Andromeda Metals (ASX: ADN) has announced a significant advancement in the commercial production of high purity alumina (HPA), a critical mineral added to Australia’s list in March 2022. Lab-scale testing by EAG Eurofins USA successfully produced HPA exceeding 99.99% purity from refined kaolin at Andromeda’s Great White project using a novel flowsheet. This breakthrough offers a potentially more cost-effective and less carbon-intensive alternative to existing HPA production methods, such as aluminium alkoxide hydrolysis.
Acting CEO Sarah Clarke emphasized that while the Great White project remains the primary focus, HPA production presents a valuable complementary opportunity. The company believes its process will be attractive to manufacturers due to lower costs and reduced carbon footprint. The successful test work follows seven years of research and metallurgical analysis, culminating in the development of the novel flowsheet. Demand for HPA is driven by its use in synthetic sapphire, LEDs, semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries, and high-tech ceramics, with analysts predicting a significant supply deficit by 2028. Andromeda plans to conduct a scoping study, engage with potential customers to tailor the product, and explore government funding opportunities.
