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Increases Total Mineral Inventory: Provides Results of Updated Mineral Resource and Reserves
By GlobeNewswire Published on July 31, 2025, 10:30 IST Increases Total Mineral Inventory: Provides Results of Updated Mineral Resource and Reserves Serabi Gold plc ('Serabi' or the 'Company') (AIM:SRB, TSX:SBI, OTCQX:SRBIF), the Brazilian focused gold mining and development company, is pleased to announce updated Mineral Reserve estimates and Mineral Resource estimates for its Palito Mine, prepared in accordance with the standard of CIM and Canadian National Instrument 43-101, with an effective date of 1 April, 2025 as outlined below (all financial amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated) . HIGHLIGHTS Proven and Probable ('2P') Reserves totalling 162,600 ounces (706,000 tonnes at 7.2 g/t Au) compared to 206,400 ounces (824,800 tonnes @ 7.8 g/t Au) in July 2023. Reserve life is equivalent to over six years of operations at current production levels, without considering conversion of additional mineral resources. Measured and Indicated ('M&I') Resources of 388,400 ounces of contained gold (1,252,900 tonnes @ 9.6 g/t Au), a 3% increase compared to 377,800 (1,166,300 tonnes @ 10.1 g/t) in December 2023. Inferred Resources of 163,900 ounces (690,200 tonnes @ 7.4 g/t Au), a 7% increase compared to 153,900 ounces (682,400 tonnes @ 7.0 g/t Au in July 2023). NCL Ingeniería y Construcción SpA of Santiago de Chile ('NCL') is preparing this Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation together with a new 43-101 Technical Report which is expected to be issued within 45 days of the date of this release. Mike Hodgson CEO commented: 'This updated Mineral Resource demonstrates Serabi's ability to replenish resources on a consistent basis. We have regularly maintained our ability to replace production with new resources and in this instance, the combined Measured, Indicated and the Inferred resource categories have increased by 4% since 2023. The Company has a strong track record of maintaining a ~500koz ounces total mineral inventory at the Palito Complex and this latest estimate is no different as we increase to 552koz. Within this mineral resource inventory, we have reported a 2P Mineral Reserve of ~163koz, equating to over six years of reserve life at current extraction rates, excluding any future resource to reserve conversion. For a narrow vein mine, this is a great position to be in. With São Chico on care and maintenance since 2022, the 2023 estimated resources and reserves have simply been restated here, albeit these resources and reserves were calculated at a more conservative gold price and exchange rate. In early 2025 we embarked on a $9m brownfield surface exploration drill programme spread across the Palito Complex and Coringa, approximately 50% of this budget will be used at Palito to test extensions of known orebodies. As this drill programme did not commence until March, this updated resource estimate does not include results from the exploration programme. We therefore look forward to an update in early 2026, when we do expect to incorporate results from our 'aggressive' brownfield programme. In the meantime, this increase, which excludes the surface drill programme, is especially pleasing.' The Mineral Reserve estimate was prepared by Mr Carlos Guzman of NCL Ingeniería y Construcción SpA, who is a Qualified Person under the Canadian National Instrument 43-101. The Mineral Resource estimate was prepared by Mr Nicolas Fuster of NCL Ingeniería y Construcción SpA, who is a Qualified Person under the Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mineral Reserve Estimates The updated Mineral Reserve estimates for the Palito Mine and the São Chico Mine are based on data as at 1st April 2025. Table 1: Palito Complex Mineral Reserve Statement as of April 1, 2025 Mineral Reserve Statement for the Palito Complex (Palito and São Chico Mines) Palito São Chico Combined Tonnes Grade Contained Tonnes Grade Contained Tonnes Grade Contained (000's) (g/t Au) (000's oz) (000's) (g/t Au) (000's oz) (000's) (g/t Au) (000's oz) Proven 422.4 7.7 103.8 46.1 8.2 12.2 468.5 7.7 116.0 Probable 223.6 6.0 43.1 14.1 7.7 3.5 237.7 6.1 46.6 Total Reserves 645.9 7.1 147.0 60.2 8.1 15.6 706.1 7.2 162.6 Notes to Palito Complex Mineral Reserve Estimates Mineral Reserves have been rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Proven Mineral Reserves are reported within the Measured classification domain, and Probable Mineral Reserves are reported within the Indicated classification domain. Palito Mine Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves are inclusive