Key facts about Impact Minerals' breakthrough

Impact Minerals Limited (ASX: $IPT) has unveiled a significant breakthrough in the production of High Purity Alumina (HPA) at its Lake Hope Project in Western Australia. The company has identified a new low-temperature leach (LTL) process, termed the 'LTL Process,' which has successfully produced 99.99% pure HPA from the raw lake clay in a relatively short period of laboratory test work. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly reduce the capital and operating costs associated with HPA production, positioning Impact Minerals as a potential low-cost global producer of HPA.

Executive commentary on the breakthrough

Impact Minerals' Managing Director, Dr Mike Jones, expressed excitement about the new LTL Process, highlighting its potential to revolutionize HPA production at Lake Hope. Dr Jones emphasized the simplicity and speed of the process, noting that it could lead to substantial cost savings compared to the previously focused Sulphate Process. He also mentioned ongoing optimization studies for the LTL Process and the company's commitment to completing the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) using both process routes to determine the best strategic choice for processing at the project. Dr Jones reaffirmed Impact Minerals' dedication to advancing the project and its goal of producing HPA from Lake Hope.

Summary of Impact Minerals' breakthrough and outlook

Impact Minerals' revelation of the new LTL Process marks a significant milestone in the company's pursuit of efficient HPA production. The breakthrough process, which has demonstrated the rapid production of 99.99% pure HPA, presents the potential for reduced operating and capital costs, further enhancing the project's economics. With the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Study incorporating both the LTL Process and the Sulphate Process, Impact Minerals aims to determine the optimal processing route. The company's commitment to completing the PFS and exploring additional process routes underscores its dedication to maximizing the project's potential. As the PFS nears completion in late 2024, Impact Minerals remains focused on realizing the commercial production of HPA from Lake Hope, positioning itself as a key player in the global HPA market.