ASX-listed specialty chemicals company Alpha HPA says it has strengthened its position within the global semiconductor supply chain, executing three new letters of intent with unnamed global OEMs for the supply of high-purity aluminium products. According to an update from the company on Monday, the LOIs follow “more than a year of rigorous product qualification…
By Bhavna Middha, RMIT University; Ralph Horne, RMIT University, and Vincent Pettigrove, RMIT University Last month, Australia’s ban on the import, use and manufacture of three types of “forever chemical” came into effect. These chemicals – PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS – have long lifespans and resist breaking down. They’re considered harmful due to their ability…
By Ivan Kassal, University of Sydney and Tingrei Tan, University of Sydney When a molecule absorbs light, it undergoes a whirlwind of quantum-mechanical transformations. Electrons jump between energy levels, atoms vibrate, and chemical bonds shift — all within millionths of a billionth of a second. These processes underpin everything from photosynthesis in plants and DNA…
RMIT University says a new pyrolysis method developed with South East Water, Intelligent Water Networks and other water authorities could enable better-priced, more sustainable bio-oils for industrial use. According to a statement from the university on Thursday, the PYROCO process can turn biosolids (treated sewage) into biochar with the right properties to act as a…
Lithium chemicals manufacturer Lepidico Limited has become the latest victim of the worldwide glut in lithium supply, with KordaMentha appointed as administrators. The board of directors of Lepidico appointed Richard Tucker and Paul Pracilio of KordaMentha as Voluntary Administrators of Lepidico Limited, Lepidico Holdings Pty Ltd, Bright Minz Pty Ltd, Li-Technology Pty Ltd, Mica Exploration…
Explosives and fertiliser manufacturer Incitec Pivot’s losses continued during FY24 as it unwinds the effects of the closure of its Gibson Island, Brisbane fertiliser plant and the sale of its troubled Waggaman, Louisiana ammonia facility. The company reported a net loss after tax including individually material items (IMIs) of $311 million, down from FY23’s profit…
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) has called on furniture manufacturers and suppliers to address the presence of persistent PFAS chemicals which have been linked to harmful effects in humans. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been identified in numerous consumer goods, including furniture, where they are often used in fire retardants, stain repellents, and water-resistant treatments. The…
Liontown Resources produces first lithium Battery Materials producer Liontown Resources has produced its first lithium spodumene concentrate at Kathleen Valley in Western Australia, following the commissioning of the wet plant and end-to-end operation of the value chain. The milestone marks the start of production ramp-up to nameplate throughput of 3Mtpa, currently expected by the end…
Chemicals and explosives manufacturer Orica is to deploy tertiary emissions abatement technology at a second site – its Yarwun chemicals and ammonium nitrate facility in Gladstone, Queensland (pictured). Orica expects to eliminate an estimated 200,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) annually once the project is complete. The installation of two tertiary abatement reactors at…
A pre-feasibility study (PFS) of Tivan Ltd’s Speewah fluorite project in the Kimberley region of Western Australia has positioned the company to deliver another critical minerals project reducing the dominance of China in global supply chains. The PFS released today described the project as geo-strategically significant, with high criticality for important supply chains in Asia…