of external mining dilution and mining loss and are reported at a cut-off grade of 3.98 g/t gold for Palito Mine and assuming an underground shrinkage mining scenario, a gold price of US$2,000/oz, a 5.5:1 Brazilian Real to U.S. Dollar exchange rate, and metallurgical recoveries of 93.2%. São Chico Mine Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves are inclusive of external mining dilution and mining loss and are reported at a cut-off grade of 4.0 g/t gold and assuming an underground shrinkage mining scenario, a gold price of US$1,800/oz, a 5.0:1 Brazilian Real to U.S. Dollar exchange rate, and metallurgical recoveries of 93.8%, as estimated in 2023 and re-stated in this release . Serabi is the operator and owns 100% of the Palito Mine such that gross and net attributable mineral reserves are the same. The mineral reserve estimate was prepared by NCL in accordance with the standard of CIM and NI 43-101, with an effective date of April 1, 2025, and audited and approved by Mr. Carlos Guzmán of NCL, who is a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. Mineral Resource Estimates The updated Mineral Resource estimates for the Palito Mine and the Sao Chico Mine are based on data as at 1st April 2025 and 31st July 2023, respectively. Table 2: Mineral Resource Statement, Palito Mine as of April 1, 2025 Classification Tonnes Grade Contained (000's) (g/t Au) (000's) Measured 769 10.8 267.5 Indicated 333 7.7 82.5 Measured and Indicated 1,102 9.9 350.0 Inferred 682 7.4 161.8 Notes to Palito Mine Mineral Resource Statement Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Mineral Resources are reported within classification domains with no dilution applied at a cut-off grade of 2.92 g/t gold assuming an underground extraction scenario, a gold price of US$2,500/oz, metallurgical recovery of 95% and exchange rate of R$ 6.0/US$. Polygonal techniques were used for Resources estimates. The mineral resource estimate was prepared by NCL in accordance with the standard of CIM and NI 43-101, with an effective date of April 1, 2025, and audited and approved by Mr. Nicolas Fuster of NCL, who is a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. Table 3: Mineral Resource Statement, São Chico Mine as of July 31, 2023 Classification Tonnes Grade Contained (000's) (g/t Au) (000's) Measured 123 8.1 31.9 Indicated 29 7.1 6.5 Measured and Indicated 151 7.9 38.4 Inferred 8 6.5 1.7 Notes to Mineral Resource Statement, São Chico Mine Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Mineral Resources are reported within classification domains with no dilution applied at a COG of 3.32 g/t gold assuming an underground extraction scenario, a gold price of US$1,950/oz, metallurgical recovery of 95% and exchange rate of R$ 5.5/US$3D block model used for Resource estimates. Polygonal techniques were used for Resources estimates. Qualified Persons and Quality Control The scientific and technical information contained in this news release pertaining to the Palito Complex has been reviewed and approved by the following Qualified Persons under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ('NI 43-101'): Carlos Guzman,RM CMC, FAusIMM, NCL Ingeniería y Construcción SpA Gustavo Tapia, RM CMC, Metallurgical and Process Consultant, GT Metallurgy Nicolas Fuster, RM CMC, MAusIMM, NCL Ingeniería y Construcción SpA The Qualified Persons have verified the information disclosed herein, including the sampling, preparation, security and analytical procedures underlying the information or opinions contained in this announcement in accordance with standards appropriate to their qualifications. Technical Report A Technical Report prepared by NCL Ingeniería y Construcción SpA. In accordance with NI 43-101 will be filed on SEDAR ( ) within 45 days of this release as well as on the Company's website About Serabi Gold plc Serabi Gold plc is a gold exploration, development and production company focused on the prolific Tapajós region in Para State, northern Brazil. The Company has consistently produced 30,000 to 40,000 ounces per year with the Palito Complex and is planning to double production in the coming years with the construction of the Coringa Gold project. Serabi Gold plc recently made a copper-gold porphyry discovery on its extensive exploration licence. The Company is headquartered in the United Kingdom with a secondary office in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK Domestic Law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. The person who arranged for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company was Andrew Khov, Vice President, Investor Relations & Business Development. Enquiries SERABI GOLD plc Michael Hodgson t +44 (0)20 7246 6830 Chief Executive m +44 (0)7799 473621 Colm Howlin Chief Financial Officer m +353 89 6078171 Andrew Khov m +1 647 885 4874Vice President, Investor Relations & Business Development e [email protected] BEAUMONT CORNISH Limited Nominated Adviser & Financial Adviser Roland Cornish / Michael Cornish t +44 (0)20 7628 3396 PEEL HUNT LLP Joint UK Broker Ross Allister / Georgia Langoulant t +44 (0)20 7418 9000 TAMESIS PARTNERS LLP Joint UK Broker Charlie Bendon/ Richard Greenfield t +44 (0)20 3882 2868 CAMARCO Financial PR – Europe Gordon Poole / Emily Hall t +44 (0)20 3757 4980 Assay Results Assay results reported within this release include those provided by the Company's own on-site laboratory facilities at Palito and have not yet been independently verified. Serabi closely monitors the performance of its own facility against results from independent laboratory analysis for quality control purpose. As a matter of normal practice, the Company sends duplicate samples derived from a variety of the Company's activities to accredited laboratory facilities for independent verification. Since mid-2019, over 10,000 exploration drill core samples have been assayed at both the Palito laboratory and certified external laboratory, in most cases the ALS laboratory in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. When comparing significant assays with grades exceeding 1 g/t gold, comparison between Palito versus external results record an average over-estimation by the Palito laboratory of 6.7% over this period. Based on the results of this work, the Company's management are satisfied that the Company's own facility shows sufficiently good correlation with independent laboratory facilities for exploration drill samples. The Company would expect that in the preparation of any future independent Reserve/Resource statement undertaken in compliance with a recognized standard, the independent authors of such a statement would not use Palito assay results without sufficient duplicates from an appropriately certificated laboratory. Forward-looking statements Certain statements in this announcement are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ''believe'', ''could'', 'should' ''envisage'', ''estimate'', ''intend'', ''may'', ''plan'', ''will'' or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors' current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the Directors' current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. Several factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements including risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions, competition, environmental and other regulatory changes, actions by governmental authorities, the availability of capital markets, reliance on key personnel, uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward looking statements. Qualified Persons Statement The scientific and technical information contained within this announcement has been reviewed and approved by Michael Hodgson, a Director of the Company. Mr Hodgson is an Economic Geologist by training with over 30 years' experience in the mining industry. He holds a BSc (Hons) Geology, University of London, a MSc Mining Geology, University of Leicester and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and a Chartered Engineer of the Engineering Council of UK, recognizing him as both a Qualified Person for the purposes of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and by the AIM Guidance Note on Mining and Oil & Gas Companies dated June 2009. Notice Beaumont Cornish Limited, which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority, is acting as nominated adviser to the Company in relation to the matters referred herein. Beaumont Cornish Limited is acting exclusively for the Company and for no one else in relation to the matters described in this announcement and is not advising any other person and accordingly will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to clients of Beaumont Cornish Limited, or for providing advice in relation to the contents of this announcement or any matter referred to in it. