Arianne Phosphate Inc. (TSX VENTURE: DAN; OTCQB: DRRSF; FRANKFURT: JE9N) signed a joint venture framework agreement with Travertine Technologies Inc. for the production of purified phosphoric acid, according to a company statement.

The agreement will serve as a template for a final shareholder agreement between the companies. The partnership combines Travertine's proprietary process with Arianne's high-purity phosphate concentrate from its Lac à Paul project in Quebec's Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.

Travertine's process produces purified phosphoric acid from phosphate concentrate using recycled sulfuric acid. The process eliminates phosphogypsum waste by converting it into material usable in other industries. The resulting purified phosphoric acid would meet requirements for LFP batteries and technical grades used in pharmaceuticals, semiconductor production and food additives.

"Due to the nature of our phosphate concentrate, less sulphuric acid is required in the production of the phosphoric acid feedstock and then, when put through the Travertine process, much of the sulphuric acid can be recycled and used again in the process," said Brian Ostroff, Head of Strategic & Business Initiatives at Arianne Phosphate.

The companies are conducting pilot scale testing at Travertine's facilities, with initial results expected within weeks. Arianne has optioned a facility in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region for a demonstration plant to produce purified phosphoric acid at larger scale.

Separately, Arianne granted 200,000 stock options to CEO Jeffrey Beck in lieu of salary or cash compensation. The options allow Beck to purchase common shares at $0.425 per share until June 2, 2036, subject to vesting requirements and regulatory approval.

Arianne Phosphate is developing phosphate deposits located approximately 200 km north of the Saguenay/Lac St. Jean area of Quebec, Canada.