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(11)

EP 1 960 138 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 27.08.2008 Bulletin 2008/35 (21) Application number: 06775110.7 (22) Date of filing: 15.08.2006

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B22F 3/11(2006.01) B01D 39/00(2006.01) B22F 7/00(2006.01) B32B 5/18(2006.01) B22F 1/00(2006.01) B22F 5/10(2006.01) B32B 15/02(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/CA2006/001335 (87) International publication number: WO 2007/041827 (19.04.2007 Gazette 2007/16)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB (30) Priority: 07.10.2005 US 245660 (71) Applicant: Vale Inco Limited Toronto, ON M5J 2K2 (CA)	(72) Inventor: CHARLES, Douglas Kenneth Mississauga, Ontario L5K 1E5 (CA) (74) Representative: Hedley, Nicholas James Matthew et al Kilburn & Strode 20 Red Lion Street London WC1R 4PJ London WC1R 4PJ (GB)