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, nor any other securities regulatory authority, has approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release See for more information and follow us on X @Serabi_Gold APPENDIX Mineral Reserves and Resources The Company estimates and discloses mineral reserves and resources using the definitions adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, and in accordance with NI 43-101. Further details are available at See the 'Glossary of Geological and Mining Terms' for complete definitions of mineral reserves and mineral resources. About Mineral Resources Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability but do have reasonable prospect for economic extraction. They fall into three categories: measured, indicated, and inferred. The reported mineral resources are stated inclusive of mineral reserves. Measured and indicated mineral resources are sufficiently well-defined to allow geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed and permit the application of technical and economic parameters in assessing the economic viability of the mineral resource. Inferred mineral resources are estimated on limited information not sufficient to verify geological and grade continuity or to allow technical and economic parameters to be applied. Inferred mineral resources are too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them. There is no certainty that mineral resources of any category will be upgraded to mineral reserves. Important Information about Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates Whilst the Company takes all reasonable care in the preparation and verification of the mineral reserve and resource figures, the figures are estimates based in part on forward-looking information. Estimates are based on management's knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results, the quality of available data and management's best judgment. They are, however, imprecise by nature, may change over time, and include many variables and assumptions including geological interpretation, commodity prices and currency exchange rates, recovery rates, and operating and capital costs. There is no assurance that the indicated levels of metal will be produced, and the Company may have to re-estimate the mineral reserves based on actual production experience. Changes in the metal price, production costs or recovery rates could make it unprofitable to operate or develop a particular deposit for a period of time. A comparison of the updated Mineral Reserve Estimates as at 1 April 2025 with the previously reported Mineral Reserve Estimates as at 31 July 2023 published on 20 November 2023 is set out below. Comparison of Mineral Reserves for the Palito Mine, Para, Brazil April 2025 July 2023 Tonnes Grade Contained Tonnes Grade Contained (000's) (g/t Au) (000's oz) (000's) (g/t Au) (000's oz) Proven 422 7.7 103.8 568 8.1 147.5 Probable 224 6.0 43.1 197 6.8 43.2 Proven & Probable Reserves 646 7.1 147.0 765 7.8 190.7 A comparison of the updated Mineral Resource Estimates as at 1 April 2025 with the previously reported Mineral Resource Estimates as at 31 July 2023 published on 20 November 2023 is set out below. Comparison of Mineral Resources for the Palito Mine, Para, Brazil April 2025 July 2023 Tonnes Grade Contained Tonnes Grade Contained (000's) (g/t Au) (000's oz) (000's) (g/t Au) (000's oz) Measured Resources 769 10.8 268 772 11.0 274 Indicated Resources 333 7.7 83 243 8.4 66 Measured & Indicated Resources 1,102 9.9 350 1,015 10.4 339 Inferred Resources 682 7.4 162 674 7.0 152 GLOSSARY OF TERMS The following is a glossary of technical terms: 'Ag' means silver. 'Au' means gold. 'assay' in economic geology, means to analyse the proportions of metal in a rock or overburden sample; to test an ore or mineral for composition, purity, weight or other properties of commercial interest. 'CIM' means the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. 'chalcopyrite' is a sulphide of copper and iron. 'Cu' means copper. 'cut-off grade' the lowest grade of mineralised material that qualifies as ore in a given deposit; rock of the lowest assay included in an ore estimate. 'dacite porphyry intrusive' a silica-rich igneous rock with larger phenocrysts (crystals) within a fine-grained matrixi 'deposit' is a mineralised body which has been physically delineated by sufficient drilling, trenching, and/or underground work, and found to contain a sufficient average grade of metal or metals to warrant further exploration and/or development expenditures; such a deposit does not qualify as a commercially mineable ore body or as containing ore reserves, until final legal, technical, and economic factors have been resolved. 'electromagnetics' is a geophysical technique tool measuring the magnetic field generated by subjecting the sub-surface to electrical currents. 'garimpo' is a local artisanal mining operation 'garimpeiro' is a local artisanal miner. 'geochemical' refers to geological information using measurements derived from chemical analysis. 'geophysical' refers to geological information using measurements derived from the use of magnetic and electrical readings. 