CALGARY, ALBERTA – July 25, 2023 – West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd. (“West High Yield” or the “Company“) (TSXV: WHY) is pleased to provide a comprehensive update on major strategic developments shaping the magnesium market. These insights are aimed at keeping the Company’s valued stakeholders well-informed about the economic, geopolitical, and industrial trends influencing the sector’s growth and future potential and supporting an energy transition to zero-carbon emission.
The global metal magnesium market, valued at USD $4.8 billion in 2022, is projected to witness substantial growth, reaching USD$7.25 billion by 2030 (based on Skyquest’s Global Magnesium Market Size report) and well-established market trends predating the COVID-19 pandemic. These figures primarily consider direct metal applications, such as iron and steel making, die casting, aluminum alloys, and titanium reduction. It is important to note that these estimates do not account for several secondary, higher-value applications, including extruded foams, structural cladding and fireproofing, medical devices, pharmaceutical applications and supplements, industrial coatings and metamaterials, and other emerging use cases. However, an exciting opportunity is the potential use of magnesium in the energy storage sector, specifically as an alternative to lithium batteries.
Advancements in Magnesium Batteries
Magnesium-based batteries have been a topic of research for many years due to their potential advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries. Magnesium ions have a double positive charge, which theoretically allows a magnesium battery to store almost twice as much energy as a lithium battery of the same size. Moreover, magnesium is more abundant and less expensive than lithium, making it a potentially more sustainable and cost-effective solution.
In recent months, there have been several breakthroughs in the development of magnesium-based batteries. Researchers have overcome previous challenges related to the stability and efficiency of magnesium electrolytes, which have historically hindered the commercialization of this technology. New magnesium-based electrolytes have been developed that are stable, non-toxic, and efficient, paving the way for the next generation of high-energy-density batteries.[1],2
Furthermore, several companies are now in the advanced stages of developing magnesium-ion batteries, including Pellion Technologies (US), Magnotec (Australia), MagPower Systems (Canada) and Magpie Technologies (US). These batteries are expected to hit the market within the next few years, offering a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries. They are projected to have a higher energy density, longer lifespan, and better safety profile, with lower risk of overheating and combustion.
Notably, two papers have highlighted the environmental and safety benefits of transitioning to magnesium batteries: (i) The Environmental Benefits of Switching to Magnesium Batteries; and (ii) The Safety Advantages of Magnesium Batteries Over Lithium-ion. The first paper emphasizes the positive environmental impact of adopting magnesium batteries, while the second one outlines the safety advantages they hold over lithium-ion batteries. This further strengthens the case for embracing magnesium batteries as a sustainable and secure energy storage solution.
Canada’s Geopolitical Resource Independence
The Trudeau administration recognizes the crucial role Canada must play in ensuring the geopolitical resource independence of Western democracies, securing full access to critical minerals, including magnesium. The country’s critical minerals strategy, backed by a substantial federal budget allocation of $3.8 billion for mineral exploration and mining, sets a clear path for bolstering Canada’s capability to supply both domestic and global markets with high-priority minerals, including lithium, cobalt, magnesium, and rare earth elements.[2]3
Collaboration with the Current US Administration
In addition to Canada’s efforts, there is a strong natural partnership between the Biden and Trudeau administrations to support North America’s journey towards achieving resource independence. Collaborating on the production of lithium, cobalt, magnesium, and other critical minerals will empower both nations to reduce economic dependence on China, which currently dominates the market. This move is vital as countries worldwide pivot towards carbon emission reduction.[3]4
West High Yield’s Unique Advantage
The Company stands uniquely positioned to potentially provide onshore safe and secure access to a substantial magnesium resource. Located in a friendly jurisdiction with reliable infrastructure and strong regulatory engagement, the Company’s Record Ridge magnesium project (the “Project“) has received acceptance for permitting application review by the B.C. Ministry of Mines. West High Yield is committed to working collaboratively with regulators to advance the Project while ensuring environmental friendliness and ethical practices.
West High Yield’s management team sincerely appreciates the unwavering support and patience demonstrated by shareholders throughout the challenging 18 months experienced in the Canadian capital markets. The Company acknowledges the numerous trials and tribulations involved in progressing a major resource project responsibly. With optimism, the Company anticipates a dynamic and eventful coming 12 months.
About West High Yield
West High Yield is a publicly traded junior mining exploration and development company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties in Canada with a primary objective to develop its Record Ridge magnesium, silica, and nickel deposit using green processing techniques to minimize waste and CO2 emissions.
The Company’s Record Ridge magnesium deposit is located 10 kilometres southwest of Rossland, British Columbia has approximately 10.6 million tonnes of contained magnesium based on an independently produced preliminary economic assessment technical report prepared by SRK in accordance with the National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
Contact Information:
West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd.
Frank Marasco Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: (403) 660-3488
Email: [email protected]
Barry Baim, Corporate Secretary
Telephone: (403) 829-2246
Email: [email protected]
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.
Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; and other factors. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward-looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities of the Company will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act“) and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act.
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEA