ABx Group (ASX:ABX) is preparing the ALCORE Technology Centre (ATC) to receive pilot plant equipment packages, expected to be delivered in Q1 2026, following the demolition and removal of legacy equipment.
The ATC will be used to demonstrate a world-first proprietary process to produce industrial chemicals, including hydrogen fluoride from a byproduct from the aluminium smelting process.
Each of the process equipment packages will be reviewed by Australian-registered professionals to ensure compliance with Australian Standards, safety regulations, site-specific criteria, and process operability requirements.
Infrastructure upgrades are being designed according to equipment specifications and Australian regulatory standards. Auxiliary systems have been manufactured by external suppliers, including the wastewater, treatment plant, demineralised water system and air compressor package.
ABx, which has a market capitalisation of $21.15 million, says these systems will be delivered to site and installed after equipment foundations and utilities are prepared.
Detailed mechanical designs and fabrication drawings have been completed for two of three major process equipment packages, with the remaining design expected by early November 2025.
CEO Mark Cooksey says this progress reflects the capability of the ALCORE team and the standard of engineering being applied to this technology.
The ATC is located adjacent to Rio Tinto’s (ASX:RIO) aluminium smelter in Bell Bay, Tasmania. ABx owns 83% of the refining technology subsidiary ALCORE, which intends to construct and produce commercial hydrogen fluoride.
Hydrogen fluoride is mainly produced from fluorspar which is high cost and obtained from the mineral fluorite. Major application is production of fluorocarbons such as refrigerants and polymers and aluminium fluoride, as well as solar cells and lithium-ion batteries.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: ABx Group