'geophysical techniques' include the exploration of an area by exploiting differences in physical properties of different rock types. Geophysical methods include seismic, magnetic, gravity, induced polarisation and other techniques; geophysical surveys can be undertaken from the ground or from the air. 'gossan' is an iron-bearing weathered product that overlies a sulphide deposit. 'grade' is the concentration of mineral within the host rock typically quoted as grams per tonne (g/t), parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb). 'g/t' means grams per tonne. 'granodiorite' is an igneous intrusive rock similar to granite. 'hectare' or a 'ha' is a unit of measurement equal to 10,000 square metres. 'igneous' is a rock that has solidified from molten material or magma. 'IP' refers to induced polarisation, a geophysical technique whereby an electric current is induced into the sub-surface and the conductivity of the sub-surface is recorded. 'intrusive' is a body of rock that invades older rocks. 'Indicated Mineral Resource An Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation. An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured Mineral Resource and may only be converted to a Probable Mineral Reserve. 'Inferred Mineral Resource' An Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration. 'Measured Mineral Resource' A Measured Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the application of Modifying Factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to confirm geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation. A Measured Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than that applying to either an Indicated Mineral Resource or an Inferred Mineral Resource. It may be converted to a Proven Mineral Reserve or to a Probable Mineral Reserve. 'mineralisation' the concentration of metals and their chemical compounds within a body of rock. 'mineralised' refers to rock which contains minerals e.g. iron, copper, gold. 'Mineral Resource' A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth's crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling. 'Mineral Reserve' A Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined or extracted and is defined by studies at Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility level as appropriate that include application of Modifying Factors. Such studies demonstrate that, at the time of reporting, extraction could reasonably be justified. 'Mo-Bi-As-Te-W-Sn' Molybdenum-Bismuth-Arsenic-Tellurium-Tungsten-Tin 'monzogranite' a biotite rich granite, often part of the later-stage emplacement of a larger granite body. 'mt' means million tonnes. 'ore' means a metal or mineral or a combination of these of sufficient value as to quality and quantity to enable it to be mined at a profit. 'oxides' are near surface bed-rock which has been weathered and oxidised by long term exposure to the effects of water and air. 'ppm' means parts per million. 'Probable Mineral Reserve' is the economically mineable part of an Indicated and, in some circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Preliminary Feasibility Study. This Study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. 'Proven Mineral Reserve' is the economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource. A Proven Mineral Reserve implies a high degree of confidence in the Modifying Factors. 'saprolite' is a weathered or decomposed clay-rich rock. 'sulphide' refers to minerals consisting of a chemical combination of sulphur with a metal. 'vein' is a generic term to describe an occurrence of mineralised rock within an area of non-mineralised rock. 'VTEM' refers to versa time domain electromagnetic, a particular variant of time-domain electromagnetic geophysical survey to prospect for conductive bodies below surface. 'XRF' X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) is a spectrometric technique used to perform elemental analysis non-destructively on samples Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
Toronto Star
16 hours ago
- Business
- Toronto Star
Increases Total Mineral Inventory: Provides Results of Updated Mineral Resource and Reserves
Increases Total Mineral Inventory: Provides Results of Updated Mineral Resource and Reserves Serabi Gold plc ('Serabi' or the 'Company') (AIM:SRB, TSX:SBI, OTCQX:SRBIF), the Brazilian focused gold mining and development company, is pleased to announce updated Mineral Reserve estimates and Mineral Resource estimates for its Palito Mine, prepared in accordance with the standard of CIM and Canadian National Instrument 43-101, with an effective date of 1 April, 2025 as outlined below (all financial amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated).
