Mines Ltd. which was subsequently acquired for $858M by Lundin Mining in 2007. Mr. Spiering graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in 1978.
Mr. Lewis is a mining professional with practical experience in a variety of different mining applications including mine management of underground and surface mines, safety, security and medical facilities across the world. Mr. Lewis is also experienced in the management and application of explosive manufacturing, storage, performance and distribution.
Guy has work in positions across the world for numerous companies including Teck Resources; Alamos Gold Inc, Eldorado Gold, and Coeur (Mexico) to ensure compliance with national and industrial standards. He utilized qualitative and quantitative analysis systems and activities to identify risks/hazards and revise policy and procedures to minimize and or eliminate the associated risks and prevent reoccurrence of accidents. His systems have successfully achieved 4 million man hours without a Lost Time Accident on individual projects.
Mr. Lewis is responsible for implementation of a Behavior Based Safety System to establish cultural change, mentor, educate and train employees to understand risk assessment, awareness and management. He also promotes regulatory compliance and has provided armed security for exploration crews & corporate management for mining operations in a very remote regions.
A certified MSHA instructor, Mr. Lewis also holds a Blasters License in Alaska and Washington and is certified in Explosives: technical Properties, Blast Design, Safe Use, Storage and Transportation. He is also a Certified EMT EMS Representative. Mr. Lewis graduated with a degree in Natural Resource Management from the College of Eastern Utah and Utah State University.