PERTH (miningweekly.com) – ASX-listed Alpha HPA’s A$300-million high purity alumina (HPA) industrial plant, in Queensland, is a step closer after the company received state government approval for the project and acquired a 9.2 ha site in the Queensland government’s Gladstone State Development Area.
“Alpha is delighted to have received the updated approvals, to have secured the land parcel for both stages of the HPA First project and to be commencing site works. These are each further exciting milestones for the company,” MD Rimas Kairaitis said.
The HPA First project will produce about 10 000 t/y of HPA and related high purity precursor products using Alpha’s proprietary licensed solvent extraction and HPA refining technology.
“Stage 1, which is fully funded, will enable us to commence commercial production from August 2022, tapping into this demand quickly. Stage 2, the full scale project, will commence in parallel with Stage 1, and is scheduled to be commercially operating by 2024,” said Kairaitis.
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said the extensive infrastructure and port facilities in the Gladstone region, an established industrial sector and skilled workforce all helped attract Alpha HPA to the Gladstone.
“Gladstone is a world-best location for existing industries with a proven track record of growing successful new industries, like the emerging green energy manufacturing sector,” he said.
“Alpha HPA is joining other global companies, who have also recently chosen Gladstone to establish their manufacturing hubs and create local jobs.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said Gladstone was fast becoming a world-leading manufacturing hub drawing on the world’s demand for renewable energy to inspire new industry growth.
“Alpha HPA’s project will support around 120 new, regional jobs in a new emerging industry with global demand.
“High purity alumina is used in items such as LED lights, lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, solar battery storage and consumer electronics, and synthetic sapphire which is used in watches and smartphone camera glass.
“These are high-technology items with rising consumer demand, particularly in China and Europe.
“Projects like this boost Queensland’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan, and we’re backing Queensland to become a renewable energy superpower.”