Metalsearch Limited announced it has executed the research agreement with The University of Queensland ("UQ") for the continued research and development of the patent-pending mineral processing technology for the manufacturing (synthesising) of zeolites ("Technology"). Summary: The Research Agreement follows the execution on the 7th April 2020 of an exclusive worldwide licence agreement from UniQuest, the technology transfer company of UQ for the manufacturing (synthesising) of zeolites; UQ has developed a novel approach to the production of synthetic zeolites - manufactured minerals which are widely used in detergent and wastewater treatment applications; The 2019 global synthetic zeolite market was estimated at USD 5.64 billion; The research agreement provides resources to accelerate technical delivery of Technology developed by The University of Queensland's School of Chemical Engineering; UQ has confirmed that Abercorn Project kaolin is a highly suitable feedstock for the process; The purpose of the Research Agreement is to expand the understanding of mineral processes and apply these to deliver successful piloting outcomes ­ the aim is to achieve continuous sample generation of commercial gradezeolite product. The research work will primarily comprise of studies that will: expand the understanding of mineral processes to fast-track design and planning of the pilot plant; support pilot plant development, construction and commissioning; drive product sample generation and enhance technical marketing purposes of zeolite samples; and explore experimental research on applications for different zeolites; All intellectual property resulting from the Research Agreement will form part of the exclusive worldwide licence agreement held by Metalsearch ­ which contains within specified circumstances, the ability for Metalsearch to acquire the Technology and the intellectual property rights subject to the payment of an assignment fee. Lowering the cost of production for zeolites: Researchers from UQ's School of Chemical Engineering have developed a novel approach to the production of synthetic zeolites ­ manufactured minerals which are widely used in detergent and wastewater treatment applications. Synthetic zeolites ­ commonly known as molecular sieves ­ have a sponge-like structure made up of tiny pores, making them useful as catalysts or ultrafine filters, and can be designed to selectively adsorb molecules or ions. They are often used as water softeners, water filters, and as ion exchangers in many everyday dishwashing and laundry detergents, assisting to remove calcium and magnesium and thereby softening water so they work more effectively. Rising environmental concerns regarding wastewater health hazards have triggered regulatory bodies across the globe to mandate the use of synthetic zeolite based adsorbents. The selectivity makes synthetic zeolites environmentally effective in water treatment applications, as they can be applied to polluted water. Metalsearch is focused on commercialising this new proprietary technology which can make a range of zeolite products beginning with low cost feed (kaolinite /clay- containing mine tails) with controllable impurity levels. The objective is to develop a mineral process that materially lowers the costs of production for this in demand specialised industrial commodity and leverage the benefits of vertical integration by applying kaolin feedstock from the Abercorn Project. Scope of research agreement: Laboratory studies to-date undertaken by Associate Professor James Vaughan and Dr. Hong (Marco) Peng have culminated in developing a patent-pending mineral processing technology. The initial phase of the Research Agreement will focus on studies to expand the understanding of processes which will fast-track design and planning of the pilot plant. The program will work in unison with pilot plant development, construction and commissioning. The final stage will revolve around product sample generation and enhancing technical marketability of zeolite samples, in conjunction with experimental research on applications for different zeolites. Next steps: Synthetic zeolite: Commence Research Agreement - setting the groundwork for pilot plant design and planning; Complete comprehensive market scoping and industry analysis that will enable targeting of potential future offtake partners; Undertaking synthetic zeolite market participant research through several channels, primarily into China which is recognised as a global manufacturing hub for this specialised industrial commodity (research team in mainland China to be engaged); Investigating suitable process engineering and met lab supply partners; and Explore opportunities for collaboration to underpin expanding commercial potential of patent-pending mineral processing technology.