Calix (ASX:CXL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop electric calcination technology for its Zero Emissions Alumina, as well as conduct a pilot-scale testing program and pre-front-end engineering design (FEED) study with the Alumina Company.
Electric calcination is a technology that uses renewable electricity to heat raw materials, replacing fossil fuel-intensive methods such as rotary kilns in processes such as alumina refining and lithium extraction.
The MoU establishes the intention to jointly develop designs to apply the Zero Emissions Alumina (ZEAL) technology in integrated and scalable electric alumina calcination systems.
The testing program – undertaken at the Calix Technology Centre in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria – aims to demonstrate the feasibility of the company’s ZEAL technology to produce smelter grade alumina. This will be produced from the feedstock used at a refinery of the Alumina Company.
Calix, which has a market capitalisation of $88 million, says the programs are designed to develop and show the viability, efficiency, and scalability of the ZEAL technology for commercial alumina calcination.
Further, the material testing program and pre-FEED study is expected to deliver more than $1 million in revenue.
Calix’s ZEAL technology aims to use the company’s core platform to produce smelter grade alumina, with the potential to enable zero scope one emissions in the energy-intensive calcination of bauxite to alumina.
Aluminium is a lightweight metal that is critical to the aviation, defence, and energy sectors. In 2022, the global alumina market size exceeded US$45 billion ($68.96 billion) and is projected to be worth US$72 billion by 2030.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Calix
