ChemX Materials Ltd (ASX:CMX), a materials technology company focused on the electrification and decarbonisation markets, has confirmed that it will build a high purity alumina (HPA) pilot plant after a pre-feasibility study (PFS) confirmed the viability of the company’s proprietary HiPurA® technology.
The PFS, conducted by engineering firm Primero Group, indicates the 50 tonne per annum (tpa) pilot plant requires capital expenditure of $2.5 million, with a contingency of $0.41 million. Using data obtained from the company’s successful HPA micro-plant commissioning phase and subsequent operation, the PFS incorporated several work streams and equipment modifications, which have led to the design of an appropriately sized pilot plant.
“The successful commissioning and subsequent operation of the HiPurA® HPA micro-plant provided further operational data for input into the pilot plant pre-feasibility study,” chief operating officer Peter Lee said.
“The PFS has verified the HiPurA® technology and our approach, with validation of flow sheet design and no fatal flaws identified. The lessons learnt, and those that will be learned, from continued operation of the micro-plant will significantly reduce the scale-up risks of developing the pilot and commercial plants.”
ChemX managing director David Leavy added:
“The company has secured suitable industrial premises that will accommodate both micro and pilot plants from September 2022.
“We look forward to moving into our new facility, and the construction and operation of the HiPurA® HPA pilot plant in Perth, Western Australia.
“ChemX is committed to the continued development and optimisation of the HiPurA® technology, as well as the production of HPA to allow for customer testing and qualification.”
