(19)

(11)

EP 1 165 439 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 02.01.2002 Bulletin 2002/01 (21) Application number: 00902491.0 (22) Date of filing: 12.01.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C01C 1/02 (86) International application number: PCT/AU0000/014 (87) International publication number: WO 0041/967 (20.07.2000 Gazette 2000/29)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 12.01.1999 AU PP815899 12.05.1999 AU PQ031499 (71) Applicant: Western Minerals Technology Pty Ltd. Osborne Park, W.A. 6017 (AU)	(72) Inventors: JOHNSON, Gary, Donald Nedlands, W.A. 6009 (AU) ZHUANG, Yan Rivervale, W.A. 6103 (AU) (74) Representative: Eddowes, Simon et al Urquhart-Dykes & Lord, 30 Welbeck Street London W1G 8ER London W1G 8ER (GB)