Electric Melting Pilot Platform (EMPP) Study

DEFINITION OF THE REQUIREMENT The Department of Natural Resources Canada has a requirement for a consultant to undertake a study to develop an ‘Electric Melting Pilot Platform’ (EMPP) platform to solve crucial technology gaps and meet industry needs in the critical minerals midstream. The platform will be a flexible ‘universal melter’, capable of processing all types of materials (minerals, oxides, insulators, conductors) using various electric arc technologies at the pilot scale. The platform will consist of a flexible electric arc furnace for primary melting, a secondary metallurgy station for refining, an ingot casting facility, as well as material handling, off-gas processing/emissions control and slag processing utilities. The facility will be equipped with advanced real time analysis/characterization capabilities to provide raw data required for process simulation and modelling. The work will be for a scientific and technical investigation that will inform a detailed engineering design study for the new equipment including changes required to the lab infrastructure and any required ancillary services or apparatus. CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF THE STATEMENT OF CAPABILITIES (MINIMUM ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS) Any interested supplier must demonstrate by way of a statement of capabilities that it meets the following requirements: • Must have experience in the investigation, commissioning, and training of a pilot scale, multi-purpose, multi-mode arc furnace facility for the industrial sector. • Must have experience developing a preliminary conceptual framework for an EMPP, including systems for off-gas and particulate matter management. • Must have experience preparing initial spatial layouts and conceptual illustrations for the handling, transport, and solidification of liquid metal and slag (e.g., ingot casting, pigging). • Must have experience generating 3D digital representations of conceptual frameworks. • Must propose a lead resource with at least 10 years of experience in metallurgy and electric arc processes. • Must demonstrate relevant experience by providing details for one major project completed between January 1, 2023 and the closing date, including: project name, summary, start and completion dates, roles and responsibilities, and reference contact.