Australian Bauxite registers strong fertilizer and cement-grade bauxite sales in Q4 2016

Australian Bauxite Limited (ABx) posted strong growth in fertilizer-grade and cement-grade bauxite sales in the fourth quarter of 2016. The metallurgical grade bauxite business showed little improvement. ABx, in its quarterly report and activity statement, said their bauxite features chemistry that is uniquely suited to the manufacture of cement due to its ability to increase concrete’s late strength.

ABx registered five sales to two repeat customers and negotiations are underway with six more customers for long-term contracts. Possibilities are strong that these negotiations on being finalized would help the miner open a second bauxite mine.

The bauxite deliveries though took time to complete until summer, picked momentum during the last quarter, and ABx was successful in shipping modest tonnage of fertilizer-grade bauxite and that too at a profit.

ABx said it is betting big on its cement-grade and fertilizer-grade bauxite as metallurgical-grade bauxite market is showing little recovery. Plus, it also makes sense for the company producing an ore that is more suitable for use in industries other than aluminium smelting. ABx's bauxite is characterized by the following chemical properties:

• increases concrete’s late strength
• highly resistant to corrosion as it lacks quartz and salt
• capable of ending stoppages and pressure problems in kilns
• reduces temperatures needed in kilns that use it
• reduces greenhouse gas emissions

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ABx' rise in quarterly sales figures can also be attributed to its lowering of overhead cost, the company said in its release. The advances in Tastech Separating Technology continue to reduce the overhead cost for the mining firm.

ABx updated that testing is ongoing with the technology and it expects to make widespread use of it in the first half of 2017. The company is also meeting and opening sales talks with prospective buyers from the US.