Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

Aurora Labs delivers maritime 3D print parts

Additive manufacturing technology group Aurora Labs (A3D) has completed and delivered an order of evaluation parts to BAE Systems Australia Maritime Australia produced on its high-power RMP-1Beta porotype additive manufacturing printer. The parts for the naval shipbuilding group were delivered with a comprehensive print report and were analysed internally, providing performance information in the printer’s final phase of commercialisation. Positive results were obtained in terms of part quality, dimensional accuracy and build rate. CEO Peter Snowsill said: Understanding and meeting customer requirements is key to proving A3D technology and driving our commercialisation strategy.”

TECH project for battery chemicals gets government approval

The Queensland government has declared a proposed Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH, pictured) a prescribed project, speeding up approvals for the project proponent Queensland Pacific Metals. The project will be constructed at the Landsdown Eco-Industrial Precinct south of Townsville to process 1.5 million tonnes of ore annually sourced from New Caledonia. TECH will produce nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate and high-purity alumina chemicals for electric-vehicle battery manufacture. Customers include Korea’s LG Energy Solutions and POSCO.

RM Catalyst launches Regenerative Medicine Global Pipeline Tracker report

The Regenerative Medicine Catalyst Project Consortium has released a new report examining the global pipeline of products in the field, and which of them might come to Australia for patient access. There are six RM therapies approved here currently, and the Global Pipeline Tracker shows 140 therapies in late-stage development globally. “Up to nine may reach Australian patients in the next five years” according to the project consortium, which is led by AusBiotech. RM Catalyst released two research reports last month detailing the current state of manufacturing and clinical trials.

Adbri venture completes purchase of Riverina concrete businesses

Materials group Adbri’s Mawsons joint venture has completed the purchase of the concrete, aggregate and mobile crushing businesses of Milbrae. Based in Leeton, Milbrae operates 13 quarries and seven fixed concrete plants in the Riverina region, and generates yearly revenues of around $85 million. Adbri CEO Nick Miller said: “The acquisition aligns with Adbri’s strategy of vertical integration and provides a platform for continued growth for Mawsons.” The Adbri/BA Mawson Pty Ltd joint venture will add the new sites to its 22 quarries and 41 concrete plants in regional Victoria and NSW.

ChemX joins FBI CRC

ChemX has joined the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre as its 68th member. ChemX is a Perth-based materials technology and mining company, and with an investment of $500,000 it has become a key participant in the FBICRC’s research programs. The company is developing a new process to produce High Purity Alumina (HPA) and owns a manganese project on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula in SA, focussed on manganese battery materials.

Picture: Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub

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