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PPG and Argex Announce Agreement for Titanium Dioxide Collaboration

Dépèche transmise le 3 avril 2012 par Business Wire

PPG and Argex Announce Agreement for Titanium Dioxide Collaboration

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) announced today that it has entered into a technical collaboration agreement with Montreal-based Argex Mining Inc. (TSX-V:RGX) (FSE:ASV) (OTCBB:ARGEF) to utilize PPG’s existing technology and know-how relating to the manufacture of titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment for paints and coatings applications. The TiO2 is intended to be compatible with various end-use applications for PPG and would be produced by Argex. Terms were not disclosed.

“PPG’s decision to collaborate closely with Argex as both a technical and commercial partner is a further validation of our process and the suitability of the Argex TiO2 pigment for commercial use. PPG’s involvement will assist Argex greatly in our stated goal to advance rapidly to production.”

“PPG and Argex plan to combine efforts with the goal of developing a titanium dioxide product that can meet conventional standards for interior and exterior paint applications,” said Charles F. Kahle II, PPG chief technology officer and vice president, research and development, coatings. “This strategic initiative offers PPG the opportunity to leverage our expertise and secure an enhanced supply of this critical raw material. Volatile pricing for titanium dioxide continues to be an important issue for the company.”

Roy Bonnell, Argex president and chief executive officer, said, “PPG’s decision to collaborate closely with Argex as both a technical and commercial partner is a further validation of our process and the suitability of the Argex TiO2 pigment for commercial use. PPG’s involvement will assist Argex greatly in our stated goal to advance rapidly to production.”

The agreement provides for the negotiation of a purchase and supply agreement between Argex and PPG based on the successful development of the treatment technologies. Both companies have agreed to certain terms of mutual exclusivity during the negotiation period.

PPG previously manufactured titanium dioxide using the chloride process at its Natrium, W.Va., chemicals plant and sold titanium dioxide pigment for coatings and other end-use applications. Titanium dioxide is a raw material widely used in the paint and coatings industry as pigment for its hiding, durability and whiteness characteristics.

About Argex Mining Inc.

Argex Mining Inc. has recently transitioned from a mining exploration company to a near-term producer of commodities that the world needs: titanium dioxide, iron and vanadium pentoxide. With a primary goal of advancing rapidly towards production, Argex has adopted a simple and low risk strategy for the scale-up of its proprietary process that allows it to produce high purity TiO2 directly from its 100% owned deposit. Additionally, the Company owns 100% of the Mouchalagane property, which is a large Labrador Trough iron ore property that represents further potential upside for the Argex shareholders.

PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.(TM)

PPG Industries' vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in more than 60 countries around the world. Sales in 2011 were $14.9 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 reflecting the company’s current view with respect to future events or objectives and financial or operational performance or results. The forward-looking statements contained herein include statements relating to the expected benefits of the technical collaboration. Actual events may differ materially from current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the failure to produce a viable titanium dioxide product, the failure to achieve the other expected benefits of the technical collaboration and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in PPG Industries’ periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, and its current reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of their initial issuance, and PPG Industries does not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Bringing innovation to the surface is a trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.