ABx steps closer to supplying high-value aluminium fluoride to Australian aluminium smelters

Australian Bauxite Limited (ABx) is a step closer to selling high-value aluminium fluoride to Australian aluminium smelters, as its subsidiary ALCORE has proven to be able to chemically refine the company’s bauxite and its components into aluminium fluoride and several other valuable co-products.

ABx said ALCORE aims to convert low-grade bauxite worth $50 per tonne into valuable products worth more than $800 per tonne.

It also said that aluminium fluoride is an essential electrolyte in aluminium smelters and its demand has increased with the growth of smelter production and use in lithium-ion batteries.

Chief Executive Ian Levy said, "The ALCORE Research Centre has created a leading edge laboratory with the highest standards of safety, equipment and technology."

"Exciting enhancements of the technology have already been achieved," added Mr. Levy.

He believes this project by ALCORE can lead to Australia’s first production of aluminium fluoride to provide security of supply for Australian aluminium smelters.

Bell Bay, north of Launcesto, has been recommended as a potential site for the development of an ALCORE production plant. According to the report, the plant will supply test samples to Australian Bauxite’s three prospective aluminium producers.

"ABx is also progressing its 3 core bauxite projects; the Tasmanian mine, the large Binjour Project in central QLD and the Penrose refractory bauxite project 90km inland of Port Kembla NSW," said Ian Levy