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INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY |
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Watermark Global plc was initially, listed on
AIM in February 2006 as Microfuze International plc (MFZ). In
February 2008, MFZ changed its name to Watermark Global plc to
reflect its focus on developing innovative environmental
solutions in water management with a key focus on Acid Mine
Drainage in South Africa.
The company has procured a water treatment technology and
commercialisation entity for application in a government
mandated Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) clean-up program in South
Africa. This technology, which will conclude its ”proof of
concept” stage by the end of 2008, is purpose-specific
processing of AMD and is being developed by the mining interests
to meet legislated requirements. Through a subsidiary of
Watermark Global plc, the water will be treated, transported and
sold back into industry to reduce dependence on the expensive
and limited potable water reserves. Future enhancements may well
see the water improved to a drinkable standard.
The immediate market for the treated water is assured through
the direct participation of the implicated mining companies in
the project. As the project scales up, it is anticipated that
there will be an increase in demand from numerous additional
industrial buyers of the treated water due to the fact that the
existing natural water resources are over-subscribed by rapidly
increasing residential demands, whilst the industrial base
continues to expand. Early financial models indicate that the
re-cycled water can be delivered at a very attractive and
sustainable price. |
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BUSINESS |
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Watermark Global plc therefore intends,
through WUC (Western Utilities Corporation), to assist with the establishment of WBEC
(Western Basin Environmental Corporation, a Section 21
non-profit company) as a
registered Water Service Provider. This will enable the
commercial transaction necessary to contract for supply of
treated water. Watermark Global plc will also establish and
operate a process pilot plant, again through WUC, which is
expected to prove the application of an identified treatment
technology, confirm cost parameters, yield results and produce a
Bankable Feasibility Study within 18 months. The cost of this
programme is estimated to be £1.8 million leading to
construction of a 75 million litres / day commercial-treatment
plant the following year at an estimated capital cost of £14
million. Additional expansion up to 200 million litres/day is
expected as mining operations continue to proliferate and the
limited supply of naturally-occurring water is prioritised for
domestic usage. The program benefits from strong and formalised
relationships between WUC and the legally-responsible mining
companies, which, coincidentally, have a proven demand for
additional water usage. |
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PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES |
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Watermark Global plc is committed to the
development of effective, environmentally-sound water treatment
process technologies which promise to deliver sustainable and
cost-effective results. Recycling contaminated water for
industrial applications, easing pressure on a scarce resource
and eliminating an environmental threat, is possible through the
arrangements in place with WUC to apply a proprietary treatment
technology.
In addition, Watermark Global plc continues to aspire to launch
new applications of emerging technologies for rapid
commercialisation, with particular emphasis on energy efficiency
processes based on resource conservation with minimal social
impact. |
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