Impact Minerals Unveils Breakthroughs in Membrane Tech and Potash at Lake Hope

Membrane Technology Driving Innovation

Impact Minerals Limited (ASX, IPT) has marked a year of notable technical progress in its A$2.87 million Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) program, focused on integrating advanced membrane technologies into its patented three-stage High Purity Alumina (HPA) process at the Lake Hope project in Western Australia. The research, conducted in partnership with Edith Cowan University’s Mineral Recovery Research Centre and CPC Engineering, has yielded promising results that could reshape the economics and environmental footprint of the project.

Central to these advances is the successful application of membrane crystallisation to recover sulphate of potash (SOP) as a valuable by-product from the initial alkaline leach stage. Achieving SOP purity levels exceeding 94%, this method offers a potential reduction in both capital and operating costs by minimizing reliance on conventional crystallisers. Additionally, the high water recovery rates achieved through membrane filtration promise to lower the project's water consumption and waste discharge, aligning with growing environmental expectations.

Unlocking New Fertiliser Opportunities

Beyond SOP, Impact has identified a pathway to produce premium magnesium-enriched potash fertilisers by selectively capturing magnesium during ore washing and reintroducing it into the crystallisation process. This bespoke Mg-potash product could command a price premium in the fertiliser market, enhancing the project's revenue streams. The company’s Managing Director, Dr Mike Jones, emphasised the significance of these developments, noting that the integration of membrane technologies not only supports low-carbon, low-waste HPA production but also unlocks substantial commercial opportunities through fertiliser by-products.

Further technical innovation is underway with the emergence of a potential breakthrough iron-removal method in the hydrochloric acid circuit, which could offer a low-cost solution to impurity control in the second stage of the HPA process. This, alongside ongoing pilot-scale development, underscores the project's technical sophistication and potential for cost efficiencies.

A New Standalone Potash and Acid Production Prospect

Perhaps most intriguingly, Impact has identified a new metallurgical flowsheet independent of the HPA process that could enable large-scale potash and acid production from Lake Hope and surrounding salt lakes without the need for evaporation ponds. This alternative approach addresses challenges that have stalled other regional potash projects and could lead to a significant new mining operation, complementing the existing HPA development. Initial economic assessments suggest this standalone project could add considerable value, with test results expected early in February 2026.

Complementing these efforts is the evaluation of Eutectic Freeze Crystallisation technology, developed by private company Brinetec Pty Ltd, which may further optimise potash crystallisation and wastewater management. A bench-scale prototype is now operational, with results anticipated soon.

Looking Ahead

Impact Minerals is progressing towards scaling up its process with a 500 kg homogenised clay sample prepared for pilot plant trials, aiming to validate bench-scale successes at a larger scale. Continued membrane optimisation, iron extraction testing, and integration with the HiPurA process remain key priorities. The company’s strategic focus on membrane technology and fertiliser by-products positions Lake Hope as a potentially low-cost, environmentally responsible source of both HPA and premium potash products.

While these developments are promising, the transition from bench-scale to commercial viability will be closely watched by investors and industry observers alike, as the company seeks to capitalise on the growing demand for critical minerals and sustainable fertilisers.