A refining technology being assessed by a Tasmanian miner would potentially allow them to capitalise on the “clean chemistry” of its bauxite and increase its value tenfold. Australian Bauxite Limited said it was well advanced in assessing the technology.
“We have supported the evolution of this exciting technology for over two years and feel that it now warrants a detailed feasibility study by independent consultants,” chief executive Ian Levy said in the company’s latest quarterly report.
“Estimation of refining costs per tonne of bauxite will require some further low-cost chemical engineering tests, but initial indications are that a substantial operating cash flow surplus is achievable.
“The availability of reagents, hydroelectricity, infrastructure and skilled employees in Tasmania is excellent, so the key factor will probably be the tonnages of products that can be sold from a bauxite refinery to reliable customers.”
Fingal Rail, which is also in the Campbell Town area has started a demonstration mining and processing project at its second mine, and has said it had been approached by a potential partner for development of a Queensland bauxite project.
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