Clean TeQ Water (ASX:CNQ) enters distribution agreement for ATA technology in South Africa


  • Clean TeQ Water (CNQ) enters distribution agreement with Stichwise to use ATA technology for underground backfill in South Africa
  • ATA technology helps mines accelerate dewatering and use their existing tailings to backfill directly
  • Stichwise is the market leader in the South African backfill market and manages 65 per cent of the total volume of backfill placed at all underground mines in South Africa
  • According to industry reports, the global mining tailings management market size is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.56 per cent and reach US$259 billion by 2027
  • CNQ shares are up 1.32 per cent, trading at 38.5 cents at 3:20 pm AEDT

Clean TeQ Water (CNQ) has entered a distribution agreement with Stitchwise to use ATA technology for underground backfill in South Africa.

The Melbourne-based company is the exclusive global licensee for the Soane Lab’s patented ATA dewatering technology.

The ATA technology uses smart chemistry to agglomerate fine particles with coarser ones in mining tailings, bolstering the dewatering process and final consolidation of the tailings.

It helps mines accelerate dewatering and use their existing tailings to backfill directly.

Stichwise produces geotextile backfill bags at its factory in Carletonville in South Africa, while its subsidiary, Underground Technical Consultants, manages multiple underground operators and supervisors to ensure backfill placement is done safely.

Stichwise is the market leader in the South African backfill market and manages 65 per cent of the total volume of backfill placed at all underground mines in South Africa.

“The addition of the ATA technology to our product portfolio strengthens our position in mining, one of our primary target markets,” Clean TeQ Water CEO Willem Vriesendorp said.

“We are delighted to work with Stitchwise, South Africa’s market leader in underground mining back-fill operations, in introducing ATA to this market.”

The agreement grants Stitchwise the exclusive rights to use the APA technology for 12 months after signing the deal.

The company said both parties are continuing to work with multiple clients in testing the application of ATA with a demonstration plant being constructed for larger-scale trials.

According to industry reports, the global mining tailings management market size is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.56 per cent and reach US$259 billion (A$384.7 billion) by 2027.

“We envision this to be the first of many and are looking forward to supporting mining companies around the world who are looking to manage and reduce their tailings,” Willem Vriesendorp continued.

Clean TeQ Water expects to see the technology being used in several South African mines soon.

CNQ shares were up 1.32 per cent, trading at 38.5 cents at 3:20 pm AEDT.

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