Zinc of Ireland Completes Meclex Acquisition to Advance Low-Emission Metal Recovery
Zinc of Ireland (ASX:ZMI) has finalised its acquisition of Meclex, securing two hydrometallurgical technologies aimed at disrupting zinc and lead processing with low-emission methods. Backed by a fresh A$5.5 million placement, ZMI is accelerating pilot plant development and exploration at its Kildare project.
- Meclex acquisition completed, adding ARGO and VOLTA technologies
- Testwork for VOLTA restarted; ARGO testing to begin next month
- A$5.5 million placement funds technology development and Kildare drilling
- Pilot plants progressing in Europe with key industry partnerships
- Kildare drilling program approved, targeting resource expansion
Acquisition Finalised to Unlock Sustainable Metals Recovery
Zinc of Ireland (ASX:ZMI) has completed the acquisition of 100% of Meclex, a European metals technology developer, gaining proprietary hydrometallurgical processes ARGO and VOLTA. These technologies offer low-temperature, low-emission alternatives to traditional high-cost pyrometallurgical methods, directly addressing tightening environmental regulations and soaring energy costs in the metals recovery sector.
ARGO targets zinc leach residue processing, aiming to recover zinc, lead, silver, and critical minerals like gallium and germanium with reduced energy consumption and emissions. VOLTA focuses on end-of-life lead-acid battery recycling, promising over 99% lead recovery while eliminating toxic gas emissions and slashing carbon dioxide output.
Pilot Programs and Partnerships Drive Commercialisation
Testwork for VOLTA has recommenced at a pilot plant in Calitri, Italy, operated by FIB S.p.A, a SERI Industrial-controlled company. This pilot aims to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7/8 by the end of 2026, with commissioning underway this month. ARGO’s testwork is scheduled to restart next month in Europe, with lab-scale validation complete and a 12-month program underway to advance to pilot phase in 2027.
ZMI’s CEO Greg Ross highlighted the company’s strategy to become a technology licensor, leveraging partnerships like those with Nyrstar for ARGO and FIB S.p.A for VOLTA to reduce capital expenditure and execution risk. These collaborations provide feedstock, facilities, and engineering expertise, positioning ZMI to capitalise on regulatory pressures in Europe and emerging opportunities in the US.
Exploration Momentum at Kildare Project
Alongside technology development, ZMI is advancing exploration at its flagship Kildare zinc-lead project in Ireland’s Rathdowney Trend. The company controls 17 prospecting licences covering 595 square kilometres, with an inferred mineral resource of 11.3 million tonnes at 9% combined zinc and lead.
Following regulatory approval from the Geoscience Regulation Office, ZMI plans a 3,500-metre drilling program starting mid-July. The initial phase targets infill and extensions to existing mineralisation, aiming to enhance the project’s resource base and economic potential, especially as ARGO technology could improve concentrate value.
Funding Secured to Support Development and Exploration
ZMI has raised A$5.5 million through a placement priced at $0.01 per share, well supported by directors who collectively subscribed for $550,000. The capital injection will fund ongoing testwork for ARGO and VOLTA, pilot plant operations, and the Kildare drilling program, providing a runway for the company’s next 12 months of transformative activity.
With pilot plants advancing and exploration drilling imminent, ZMI is positioning itself at the intersection of sustainable metals recovery and critical mineral supply chain innovation. The company’s focus on low-capital, low-cost commercialisation pathways aims to unlock value amid escalating environmental and regulatory pressures.
Bottom Line?
ZMI’s completion of Meclex acquisition and secured funding set the stage for technology pilots and resource drilling that could reshape its metals recovery prospects over the next year.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pilot plant results influence the timing and scale of commercial licensing for ARGO and VOLTA?
- What impact will evolving European and US regulations have on demand for ZMI’s hydrometallurgical technologies?
- Can exploration at Kildare deliver resource upgrades that materially enhance project economics alongside technology integration?
