Technology

Tellurium and Selenium are rare elements seldom found in their native state and are widely dispersed in the earth´s crust at average levels less abundant than silver (they rank 69th and 75th respectively, in order of abundance). Tellurium was discovered in 1782 by Franz Muller von Reichenstein and was named by M. H. Klaproth, who isolated it in 1798. Selenium was discovered by Berzelius in 1817. There are no ores from which Tellurium and Selenium can be mined as primary products. Tellurium is usually associated with gold, silver, copper, lead, and bismuth ores. One of the most common Tellurium minerals is sylvanite, a complex gold silver telluride. Selenium is found principally in sulfide minerals of copper, iron, and is most common in chalcopyrite, bornite, and pyrite.

The extraction of Tellurium and Selenium from ore is a complex process involving numerous hydro- and pyro-metallurgical treatments. Flotation concentrates are smelted to remove sulfur, iron, and other impurities. Treatment of 200 MTs of copper ore typically yields one pound of Tellurium. Selenium and Tellurium are considered as impurities in typical copper production and are separated in electrolytic copper refineries, where impure copper anodes are dissolved electrolytically and redeposited as high purity copper cathodes. The impurities, which include Tellurium and Selenium, either dissolve in the electrolyte, or settle as slimes to the bottom of the electrolytic cells. They are subsequently recovered through various extraction technologies, and further refined into commercial product forms and compounds.

PRM's Capabilities

PRM´s R&D leadership team is currently co-chaired by Mr. Robert J. Hisshion, a pioneering technologist in the field of tellurium and selenium materials and Dr. Matt Osborne, an experienced metallurgist with extensive experience in metallurgical manufacturing and applications. Using a combination of novel and proprietary technologies, PRM is a well-recognized leader in the synthesis, characterization and large-scale production of these exotic materials.

The R&D facilities include a state-of-the-art materials characterization and analysis lab, featuring the latest generation of instrumentation and tools. In-plant analytical instrumentation includes: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), and other wet/dry chemistry machines and tools. All testing, recording and analysis is performed in conformance with rigorous quality-controlled procedures, ensuring the accuracy of reported data. PRM has received ISO 9001-2000 and ISO 14001:2004 certifications for its Quality and Environmental Management programs, respectively, and numerous recognitions from various government agencies and tradegroups for its operational excellence.

Experienced PRM chemists, engineers and metallurgists, diligently pursue the advancement of tellurium/ selenium science, and are able to respond to customer needs with best-in-class technical support and process/product development capabilities. The competency of this laboratory is further enhanced by access to the II-VI corporate-wide global R&D network and analytical facilities.

PRM and II-VI have demonstrated their uncomprising commitment to their valued customers and markets through recent investments to upgrade the manufacturing, research and laboratory facilities. These investments were made throughout 2008 and are continuing through 2009, positioning PRM to meet the needs of our most discerning customers in the most sensitive and technically challenging applications.

Commitment to the Environment

PRM is committed to providing a work environment for all our employees that meets or exceeds environmental, health and safety laws established by local, state and national governments. Our philosophy towards environmental, health and safety (EHS) is evident in our EHS Mission Statement:

We pledge to uphold the commitment that II-VI Incorporated Worldwide has made to ensure that our working environment is as safe as it can be. An active role in the environmental, health and safety programs at PRM will serve to continually improve the quality of working conditions, preserve the environment and positively influence our community. Our goals are: