Andromeda Metals has produced high-purity alumina (HPA) using high-quality refined kaolin from its Great White project in South Australia, validating its novel process flowsheet.
Considered a critical mineral in Australia, HPA has a variety of uses in the technology and automotive industries, specifically in the manufacturing of LED (light-emitting diode) lights and lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.
Andromeda has been conducting flowsheet testwork to assess the viability of the novel flowsheet using kaolin from Great White as feedstock to support HPA production.
Andromeda’s novel flowsheet uses established metallurgical unit operations to refine the aluminium oxide from kaolin. Successful trials of the flowsheet have been proven to be more cost and carbon effective compared to other processes used by HPA producers.
HPA samples produced from the testwork were submitted to EAG Eurofins USA for independent analysis, with the results confirming 99.9985 per cent purity.
The outcome, which is above the 99.99 per cent purity required to be considered 4N HPA for use in lithium-ion batteries, has been independently confirmed by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.
“While Andromeda’s primary focus remains the development of the Great White project, the production of HPA is a high-value and complementary opportunity,” Andromeda acting chief executive officer Sarah Clarke said.
“This latest testwork validates our novel flowsheet, showing our Great White CRM product from the Great White project can be used to produce HPA at an impressive 99.9985 per cent purity.
“These outstanding results demonstrate the potential to expand Andromeda’s product portfolio in the future to include a value-added critical mineral. These results also underpin our confidence in progressing HPA through to the next stage of development.”
Following the positive testwork results, Andromeda plans to complete a scoping study and engage with HPA customers to assist in developing the product form, morphology and crystalline structure to suit their specific applications.
