Calgary, AB – September 10, 2026 -- Canadian Energy Metals Corp. (CEM) has demonstrated proof-of-concept for producing smelter grade alumina (SGA) from a non-bauxite resource, matching the purity and specifications of SGA produced via the industry-standard Bayer process.
CEM converts boehmite into SGA matching Bayer-process purity
The process, tested at CEM's Thor Project in northeastern Saskatchewan near Tisdale, converts boehmite derived from high-purity alumina (HPA) and chemical-grade alumina (CGA) precursors into SGA -- the primary feedstock for aluminum metal production. Samples consistently met the purity and specification benchmarks of Bayer-process SGA, the current global standard for smelter feedstock.
Company launches pre-feasibility study to assess commercial viability
CEM confirmed the official start of its pre-feasibility study (PFS), which will define mining, processing and smelting workflows, refine mineral resource reliability, estimate preliminary capital and operating costs, and evaluate logistics, infrastructure and market options. The PFS will determine whether the Thor Project advances to a full feasibility study.
"The processes we have developed over the last two years with our leading technical partners are rapidly advancing North America's first fully integrated aluminum project," said Christopher Hopkins, President and CEO of CEM. "We are proud of this achievement and are moving the pre-feasibility study forward quickly."
Project builds on January and May 2026 technical milestones
CEM announced proof-of-concept for extracting HPA and CGA from Thor's black shale deposits in January 2026. A preliminary economic assessment (PEA) evaluating the potential economics of producing high-purity and high-value alumina products from the shale deposits was filed on SEDAR+ in May 2026.
CEM positions Thor Project as domestic alternative to bauxite supply chains
The SGA proof-of-concept expands potential product development pathways for the Thor Project and supports CEM's goal of advancing domestically sourced alumina products and strategic metals. The company cited supply chain disruption as an elevated risk to the global economy, framing its capability to secure North American supply from extraction through processing to customer delivery as a core differentiator.
CEM continues technical work supporting the PFS, further process optimization through advanced pilot trials, and expanded exploration activities across its mineral claims to assess potential for additional critical metals.