ABx Group (ASX:ABX), through its 83%-owned subsidiary ALCORE, is targeting commissioning of its hydrogen fluoride pilot plant in Q2 2027 as construction nears completion.
The company reports manufacture of the major process equipment is substantially complete and advancing towards final assembly at the ALCORE Technology Centre in northern Tasmania, next to Rio Tinto‘s (ASX:RIO) Bell Bay aluminium smelter.
The plant will demonstrate ALCORE’s proprietary process for producing hydrogen fluoride from an aluminium smelting by-product. Australia currently has no domestic hydrogen fluoride production.
EPA Tasmania has accepted the environmental effects report for the pilot plant as the final case for assessment, bringing the project closer to planning approval.
Onsite, a new TasNetworks substation has been installed. Delivery of the main switchboard is planned for November, while civil works are continuing.
Managing Director Mark Cooksey says it is exciting to see pilot equipment transitioning from designs to reality.
“Our process is a world-first and we have a compelling opportunity for an attractive, profitable business to produce hydrogen fluoride from an aluminium smelter by-product. Just as aluminium smelting in Australia commenced in Bell Bay, Tasmania, so too will ALCORE,” Cooksey says.
“Our highly capable team is integrating the process equipment, the site infrastructure, and the operational, safety, and environmental requirements to bring this continuous pilot plant to life.”
ALCORE expects to engage three pilot plant operators in early 2027 to support installation, commissioning, and operation. The company also says electrical infrastructure upgrades and pilot plant installation planning will progress in parallel, together with the completion of remaining control and safety engineering.
Principal Engineer Xiao Liang is also set to attend the Fluorine Forum in Italy on 26–28 October to seek further commercial applications for the technology.
ABx previously reported an indicative operating cost of US$1,000–1,600 ($1,424–2,279) for hydrogen fluoride, placing ALCORE in the lowest quartile and implying a 30–60% operating margin.
ABx Group is an Australian mining company developing heavy rare earths, hydrogen fluoride, and bauxite projects across the country.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Main image: ABx Group
