He invented a procedure for the production of pure zinc, and opened a mine in Moresnet.

[1] Dony invented a procedure for the industrial production of totally pure zinc.

[2] In 1806, Napoleon granted him a monopoly for the exploitation of the zinc mines of Moresnet,[3] now in Liège Province, Belgium.

[1] From the exploitation of the Moresnet mines rose the 'Vieille Montagne Association' (French for Old Mountain), which later expanded its operations abroad (to France, Germany and Sweden (Zinkgruvan) among others).

[5][6] In 1809, Dony opened a factory in Liège, but ran into financial difficulties, and was forced to sell 75% of his stocks.