Cymat to supply SmartMetal to transport French radioactive materials

France's Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) has contracted with Ontario, Canada-based Cymat Technologies, Ltd., to supply its SmartMetal product to French nuclear-materials facilities, Cymat said on Monday.

The SmartMetal material will be used to transport radioactive materials and will act as a failsafe shock-absorbing container in the event of any accidents in lifting the material.

"We are pleased to receive this order from CEA, as it validates SmartMetal technology can play an important role in safeguarding the transportation of radioactive material and opens up a new vertical market for Cymat," Michael Liik, Cymat's executive chairman, said. "With the scale of the global nuclear industry, we are confident that other business-development opportunities will result from this relationship with CEA, as demonstrated by the previously announced SmartMetal specification in the construction of the (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor [ITER]) fusion reactor."

Approximately 75 percent of all of France’s electricity is generated through its 58 nuclear reactors. France also is planning upgrades to extend the operational lifespan of these reactors.

Cymat will provide 7,642 square feet of SmartMetal, and the contract is valued at approximately $224,710. Cymat specializes in the manufacture and development of aluminum foam for multiple industrial sectors.