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OSBURN,
Idaho, Jan. 19 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Atlas Mining
Company (BULLETIN BOARD: ALMI) , announced today that
the company has sold 500 tons of halloysite clay to
NaturalNano Inc. and has agreed to collaborate in
the development and implementation of a proprietary
separation process. Atlas and its partner NanoDynamics
will work closely with NaturalNano.
Atlas
Mining was awarded the supply contract by NaturalNano
Inc., a technology firm that develops new processing
techniques and commercial applications of natural
nanoscale materials. The supply agreement could make
Atlas one of the world's largest providers of a unique
mineral that contains natural nanotubes -- hollow
tubes that are billionths of a meter in diameter.
Researchers believe the natural nanotubes can become
a central component of a new generation of nano-engineered
products and technologies.
William Jacobson, CEO of Atlas Mining said, ''NaturalNano
has taken a very serious interest in our unique halloysite
due to its tubular structure. They specialize in processing
systems for nano-size materials, and we think that
by utilizing their system, we can create an even greater
value for our product.'' NaturalNano has remitted
an initial payment of $125,000 and will process the
clay on-site at Atlas Mining's Dragon Mine in Juab
County, Utah for its own use. ''The future value of
this product is not yet known. However, we expect
to realize over $500 per ton for this order and will
end up with a processing method that will bring us
even greater value,'' stated Jacobson. Atlas will
have the right to license NaturalNano's proprietary
separation process once completed.
The Dragon Mine halloysite clay contains naturally
occurring halloysite nanotubes, based on an inorganic
molecule composed of aluminum, silicon, hydrogen,
and oxygen, which formed in the earth from hydrothermal
alteration and surface weathering of aluminosilicate
minerals. Like carbon nanotubes, halloysite nanotubes
are long, hollow tubes, allowing them to store and
deliver a variety of materials, with external diameters
ranging from less than 100 nanometers (nm.) up to
several microns (or micrometers) and internal diameters
ranging from under 20 nm. to 200 nm. or more.
Unlike carbon nanotubes, naturally occurring halloysite
nanotubes are inexpensive, readily available in quantity,
environmentally benign, and safe and easy to process.
Halloysite nanotubes don't clump together, making
them ideal for use in electronic fabrication and other
high-tech ceramic-composite applications. The potential
marketplace for naturally occurring nanotubes crosses
numerous industries, representing significant potential
revenues.
''It is our intent to work directly with NaturalNano
and NanoDynamics to provide industrial users with
a refined and predictable nanotubular material,''
concluded Jacobson.
About Atlas Mining Company
Atlas Mining Company is a diversified natural resource
company with its primary focus on the development
of the Dragon Mine in Juab County, Utah, the only
known commercial source of halloysite clay outside
of New Zealand. The unique purity and quality of the
Dragon mine halloysite is unmatched anywhere in the
world and has spawned considerable research into new
and exciting applications for this product. Atlas
also holds mining and timber interests in Northern
Idaho, and operates an underground mining contracting
business. Atlas stock trades on the OTC Bulletin Board
under the symbol "ALMI." More information
about Atlas Mining Company can be found at http://www.atlasmining.com/
.
About NaturalNano Inc.
NaturalNano, a subsidiary of Technology Innovations,
LLC ( http://www.tillc.com/ ) based in Rochester,
N.Y., was formed to pursue processing and applications
of naturally occurring nanoscale materials such as
halloysite or materials that can be manufactured at
very low cost and in high quantity. NaturalNano currently
has a team of scientists and engineers developing
new processing methods as well as commercial applications
for halloysite. More information about NaturalNano
can be found at http://www.naturalnano.com/ , or by
contacting company representatives at 585-214-8000
or info@naturalnano.com.
About NanoDynamics, Inc.
NanoDynamics, Inc. is a leading company in the field
of nanotechnology and manufacturer of superior nanomaterials
that will dramatically improve the form, function
and performance of a wide range of both industrial
and consumer products. The Company is uniquely positioned,
utilizing proprietary and protected technologies,
to commercially manufacture economical, high quality
nanomaterials that will enable revolutionary advancements
in industries including electronics, semiconductors,
consumer products, fuel cells, transportation, energy
and biotechnology. For further information, please
visit the Company's website at http://www.nanodynamics.com/
.
For more information, please contact:
For Atlas Mining
Company:
John Roskelley, President,
First Global Media
Tel: +1-480-902-3110
Michael Riedlinger,
VP New Business Development,
Technology Innovations, LLC
Tel: +1-585-214-8000
Email: michael@techlicensing.net
Source: Atlas Mining Company
CONTACT: John Roskelley,
President of First Global Media,
+1-480-902-3110, for ALMI; Michael Riedlinger, VP
New Business Development of
Technology Innovations, LLC, +1-585-214-8000, or michael@techlicensing.net
Web Site: http://www.nanodynamics.com/
http://www.naturalnano.com/
http://www.atlasmining.com/
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