Brimstone, a U.S.-based industrial innovator, has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in its operations with the production of smelter-grade alumina through its deeply decarbonised cement manufacturing process. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for the US industry, with far-reaching implications for national security, economic growth, and the resilience of domestic supply chains.
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Aim of Brimstone
Brimstone aims to reduce the country's reliance on imports and fortify the US aluminium supply chain, which has long been dependent on foreign sources, by focusing on alumina production. Once operational, the Brimstone facility could emerge as the first new domestic source of smelter-grade alumina in decades, challenging a market currently dominated by China.
Brimstone co-founder and CEO Cody Finke stated, "Brimstone is working to create the industrial processes of the 21st century, leveraging co-production to unlock the economic value of common, domestically sourced rocks. This milestone is a huge win for US manufacturing, as we now can secure the entire alumina supply chain right here in the US – fortifying the domestic supply of this critical mineral, reducing reliance on imports and bringing jobs back home."
Brimstone has successfully concluded negotiations with the US Department of Energy's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, securing nearly $8.7 million in federal cost-share funding, with potential support totalling up to $189 million. This funding will aid the site selection for Brimstone's groundbreaking $378 million commercial demonstration plant.
Facility to produce smelter-grade alumina
The facility, a first of its kind, will simultaneously produce smelter-grade alumina alongside previously announced co-products, including Portland cement and supplementary cementitious materials (SCM).
Brimstone intends to launch pilot operations in 2025, with plans to have its commercial demonstration plant up and running by the end of the decade. The company is collaborating with potential customers and conducting tests on its deeply decarbonised cement and supplementary cementitious materials (SCM).
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