Successful Lab-Scale Production of 4N HPA
Andromeda Metals Limited (ASX: ADN) announced a major achievement in its commercialisation of high-purity alumina (HPA). The company produced 4N HPA (99.9985% purity) using refined kaolin from its Great White Project (GWP). Independent testing by EAG Eurofins USA and CSIRO confirmed the high purity levels.
Seven Years of Research Results in Breakthrough
The breakthrough follows seven years of research and metallurgical test work by Andromeda. The company developed a novel flowsheet that delivers HPA with significantly lower cost and carbon intensity. This flowsheet uses refined Great White CRM™ kaolin as feedstock.
High Demand for HPA in Global Markets
HPA demand continues to rise across sectors like LEDs, semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries, wearable devices and ceramics. Altech Chemicals forecasts a 45% shortfall in global HPA supply by 2028. According to Mordor Intelligence, 88% of global HPA is produced using aluminium alkoxide, a costly method involving high-purity aluminium metal priced at US$2,000–2,500 per tonne.
Cost and Carbon Efficiency Highlight Process Advantage
Andromeda’s process does not use aluminium metal or hydrochloric acid crystallisation. It avoids high-pressure and high-temperature acid leaching and skips calcination above 1250°C. Instead, the process starts calcination at 700°C, offering flexibility across product forms, from amorphous to alpha crystalline.
The company’s data shows one tonne of 4N HPA produces less than four tonnes of carbon dioxide. This is 68% lower than the traditional alkoxide process, which emits 12.3 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of HPA. South Australia’s renewable energy, generating over 70% of its electricity from renewables, further supports these emissions reductions.
Next Steps Include Scoping Study and Market Engagement
Andromeda plans to progress a Scoping Study as its next step. The company will also engage with potential customers to align product form and crystalline structure with application requirements. It intends to explore funding opportunities from government programs as development continues.
Validation from Leading Analytical Institutions
EAG Eurofins USA performed the primary analysis using glow discharge mass spectroscopy. CSIRO conducted verification using lithium borate fusion and Agilent ICP-MS analysis. Both institutions confirmed the 4N grade purity of the lab-produced HPA.
Great White Project Remains Central to Company Strategy
Andromeda remains focused on developing the Great White Project in South Australia. The refined kaolin used in HPA production originates from this project. The Great White deposit lies within Mining Lease 6532 and is fully owned by Andromeda Industrial Minerals Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Andromeda Metals.
The deposit formed from in-situ weathering of Hiltaba Granite and features a sub-horizontal kaolinised granite zone. This zone lies beneath loosely consolidated Tertiary and Quaternary sediments.
CEO Statement on Strategic Opportunity
Sarah Clarke, Acting CEO of Andromeda Metals, said:
“Whilst Andromeda’s primary focus remains the development of the Great White Project, the production of HPA is a high-value and complementary opportunity.”
She continued,
“This latest test work validates our novel flowsheet, showing our Great White CRMTM product from the Great White Project can be used to produce HPA at an impressive 99.9985% purity.”
Also Read: Australia Aims Global Leadership in Critical Minerals
Clarke said,
“These outstanding results demonstrate the potential to expand Andromeda’s product portfolio in the future to include a value-added critical mineral. These results also underpin our confidence in progressing HPA through to the next stage of development.”
She added,
“The premise of producing HPA – a high-value, in-demand product – at lower cost and reduced carbon intensity compared to established processes should be highly attractive to any manufacturers using HPA in their products. We look forward to sharing these results and collaborating closely with HPA end-users in support of progressing this opportunity.”
Continued Investment in Technical Advancement
The company confirmed the involvement of Mr Eric Whittaker, its Chief Geologist, throughout the HPA research process. Whittaker has 30 years of mining industry experience and holds Performance Rights under Andromeda’s employee incentive plan.
Andromeda has announced that pilot plant operations will commence to further validate the end-to-end HPA production process.
