High-purity alumina First project, Australia – update

19th April 2024 By: Sheila Barradas - Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

High-purity alumina First project, Australia – update

Photo by: Alpha HPA

Name of the Project
High-purity alumina (HPA) First project.

Location
Gladstone State Development Area, in Queensland, Australia.

Project Owner/s
Alpha HPA.

Project Description
The HPA First project will at scale be one of the largest single HPA refineries in the world. The 10 ha, state-of-the-art facility will leverage the established Stage 1 facility, and the latest in process control systems and automation making it capable of producing 10 000 t/y of HPA equivalent.

Potential Job Creation
The project is expected to create about 490 jobs during construction and more than 200 jobs upon completion.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The project has a preproduction capital cost of A$308.13-million.

Planned Start/End Date
The project will be operational in 2025.

Latest Developments
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on April 17 the federal government’s support for two critical minerals projects in Queensland and South Australia, a move aimed at fostering local manufacturing and creating jobs.

Alpha HPA is set to receive A$400-million in new loans to establish Australia’s HPA processing facility.

The financial injection will be facilitated by Export Finance Australia (EFA) through government's A$4-billion Critical Minerals Facility, as well as through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and EFA's commercial account.

Meanwhile, Renascor Resources is set to benefit from a A$185-million loan to advance its Siviour graphite concentrator facility in the Eyre Peninsula.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Prudentia Process Consulting (definitive feasibility study and cost estimation); Prudentia and HPAlumina (pilot plant, engineering); and Aecom (permitting approvals).

Contact Details for Project Information
Alpha HPA, tel +61 2 9300 3310 or email info@collerinacobalt.com.au.