Alumina project progresses WA battery industry ambitions

Western Australian premier Mark McGowan has congratulated FYI Resources (ASX: FYI) on completing trials to develop a new process for producing high purity alumina (HPA).

McGowan said the company was now one step closer to producing HPA in WA and the government’s goal of creating a future battery industry based on the state’s vast mineral resources.

HPA is a high value, versatile material used in lithium-ion battery technologies as a coating for separators.

While high purity alumina is normally made from bauxite, FYI’s process starts with kaolin and follows a simple, low cost series of steps.

FYI developed the process and proved it in a pilot plant (below) in October when it completed continuous ‘end to end’ production trials.

FYI has its own kaolin resource at Cadoux and will begin seeking finance to develop the project in the new year.

McGowan said the $238 million project was expected to produce 8,000 tonnes per annum of HPA over 25 years and create 140 construction and 200 operational jobs.

The project aligns with the WA Government’s Future Battery Industry Strategy, which aims to create a world-leading future battery industry.

McGowan said: “The State has many advantages including a vast array of critical and battery related minerals, advanced technical mining expertise and rigorous and tested approvals processes, ensuring high environmental and social outcomes.”

Picture: FYI Resources

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