The transformation of Alpha HPA’s project in Gladstone into what it claims as the world’s largest ultra-high purity alumina refinery has officially commenced, marking a significant milestone in high-technology manufacturing in Australia.
The company marked the groundbreaking of the Stage Two construction yesterday, 3 September, taking a step toward transforming the site into a global leader in high-purity aluminium materials production.
Alpha HPA’s Managing Director, Rimas Kairaitis, expressed his enthusiasm about the progress, stating, “The start of Stage Two construction at our Gladstone site not only underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence but also solidifies our position as a global leader in ultra-high-purity aluminium materials.”
The new 10-hectare, state-of-the-art facility will build upon the existing Stage One operations, utilising Alpha HPA’s proprietary, Australian-developed process technology.
Once fully operational, the site will have the capacity to produce over 10,000 tonnes of high-purity aluminium products annually.
This expansion is expected to create 120 ongoing local jobs, in addition to the 300 jobs generated during the construction phase.
“We are proud to leverage our Australian-owned and developed process IP in creating a state-of-the-art facility to service high-technology electronics industries, which are so important in the energy transition,” Kairaitis added.
“This project is a testament to the incredible potential of homegrown technology and its ability to compete on the world stage.”
The project has garnered substantial financial backing, with Alpha HPA securing a $400 million debt facility from the Australian Government and raising $180 million in equity to support the Stage Two development.
This funding, combined with support from shareholders and the Queensland Government, has been instrumental in advancing the project towards full-scale production.
“The economic and community benefits for Gladstone will be substantial, with long-term job creation and opportunities for local businesses,” Kairaitis noted.
Alpha HPA’s innovative process technology allows for the extraction and purification of aluminium from industrial feedstock, producing materials of exceptional purity.
These materials are crucial for high-technology applications, including semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries, and LED lighting sectors.
