FYI Resources nears completion of feasibility study of high-purity alumina plant

2019-12-02

Nov. 2, 2019 - Australian resource firm FYI Resources Ltd. is nearing completion of a definitive feasibility study regarding construction of a high-purity alumina plant intended to capitalize upon increasing demand for the substance by manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries.

FYI Resources has previously announced plans for the construction of a A$238-million HPA plant that will utilize the firm’s kaolin resources in Cadoux, Western Australia. The proposed plant is expected to refine around 8 thousand metric tons per annum of high-purity alumina over a 25-year period.

According to statements made by FYI Resources’ managing director Roland Hill during the recent annual meeting, the firm is also working to de-risk the project. Such activities involved in the de-risking process include further pilot plant studies and test work to ensure a high-quality product, he explained.

To date, the pilot plant has successfully produced HPA with a purity of 99.9 percent. HPA is often used in lithium-ion batteries as a coating for separators.

FYI Resources continues to study several funding models for project financing, including a joint venture, equity investment, or off-take contracts. The firm has high hopes for the project, noting the high value and versatility of high-purity alumina.

Going forward, FYI Resources says it plans to ship trial product by next summer. It also anticipates a final design for a mine and processing plant at Kwinana, which is located just south of Perth.