IPT sources critical minerals expert to spearhead HPA offtake at Lake Hope

Impact appoints former Tianqi corporate and marketing expert Joseph Casella to marketing manager role
He will spearhead customer engagement ahead of construction of a pilot plant next year
A maiden proven reserve will be declared in due course, subject to further mining, test work and economic studies

Special Report: Impact Minerals has appointed an experienced marketing manager to lead offtake discussions with potential partners for high-purity alumina (HPA) produced at Lake Hope in WA.

The high-purity alumina explorer is currently in the pre-feasibility stage at its Lake Hope project in WA, which is underpinned by a 3.5Mt resource of mud-like ore just 2m deep, enough to be mined for 80 years on Impact Minerals’ (ASX:IPT) early assessments.

At a grade of 25.1%, that’s 880,000t of alumina, or Al2O3.

If a PFS and 10t pilot plant is successful and mining approvals are straight-forward, IPT could be producing demonstration plant rates of 1000-2000tpa in a couple of years.

IPT is now looking to extend that resource it released in June 2023 and is undergoing the necessary approvals process to advance the project towards production.

Ex-Tianqi Lithium appointee

To spearhead engagement with customers and off-take partners, IPT has employed Joseph Casella as marketing manager following five years at Tianqi Lithium, the majority owner of the Greenbushes lithium-tantalum mine.

During his tenure with Tianqi, Casella was responsible for the commercial aspects of the Kwinana Lithium Hydroxide plant.

This involved customer management and new product development for lithium processing by-products, in particular providing marketing support for feasibility studies to beneficiate aluminosilicates into high-purity products.

His experience includes developing and refining market strategies, managing complex supply chains, leveraging benefits from international trading houses, and leading circular economy and ESG initiatives which will also form part of his role.

Appointment integral to Lake Hope PFS

Casella’s marketing experience extends well beyond lithium, ranging from the industrial material world of mineral sands to the luxury product marketing of diamond auctions.

“Joseph brings significant experience in senior international sales and marketing roles having previously worked with a range of commodities including mineral sands at Iluka, rough and polished diamonds with Rio Tinto and Argyle Diamonds, and lithium and aluminosilicate products at Tianqi Lithium,” IPT managing director Dr Mike Jones said.

“His extensive experience in market research, business and product development, and strong customer focus will greatly benefit us moving forward, particularly following the construction of a pilot plant planned for next year.”

Jones said Casella’s appointment is an integral part of the PFS, which is well underway on the Lake Hope project with progress also being made at the proposed mine, process plant and test work.

Further test work to determine if a second value-add to the entire project is also underway and may be incorporated into the Pre-Feasibility Study if appropriate.

“It would be an exciting development for the project if it comes to fruition,” Jones added.

What else is underway?

IPT received the Negotiation Protocol from the prescribed body corporate for the Ngadju Aboriginal peoples, which outlines the negotiation framework to achieve a Land Access Agreement and a Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the mine.

An initial meeting with the PBC to begin negotiations is set for 16 October.

Detailed mining schedules with proposed equipment and site logistics have been completed, and quotes have been sent to several mining and transport companies to provide detailed cost estimates for mining and transporting ore to Kwinana.

These will be fed into a detailed financial model being prepared for the PFS.

A significant portion of the indicated resource at Lake Hope has been upgraded to a measured resource, with a final report from H and S Resource Consultants due shortly.

This will allow a maiden proven reserve to be declared subject to further mining, test work and economic studies.

This article was developed in collaboration with Impact Minerals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.