Optimises Beneficiation Process for Meckering
Perth, Jan 20, 2015 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Altech Chemicals Limited (Altech/the Company) (
ASX:ATC) is pleased to announce that as part of the current Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) for its high purity alumina (HPA) project, it has optimised the proposed beneficiation process for the Meckering aluminous clay (kaolin) deposit. The results of the optimisation program confirm the significant benefits of wet processing (refer Figure 2), previously dry processing which involved the initial dry crushing, drying and screening of the material had been contemplated.
The selection of wet processing is based on recent test-work conducted by Simulus Engineers and Simulus Laboratory's in Perth, Australia. The test-work successfully demonstrated that Altech's Meckering aluminous clay readily slurries in a water attritioner without the need for dry crushing and drying, prior to screening. In addition, superior recoveries of alumina were observed for the wet process, along with a higher finished concentrate grade, and consequently superior alumina yield.
Removing the dry crushing, drying and screening stages from the Meckering flow sheet has resulted in lower capital and operating cost estimates, a more efficient and simplified process, and reduced dust levels associated with beneficiation.
The aluminous clay concentrate (approximately 25,000tpa), will be used as feedstock for the Company's proposed HPA processing plant in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and following beneficiation at Meckering the concentrate will be filter-pressed and bagged into 2 tonne bulka bags (see Figure 1), for shipment from Fremantle port in Western Australia to Tanjung Langsat, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
The aluminous clay concentrate (kaolin) is benign in nature and contains no deleterious elements. Although commonly used as a filler or coating product in the paper and ceramics industries, as well as a critical ingredient for plastic, rubber, paint and cosmetics applications, the unique properties of the Meckering deposit, rich in alumina with low levels of iron and sodium, makes it the ideal feedstock for cost effective processing to 99.99% high purity alumina, as is proposed by the Company.
Altech's managing director, Mr Iggy Tan said that he was extremely pleased with the outcome of the optimisation test-work, commenting: "the positive results from the wet processing test-work for the Meckering deposit has delivered multiple advantages, in addition to delivering higher alumina recovery and improved concentrate grade, the removal of the dry crushing, drying and screening activities from the Meckering flow sheet reduces the capital and operating cost estimates and simplifies the beneficiation of the material. Another successful finding for our BFS team, which is progressing well and on-track to meet the targeted completion timeframe of Q-3, 2015", he concluded.
To view diagrams and figures, please visit:
http://media.abnnewswire.net/media/en/docs/ASX-ATC-706755.pdf
About Altech Batteries Ltd
Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) is a specialty battery technology company that has a joint venture agreement with world leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS ("Fraunhofer") to commercialise the revolutionary CERENERGY(R) Sodium Alumina Solid State (SAS) Battery. CERENERGY(R) batteries are the game-changing alternative to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY(R) batteries are fire and explosion-proof; have a life span of more than 15 years and operate in extreme cold and desert climates. The battery technology uses table salt and is lithium-free; cobalt-free; graphite-free; and copper-free, eliminating exposure to critical metal price rises and supply chain concerns.
The joint venture is commercialising its CERENERGY(R) battery, with plans to construct a 100MWh production facility on Altech's land in Saxony, Germany. The facility intends to produce CERENERGY(R) battery modules to provide grid storage solutions to the market.
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