The Australian Aluminium Council, which represents Australia’s bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting and downstream processing industries declared the joining of the world’s most sustainable high purity aluminium producer Alpha HPA Limited as a new member, diversifying the Council’s representation to incorporate high purity alumina (HPA) for the first time.
Marghanita Johnson, Executive Director of the Council, said: “We welcome Alpha HPA to the Council. We are excited at the prospect of representing a new product which is set to be made in Australia and distributed to the world as part of the ever-growing range of products we will need to meet technology challenges – today and into the future”.
Australia has been producing Aluminium oxide (Al2O3), commonly known as alumina for more than fifty years now and is predominantly supplied to the global aluminium smelting industry, usually at purities of more than 99%. Increasing the purity of alumina to 99.99% or more to make HPA also takes alumina into applications in a new world of technologies with strong growth opportunities in a decarbonising world.
High purity alumina (HPA) is utilized to produce safer, more efficient and longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries, synthetic sapphire for LED lighting and high technology optics. The applications for HPA in low carbon markets are growing, making HPA a crucial mineral of the future.
Johnson further added: “Today’s announcement shows the importance of a strong regional manufacturing base in Australia. Alpha HPA is planning to leverage Australia’s existing industry to create this new manufacturing opportunity.”
“Strengthening our national manufacturing capabilities now will put Australia in the strongest possible position to meet these future forecasts for not only traditional commodities such as bauxite, alumina and aluminium; but also, other emerging aluminium related commodities, like HPA, aluminium alloys and aluminium salts. As the world’s largest producer of bauxite and the largest exporter of alumina, Australia is strategically positioned to support this opportunity”, Johnson said.
Rimas Kairaitis, Managing Director of Alpha HPA said: “Alpha HPA is delighted to be joining the Australian Aluminium Council. We are developing our first HPA Project in Gladstone, alongside some of the world’s largest manufacturers of metallurgical grade alumina. We believe our high purity technology and product offering is a fantastic showcase in the role of aluminium products in energy transition and decarbonisation.”
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