Queensland Government Approves $300 Million High Purity Alumina Plant

Strategic Insights -

The Queensland Government has given the green light to a proposed $300 million high purity alumina (HPA) plant in Gladstone, set to create 120 jobs and establish a new state export industry. The plan, backed by advanced manufacturer Alpha HPA, will see the production and export of high purity alumina used in new-economy manufacturing, including LED lighting and lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Queensland Government has granted planning approval for the proposed $300 million HPA plant in Gladstone, subject to certain conditions.
  • The plant, to be built by Alpha HPA, is expected to create 120 jobs and establish a new state export industry.
  • High purity alumina (HPA) will be used in low-carbon growth industries, including LED lighting and lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.
  • The plant's production will be based on a proprietary licenced solvent extraction and refining technology that has lower environmental impacts and recycles chemical reagents used in the alumina purification process.
  • Alpha HPA has already proven its aluminium purification technology at a Brisbane demonstration plant, operating since July 2019.
  • The company plans to produce 10,000 tonnes of HPA equivalent annually at Gladstone and is set to start large-scale production in early 2023.
  • Alpha HPA has chosen Queensland and the Gladstone SDA due to the facilities, access to industry partners, and infrastructure.
  • The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Orica for the supply and offtake of chemical reagents used to produce HPA.

Statistics:

  • The proposed $300 million HPA plant is expected to create 120 jobs.
  • The plant's production will be based on a proprietary licenced solvent extraction and refining technology.
  • Alpha HPA plans to produce 10,000 tonnes of HPA equivalent annually at Gladstone.
  • The company has proven its aluminium purification technology at a Brisbane demonstration plant since July 2019.
  • The plant's production is set to start in early 2023.

Sources:

  • Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, The Honourable Dr Steven Miles
  • Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, The Honourable Glenn Butcher
  • Alpha HPA
  • Queensland Government
  • Orica