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Hexza Corp's unit launches corn-based ethanol plant in Perak
KUALA LUMPUR: Chemical Industries (Malaya) Sdn Bhd (CIM), a subsidiary of Hexza Corporation Bhd , inaugurated its state-of-the-art corn-based ethanol production facility in Persiaran Tasek in Ipoh, Perak, today, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth and innovation journey. In a statement today, Hexza said the new plant exemplified CIM's unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and the advancement of its operations through modern, circular production methods. In a strategic shift from molasses to corn as its primary feedstock, it said CIM now produces ethanol through natural fermentation and distillation using high-quality corn. A key byproduct of this process - Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) - is repurposed into high-value livestock feed, reinforcing CIM's adoption of circular economy principles. "This makes CIM the first manufacturer and supplier of locally produced DDGS in Malaysia, supporting both food security and sustainable agriculture,' said Hexza. Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer (CEO) Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said the new facility exemplifies how circular economy principles can be turned into real economic value, optimising agricultural resources while creating new, high-impact downstream industries such as DDGS for livestock feed. "It strengthens Malaysia's bio-based value chain, reduces import dependencies, and opens new frontiers for sustainable industrial growth,' he said. Meanwhile, InvestPerak CEO Mohamad Hashim Abdul Ghani said CIM has had a long-standing presence in Perak and the latest expansion into corn-based ethanol production not only reflects the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability but also reinforces the state's position as a preferred destination for high-value and future-ready investments. "The plant signified how strategic investments in bio-based industries could contribute meaningfully to the state's industrial growth, job creation and advancement of a circular economy,' he said. At the same time, Hexza executive director Foong Leon Chiew said the corn-based ethanol plant is an important milestone and strategic investment for CIM, as it reinforces its position as the leading producer and supplier of ethanol and DDGS in Malaysia, and a strong commitment to sustainable production. CIM's new facility is designed with high environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards in mind, focusing on minimising waste, responsible sourcing, and reinvesting in the local community to ensure long-term sustainable development. CIM has a rich legacy as Malaysia's first ethanol producer, having commenced operations in 1962, and offers a wide range of ethanol products, from 96 per cent to absolute ethanol, meeting the needs of diverse ethanol end-users. Its product portfolio also includes natural vinegar (through wholly owned subsidiary Bio-Acetic Products Sdn Bhd) and now DDGS, further diversifying its market reach. In 1994, it became one of the first in the sector to achieve prestigious MS:ISO9002 certification, in accordance with the British Pharmacopoeia standards. - Bernama
Barnama
7 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Chemical Industries (Malaya) Leads Green Innovation with New Corn-based Ethanol Plant in Perak
IPOH, Perak, July 25 (Bernama) -- Chemical Industries (Malaya) Sdn. Bhd. (CIM), a subsidiary of public-listed Hexza Corporation Berhad, today inaugurated its state- of-the-art corn-based ethanol production facility in Persiaran Tasek, Ipoh, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth and innovation journey. The new plant exemplifies CIM's unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and the advancement of its operations through modern, circular production methods. In a strategic shift from molasses to corn as its primary feedstock, CIM now produces ethanol through natural fermentation and distillation using high-quality corn. A key byproduct of this process - Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) – is repurposed into high-value livestock feed, reinforcing CIM's adoption of circular economy principles. This makes CIM the first manufacturer and supplier of locally produced DDGS in Malaysia, supporting both food security and sustainable agriculture.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's first corn-based ethanol plant sets regional benchmark
IPOH: Chemical Industries (Malaya) Sdn Bhd (CIM), a subsidiary of public-listed Hexza Corporation Bhd, has inaugurated its state-of-the-art corn-based ethanol plant in Persiaran Tasek, Ipoh, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth and innovation journey. The new plant exemplifies CIM's unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and the advancement of its operations through modern, circular production methods. In the 1960s, as Malaysia was just beginning to shape its industrial identity, one visionary entrepreneur saw a future powered by ethanol. That man was Datuk Dr Foong Weng Sum, a medical doctor by training, a pioneer in chemical manufacturing and the founder of Hexza, a conglomerate which has been listed on Bursa Malaysia since 1979. Under the Hexza banner, he established CIM as Malaysia's first and largest ethanol producer, marking a historic milestone. At a time when ethanol was largely associated with alcoholic beverages, Dr Foong saw