Exploring Silica: Structure, Function and Innovation
Date/Time: Monday, November 3 | (2:45 – 3:45 pm)
Location: Embassy Room
Sio Silica Corp. Session Overview:
In our session, we’ll explore the exceptional potential of the Manitoba sand grain deposit using vivid SEM (scanning electron microscope) imagery. These images, alongside chemical analyses, reveal the purity at 3N, 4N, and 5N levels, showcasing why this deposit stands out in the electronic and photovoltaic sectors. Unlike other high-purity claims, Sio’s deposit’s uniqueness is validated by renowned international labs, positioning it as possibly the most strategically important in the world.
We will delve into how this deposit integrates into the silicon metal space, highlighting Sio’s successful pilot study. This marks a significant step toward vertical integration, enhancing Manitoba’s and Canada’s strategic relevance. By mimicking China’s approach of controlling rare earth metal exports and focusing on local manufacturing, Canada can leverage high-purity quartz (HPQ) to boost its economy. This strategy supports indigenous partnerships and showcases Sio as a leader in structuring beneficial agreements.
Tanco Session Overview: Recovering High Grade Silica from Pegmatites
A look at defining different qualities of silica, a breakdown of minerals found in a pegmatite and how those other minerals from pegmatites can be separated to produce a clean silica product.
Speakers
Brent Bullen, Diretor and COO Sio Silica Corp.
As COO and Director of Sio Silica Corp. Bullen brings over 35 years of senior executive experience, generating more than $1.7 billion in corporate value across North America and international construction and energy sectors. He was instrumental in establishing Canadian Fracmaster in Qatar and expanding operations in Russia, where he authored technical economic studies that facilitated the registration of four Russian Joint Ventures valued at over $750 million in 1992.
As a co-founder and President of the Valens Group, Brent contributed over $300 million in value through well services and infrastructure projects, including pipelines, refineries, and housing in Russia, Poland, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Additionally, he co-founded Neutrino Resources Inc., a TSE-listed company, and DynaFrac Well Services, which later became CalFrac Well Services.
Brent also co-invented the Sio Extraction Patent before the company reached a valuation of $3.9 billion. Bullen holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary and an MBA from Queen’s University.
Claude Deveau, Chief Metallurgist Tanco
Claude Deveau (P.Eng) graduated from Technical University of Nova Scotia (now DalTech) with a Bachelor in Mining Engineering in 1987. Since 1988, Claude has been a mill operation Metallurgist, a Technical Manager, and more recently a Chief Metallurgist at Tantalum Mining Corporation. His work is well known in the global mineral processing community. A major highlight has been his design and implementation of unique processes for beneficiation/recovery of spodumene, tantalum and pollucite ores.
In 2013, Claude took the role of Site Technical Manager as well as reserve manager for the Tanco orebody. More recently, Claude took the role of Chief Metallurgist at Tanco. Claude is a team player who strives to provide technical support sitewide to the Tanco operation. He is committed to solving technical issues through innovation.
Chair: Jeff Young, University of Manitoba Senior Instructor, Department of Earth Sciences
As an alumnus of the University of Manitoba, Jeff Young has spent the past 29 years teaching Structural Geology and Field Mapping courses at the UofM. In addition to his academic responsibilities, he remains actively engaged in outreach initiatives that promote earth science education throughout Manitoba. In 2019, he was invited to contribute to the Central Canada Mineral Exploration Convention (CCMEC), had the honour of previously serving on its board and continues playing an active role in the organization as a member of the CCMEC Working Group Committee.