Image source: Shutterstock

Highlights

  • Andromeda produces 99.9985% purity 4N HPA using a proprietary low-carbon process.

  • New flowsheet avoids energy-intensive steps, cutting costs and emissions by up to 68%.

  • The company plans a scoping study and is engaging potential customers to commercialize the critical mineral.

Andromeda Metals Ltd (ASX:ADN) has achieved a major technical milestone in its drive to commercialise high-purity alumina (HPA), confirming the successful laboratory-scale production of 99.9985% purity 4N HPA from kaolin sourced at its flagship Great White Project in South Australia.

The ultra-high purity result – independently validated by EAG Eurofins USA and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) – puts Andromeda a step closer to establishing a domestic, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable HPA supply chain.

HPA, a critical mineral listed by the Australian Government, is essential in the manufacturing of LEDs, semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries, high-performance ceramics, and synthetic sapphire. Global demand for HPA is expected to outpace supply by 45% by 2028.

The breakthrough is the result of more than seven years of research and metallurgical development, culminating in a proprietary flowsheet that simplifies the traditional, costly production process. Unlike conventional HPA routes that rely on high-purity aluminium and energy-intensive treatments – such as hydrochloric acid crystallisation, high-pressure acid leaching, and calcination above 1250°C – Andromeda’s novel method operates at lower temperatures starting from 700°C, reducing complexity, capital intensity, and emissions.

“This process gives us a distinct advantage in terms of operational flexibility, environmental sustainability, and cost structure,” said Andromeda Managing Director. “It’s the kind of breakthrough that could reshape how HPA is produced globally.”

The environmental credentials are particularly compelling. Andromeda’s process emits less than four tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of HPA, 68% less than traditional aluminium alkoxide-based methods. This figure is expected to fall further thanks to South Australia’s renewable energy leadership, with renewables making up over 70% of the state's electricity mix.

With its flowsheet now proven at the lab scale, Andromeda is launching a scoping study to define the commercial potential of its HPA initiative. It is also beginning discussions with potential customers to refine product specifications and explore funding options for advancing development.

ADN shares were trading 85% up at the time of writing on 1 May 2025.