MGX Minerals Inc. announced the engagement of global mining equipment supplier Metso-Outotec for its British Columbia Silicon Project. Metso has been tasked with providing design, equipment and mechanical engineering for the processing of high-grade silica from the Company's wholly owned Gibraltar silica deposit into silicon metal 3303# grade. The primary piece of processing equipment is a sub-merged arc furnace ("SAF").

This electric arc furnace generates heat up to 1600 degrees Celsius sufficient to melt the quartzite. The liquid metal is then tapped and poured into bricks and rough crushed into 3"-4" pieces for shipment. Global Silicon Shortage: The demand for silicon metal continues to grow and recent supply chain bottlenecks have limited overall supply, creating an opportunity for the distribution of silicon in Asia from North America.

Increased demand for solar panels, microprocessors, and silicon alloys, due to its semi-conductor and structural properties, continue to create large scale shortages for silicon. Silicon metal 3303# grade is currently quoted at $3500 per tonne East China.