How ABx’s ALCORE Is Building Australia’s First Hydrogen Fluoride Pilot Plant
ABx Group’s ALCORE subsidiary has reached a key environmental milestone for its hydrogen fluoride pilot plant in Tasmania, progressing construction and expanding its engineering team ahead of commissioning in late 2026.
- Environmental Effects Report submitted to EPA Tasmania
- Construction preparations underway with civil design completed
- First equipment delivery scheduled for April 2026
- Two Senior Process Engineers appointed to accelerate project
- Pilot plant aims to reduce Australia’s reliance on imported fluorochemicals
Environmental Approval Milestone
ABx Group Limited’s 83%-owned subsidiary ALCORE Limited has submitted its Environmental Effects Report (EER) to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Tasmania for its hydrogen fluoride pilot plant in Bell Bay. This submission marks a significant step in securing environmental approval, demonstrating that environmental management has been integrated into both the plant’s design and operational plans. The EPA’s review is underway, with feedback expected by the end of April 2026.
Progressing Construction and Engineering
The pilot plant’s construction phase is advancing steadily. Civil design is complete, and the building permit application has been lodged, with minor construction works set to begin shortly after approval. Site power upgrades are planned, and equipment delivery is scheduled for April, with assembly and commissioning anticipated through the second and third quarters of 2026. Detailed engineering continues in collaboration with global specialists Kempe Engineering and BFluor Chemicals, ensuring the plant meets Australian standards and operational safety requirements.
Strengthening the Technical Team
Reflecting confidence in the ALCORE technology, the company has appointed two additional Senior Process Engineers to support the project’s acceleration. These appointments complement the recent hiring of a Site Operations Manager, bolstering the team’s capability to manage the transition from construction to commissioning and operation of the continuous pilot plant.
Strategic Importance for Australia
Hydrogen fluoride is a critical chemical used in aluminium smelting, refrigerants, battery chemicals, and semiconductor manufacturing. Australia currently imports all its fluorochemicals, relying heavily on China, which dominates global fluorspar production and has recently tightened export controls. ALCORE’s pilot plant aims to address this strategic supply risk by producing hydrogen fluoride domestically from aluminium smelter by-products, positioning Australia to secure its fluorochemical supply chain and support critical industries.
Looking Ahead
With construction and commissioning timelines set for late 2026, ABx is also exploring additional commercial opportunities for its technology within the global fluorine industry, including rare earth metal processing. The company’s progress signals a promising step toward reducing Australia’s dependence on imports and enhancing its critical minerals and chemicals sector.
Bottom Line?
As ALCORE moves closer to commissioning, the next EPA feedback and construction milestones will be pivotal for Australia’s fluorochemical future.
Questions in the middle?
- Will EPA Tasmania’s feedback require significant design changes or delays?
- How will ALCORE’s technology scale beyond the pilot plant to commercial production?
- What commercial partnerships might emerge from ALCORE’s engagement with the global fluorine industry?
