Australian Bauxite Limited achieves third milestone at ALCORE

Australian Bauxite Limited (ABx) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary ALCORE Limited has started chemical refining of ABx bauxite into aluminium fluoride (AlF3), an essential electrolyte ingredient in aluminium smelters.

The company has commenced the removal of silicon and iron oxides to create a clear solution containing the aluminium fluoride that will be produced by a crystalliser-still stage in coming days, Australian Bauxite said.

The third milestone was achieved at the ALCORE Research Centre in Berkeley Vale, Central Coast NSW. The company now focuses on designing the optimum blend of bauxite and reagents for the ALCORE mini-production plant.

ABx CEO, Ian Levy commented: “The ALCORE Research Centre has created a laboratory with the highest standards of safety, equipment and technology. At the same time, the ALCORE team designed and constructed the ALCORE mini-production plant which will be our 4th milestone over the next few weeks. The mini-production plant will supply test samples to our three prospective customers.

“I have never seen a more powerful reagent for dissolving rocks – our 4mm sized bauxite was reduced to iron-dust and a clear liquor within a few minutes. ALCORE’s powerful new bauxite refining technology can lead to Australia’s first production of AlF3 products to provide security of supply for Australasian aluminium smelters. ALCORE’s production of Corethane hydrocarbon can change the energy supply and fuel security outlook for eastern Australia.”

Construction of the sophisticated mini-production plant was completed over the last 4 months.

 “ABx is also pressing ahead with its three 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. Bulk sampling and processing testwork at the Binjour Project was completed last week and assays are pending.”