High Purity Alumina – a crucial raw material for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries – could become a high value by-product at Platina Resources’ flagship scandium, cobalt and nickel project. 

Platina has produced a small sample of HPA at a purity of 99.989 per cent as part of an initial metallurgical testing program at its “Owendale” project in NSW. 

More testing was needed to demonstrate the economic potential of producing HPA at Owendale, but Platina boss Corey Nolan said the results demonstrated that it had the ability to produce “a very high-quality by-product, adding another potential revenue stream for the project”. 

One of the largest, highest-grade scandium deposits in the world, Owendale could be Australia’s first scandium producer with cobalt platinum, nickel – and now HPA – credits. 

A feasibility study is underway and due for completion in late 2018.  

Platina’s (ASX:PGM) shares were steady at 10c by 11am AEST. They’ve traded between 7.3c and 26.5c over the past year. 

The Platina Resources (ASX:PGM) over the past year

The Platina Resources (ASX:PGM) share price over the past yearHPA on a tear 

There are only a handful of ASX-listed high purity alumina (HPA) producers — but they have been among the best performing stocks over the past year.

Altec Chemicals (ASX:ATC) is on track to become the first ASX-listed HPA producer. 

Used in lithium-ion batteries, LED lights, electronic displays (including smart phone glass) and surgical tools, the small global market about 25,000 tonnes each year is tipped to grow to around 48,000 by 2025 and 86,000 by 2030. 

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