Gypsum industry news

Canada: Fortune Minerals has appointed Worley Canada Services to lead an updated feasibility study and assist with permitting for the NICO bismuth, cobalt, copper and gold mine project in Northwest Territories. Dow Jones Institutional News has reported that the project includes a hydrometallurgical plant in neighbouring Alberta that will precipitate gypsum for sale.

Fortune Minerals secured US$12.5m in funding from Alberta Innovates, Natural Resources Canada and the US Department of Defence. The finances will support studies, including for the hydrometallurgical plant, environmental assessments, management plans and authorisations.

US: The Economic Development Department of the state of New Mexico has granted American Gypsum US$0.5m-worth of funding for an upgrade to its Albuquerque gypsum wallboard plant in Bernalillo County. The grant will facilitate equipment and infrastructure modernisation. The department says that the producer will invest US$22m in the state between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2022. It employs 140 locals including Pueblo Indian people, in whose lands its gypsum mine is situated.

State Governor Lujan Grisham said "This investment means New Mexico jobs will stay in New Mexico. I'm glad the state could partner with American Gypsum and ensure long-term viability of their operations, and stabilise a New Mexico employer."