ALCORE selects the initial operating conditions for its pilot plant to recover fluorine from ‘excess bath’

The Australia-based mining and metal technology company ABx Group has confirmed that its 83%-owned subsidiary ALCORE Limited (ALCORE), has selected the initial operating conditions for its planned pilot plant on the New South Wales (NSW) Central Coast.

This pilot plant aims to produce hydrogen fluoride from 'excess bath', a waste product from aluminium smelters. During the commercial process, hydrogen fluoride will be converted into aluminium fluoride, a high-value chemical essential for aluminium smelting.

ALCORE commissioned three reactors earlier this year and has since monitored their performance at varying temperatures, residence times, and acid amounts. The results of this assessment program, combined with literature data and thermodynamic modelling, have allowed the company to select the initial operating conditions for processing excess bath at scale.

Commenting on the initial operating conditions selection, ABx Group CEO Dr Mark Cooksey said: “This is yet another highly positive step for ALCORE as the business moves forward with its planned facility that is anticipated to process up to 20 kg per hour of bath.”

“Scale-up of a new process always involves complexity, and both ALCORE and its engineering partner BFluor Chemicals are satisfied with the clarity and consistency of results obtained.”

“The results received during the assessment phase have been conclusive. With operating conditions finalised, the engineering design for the pilot plant reactor can be completed, which we anticipate before the end of the calendar year.”