Calgary, AB – September 10, 2026 -- Canadian Energy Metals Corp. (CEM) has validated a proof of concept for producing smelter-grade alumina (SGA) from a non-bauxite resource, and has formally launched a prefeasibility study (PFS) for its Thor project in northeastern Saskatchewan, near Tisdale.
CEM's boehmite conversion process matches Bayer-process alumina purity
Testing on boehmite derived from precursors linked to high-purity alumina (HPA) and chemical-grade alumina (CGA) consistently produced samples matching the purity and technical characteristics of SGA made via the Bayer process, the current industry standard for bauxite refining. SGA is the primary feedstock for metallic aluminum production.
Company launches prefeasibility study to advance North American alumina project
The PFS will define mining, refining and smelting pathways for the Thor project, strengthen resource estimates, and establish preliminary capital and operating costs. It will also evaluate logistics, infrastructure and market options to determine whether the project can advance to a full feasibility study.
"The processes we have developed over the past two years with our key engineering partners are advancing North America's first fully integrated aluminum project in significant strides," said Christopher Hopkins, President and CEO of CEM. "We are accelerating completion of the prefeasibility study."
SGA milestone builds on January 2026 recovery demonstration and May 2026 PEA filing
In January 2026, CEM demonstrated the feasibility of recovering HPA and CGA from Thor's black shale deposits. The company's preliminary economic assessment (PEA), filed on SEDAR+ in May 2026, evaluated the potential profitability of producing high-purity, high-value alumina products from the shale.
CEM holds a 100% unencumbered interest in the Thor project. The company frames a secured North American supply chain—spanning extraction, processing and delivery—as a key differentiator amid rising global supply chain disruption risks.