How Impact Minerals’ US Battery Tech Deal Could Accelerate HPA Production

Lake Hope Project Advances

Impact Minerals Limited (ASX, IPT) has reported steady progress in its December 2025 quarter, particularly at the Lake Hope High Purity Alumina (HPA) project in Western Australia. The company has successfully completed bench-scale membrane crystallisation of potash, a key by-product in its patented HPA process, which is expected to reduce capital and operating costs significantly. This milestone is part of ongoing research funded under a CRC-P grant, aimed at refining the multi-stage HPA flowsheet.

Moreover, Impact is exploring integration opportunities between the Lake Hope ore and the HiPurA® process, acquired through its 50% stake in Alluminous Pty Ltd. This integration could accelerate the company’s entry into the HPA market by several years, enhancing project economics beyond the standalone pre-feasibility study.

Strategic Collaboration with US Battery Innovator

Alluminous, co-owned by Impact, has entered a Technology Collaboration Agreement with Charge CCCV LLC (C4V), a US-based battery technology innovator. This partnership aims to develop and qualify the HiPurA® HPA for advanced battery applications including separator coatings, ceramic layers, and solid-state components. C4V’s involvement in full cell testing will provide independent validation, potentially shortening the timeline to commercial readiness.

The collaboration positions Impact and Alluminous to tap into the rapidly growing US clean-energy market, where supply chain security and non-Chinese sourcing of battery materials are increasingly critical. While non-exclusive and without binding offtake, the agreement opens doors to major gigafactory networks and OEMs across the US, India, and Europe.

Joint Venture on Commonwealth Project

In New South Wales, Impact has agreed to a joint venture with Kuniko Limited over its 100%-owned Commonwealth gold-silver-copper project in the Lachlan Fold Belt. Kuniko will earn up to a 70% interest by investing $3 million over four years, with Impact retaining a 30% free-carried interest until a decision to mine. The project hosts an inferred resource of approximately 88,800 ounces of gold and 3.3 million ounces of silver, with potential for bulk open-pit mining.

Renewed Exploration at Broken Hill

Impact is resuming exploration at its Broken Hill project, leveraging higher metal prices and new proprietary exploration techniques. The company holds extensive tenements prospective for platinum group metals, silver-lead-zinc, and copper mineralisation. Notably, a recent drill hole returned impressive intercepts including 0.6 metres grading 7.6% copper, 7.4% nickel, and significant precious metals such as palladium and platinum.

Using a proprietary multi-metal ratio measurable with handheld XRF instruments, Impact has identified multiple high-grade mineralisation channels along a 9-kilometre trend, with further ground electromagnetic surveys planned to refine drill targets.

Corporate and Financial Highlights

On the corporate front, Impact appointed Scott Phegan as Executive Director, bringing over 30 years of global experience in bauxite, alumina, and specialty materials industries. His expertise is expected to support Impact’s transition from developer to producer in the HPA sector.

Financially, the company ended the quarter with $3.37 million in cash. While a shareholder vote blocked the issue of options attached to a recent placement, Impact remains focused on advancing its HPA projects and exploration portfolio rationalisation.