Andromeda Metals Unveils Breakthrough in Ultra-Pure Alumina Production

• Produced 4N HPA at 99.9985% purity confirmed by EAG Eurofins USA and CSIRO
• Novel flowsheet avoids costly hydrochloric acid crystallisation and high-temperature calcination
• Process reduces CO2 emissions by 68% compared to traditional aluminium alkoxide methods
• Plans underway for Scoping Study and customer engagement to tailor HPA products
• HPA demand expected to outstrip supply by 45% by 2028, driven by electronics and battery markets

A New Chapter in High Purity Alumina Production

Andromeda Metals Limited (ASX: ADN) has announced a significant milestone in the production of high purity alumina (HPA), achieving an impressive 99.9985% purity level, commonly referred to as 4N HPA. This breakthrough was accomplished using a novel flowsheet developed over seven years of research and metallurgical testing, leveraging high-quality refined kaolin from its Great White Project in South Australia.

The purity of the HPA produced was independently verified by two globally respected laboratories: EAG Eurofins USA and Australia’s CSIRO. This dual validation underscores the robustness of Andromeda’s proprietary process and its potential to disrupt the current HPA market.

Innovative Process with Environmental and Cost Advantages

Unlike conventional HPA production methods, which typically rely on hydrolysis of aluminium alkoxide derived from expensive aluminium metal, Andromeda’s process bypasses several costly and energy-intensive steps. Notably, it eliminates the need for hydrochloric acid crystallisation of aluminium chloride hexahydrate and high-temperature, high-pressure acid re-leaching. What's more, the process enables calcination at a significantly lower temperature starting at 700°C, compared to the usual 1250°C, reducing energy consumption.

This innovation translates into a process that is not only more cost-effective but also markedly less carbon intensive. Lab-scale results indicate carbon dioxide emissions of less than 4 tonnes per tonne of HPA produced, a 68% reduction compared to the traditional 12.3 tonnes. Leveraging South Australia’s renewable energy infrastructure could drive these emissions even lower, aligning with global sustainability trends.

Strategic Implications and Market Opportunity

HPA is a critical mineral with expanding applications in synthetic sapphire for LEDs, semiconductors, wearable technology, lithium-ion batteries, and high-tech ceramics. Market forecasts predict global demand will exceed supply by 45% by 2028, driven by rapid growth in these sectors. Andromeda’s ability to produce high-quality HPA from kaolin at lower cost and carbon footprint positions it well to capture a share of this lucrative market.

The company plans to advance a Scoping Study to further validate the commercial viability of the process. Concurrently, Andromeda intends to engage with potential HPA customers to tailor product forms and crystalline structures to specific applications, enhancing market fit and value proposition.

Looking Ahead

While Andromeda’s primary focus remains the development of its Great White Project, this HPA breakthrough offers a compelling complementary revenue stream and product diversification. The company is also exploring government funding opportunities to support the next phase of development, including pilot plant operations to validate the flowsheet at scale.

Acting CEO Sarah Clarke highlighted the strategic significance of this achievement, emphasizing the potential to expand Andromeda’s product portfolio with a high-value critical mineral produced more sustainably and economically than existing methods.

Bottom Line?

Andromeda’s HPA breakthrough could redefine cost and sustainability benchmarks in a tightening global market.

Questions in the middle?

• How will pilot plant results compare to lab-scale success in purity and emissions?
• What timelines and capital requirements will the upcoming Scoping Study reveal?
• How receptive will key HPA end-users be to adopting Andromeda’s novel product forms?