Mark Browne, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, recently visited Eastern Composite Services in Long Harbour, to view the progress of a project that recovers precious metals from parts and equipment containing mixed metal oxide (MMO). The process gives value to a previously discarded waste stream as the MMO is refined into high grade products that can be sold to precious metal refineries throughout the world.
The Provincial Government, through the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation, provided $127,000 to support the company’s research and development in iridium recovery. The total project cost is $383,992, with Eastern Composite Services leveraging support by contributing nearly $257,000.
In a previous project supported by the Provincial Government, Eastern Composite Services developed a molten salt bath (MSB) process that optimized the stripping of parts and equipment containing MMO. The current R&D project further optimizes recovery, as well as separating and upgrading the MMO into a commercial salable grade, making the product suitable for refineries.
Eastern Composite Services was established in 2013 by Maher Group of Companies owner Adrian Maher. The company was incorporated for the sole purpose of providing industrial services to the Long Harbour Processing Plant and invested in people and infrastructure for fiberglass, rubber lining, machining and fabrication services. In addition, the company focused its attention on anode services. Eastern Composite Services brought experienced resources together under one roof, to meet the diverse needs of the mining industry in the province.
Support for innovation and technology delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified economy and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“This very unique R&D project has the potential to greatly enhance the company’s competitiveness, and with sufficient marketing and business development, could attract customers from across North America. The establishment of a commercially-viable precious metals recovery process in the Placentia area holds significant potential for not only the company, but for a rural area of our province.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“This government is committed to diversifying regional economies and building vibrant communities. This investment in Eastern Composite Services recognizes the importance of this company and their role in the service and supply industry of Placentia West-Bellevue. Support for our small and medium-sized businesses is integral to our province’s growth, and is conducive to the success of the provincial economy.”
Mark Browne
Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“We have developed a world class team in Long Harbour. Precious metal recovery is an important part of our corporate growth strategy. The research we completed provides measureable results for our customers and we look forward to taking our technology to other companies outside of NL.”
Adrian Maher
President, Eastern Composite Services
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Eastern Composite Services 
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Adrian Maher
Eastern Composite Services
709-763-4279
edm@easternservices.ca