significant industrial potential for ethanol, such as for pharmaceutical, advance manufacturing, cosmetics, fragrance and household care products. His foresight was validated when a large multinational pharmaceutical customer awarded CIM a certificate of recognition for its product quality and service excellence in 1996. "I foresaw a future where ethanol would be indispensable, as a raw material for production across multiple industries and as a bio-fuel. My vision is to position Malaysia as a key player in the ethanol and overall chemical industry space," he said. CIM has a rich legacy as Malaysia's first ethanol producer, having commenced operations in 1962. Today, CIM is Malaysia's largest ethanol producer by capacity and the only manufacturer in the country to use corn as a raw material, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and innovation. Hexza executive director Foong Leon Chiew, the eldest son of Dr Foong, said that CIM previously relied on molasses as its primary raw material for ethanol production. He said that changed this year when the company installed a new corn-based ethanol plant with a capacity of up to 10 million litres annually. "The new corn-based ethanol plant will not only underscore CIM's position as the leading ethanol manufacturer in Malaysia with a strong commitment to producing high quality ethanol, but also the company's commitment tow circular economy principles," he said. "In a strategic shift from molasses to corn as a primary feedstock, CIM now produces ethanol through natural fermentation and distillation using high-quality corn from Brazil and Argentina. "A key by-product of this process, called Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), is repurposed into high-value livestock feed, reinforcing CIM's adoption of sustainable production principles. "This makes CIM the first and only manufacturer and supplier of locally produced DDGS in Malaysia, helping to reduce dependence on imported animal feed and supporting both food security and sustainable agriculture. "This transition is not just about capacity expansion and efficiency, but it's also about responsibility," said Foong, who has an engineering degree from the University of Oxford and an MBA degree from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Foong has previously worked in the investment banking industry for 17 years in Hong Kong. He added that CIM produces a wide range of ethanol products, from 96 per cent industrial ethanol to absolute ethanol, serving diverse industries including pharmaceuticals, advance manufacturing, cosmetics, home care, food and beverages. "Our ethanol has many use cases, such as chemical feedstock or solvent for pharmaceutical products and vaccine development, catheter storage and sterilisation, cosmetics, perfumes, home care products, and food and beverage production. "Through our subsidiary, Bio-Acetic Products, CIM also produces and sells natural vinegar, further strengthening our product line." While the majority of its customers are in Malaysia, Foong said CIM has begun exporting to neighbouring countries such as Singapore, and is exploring opportunities to expand across Southeast Asia. Located at the Tasek Industrial Area in Ipoh, CIM's integrated facility manages the entire ethanol production process in-house, from corn intake and milling to liquefaction, fermentation, distillation and DDGS production. The site also has storage warehouses, bagging lines and a bottling operation, potentially signalling a future return to branded beverage production. "We combine time-tested fermentation and distillation methods with modern monitoring systems. This blend of tradition and technology ensures consistent quality and efficiency. "CIM has had a long-standing presence in Perak. This latest expansion into corn-based ethanol production not only reflects the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability but also reinforces its belief in Perak as a preferred destination for high-value and future-ready investments. "CIM plans to continue to contribute meaningfully to the state's industrial growth, job creation and advancement of a circular economy." Beyond the corn-based operations, Foong said CIM is actively exploring solar power and carbon footprint reduction initiatives as part of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. "We aim to lead not just in volume but also in responsible production. From renewable energy adoption to carbon footprint reduction, we aim to set new benchmarks for the industry." On how the company maintained its leadership in the domestic ethanol market through the years, Foong attributed it to three core drivers: production scale and quality, long-term customer relationships, and a proactive sustainability agenda. "Our corn-based plant allows us to produce 24/7 with minimal waste. We're proud to operate Malaysia's first corn ethanol plant with a strong commitment to ESG. "Quality supply is important, but demand is built on trust. Our customers have stayed with us for decades, thanks to the high quality of our products and the reliability of our logistics and service," he added. Looking ahead, he said CIM is targeting organic growth and potential strategic acquisitions as it pursues regional expansion, product innovation and other growth opportunities. "We are already the national leader. Now, we are targeting to become the regional champion. Our vision is to deliver high-quality ethanol and related products from Malaysia to Southeast Asia and beyond," he said.
