Altech Chemicals Ltd (ASX:ATC) has made strong progress with the construction of its Silumina Anodes™ pilot plant project in Saxony, Germany.
The company revealed its ‘game-changing’ technology of incorporating high-capacity high-purity alumina-coated silicon and graphite in lithium-ion batteries and is in on a fast track to get the patented technology to market.
In anticipation of the pilot plant being commissioned, Altech is progressing with the 10,000 tonnes per annum definitive feasibility study (DFS) by completing the phase 1 process definition.
Pilot plant update
The pilot plant's front end, known as the wet circuit, is progressing well with the necessary infrastructure including power supply, building modifications, laboratory and circuit nearing completion.
The pilot plant is being housed in an existing building in Dock3 at Schwarze Pumpe, with the required building modifications and electrical panel infrastructure construction completed in the last quarter.
Fabrication of the back end of the pilot plant, including the coating equipment, dryer and calciner (longer lead times) is underway in South Africa and Europe.
Whilst some back-end items such as the silicon carbide linings are being expedited, Altech anticipates that the final items will be installed and commissioned by the September quarter of this year.
Definitive feasibility study
The DFS is running in parallel with the pilot plant construction, with a detailed design team having transitioned from the pilot plant design to the DFS study.
The mass and energy balance has been finalised, allowing for the progression of layouts and sourcing of production-scale vendor equipment to commence.
Altech also appointed ARIKON Infrastruktur GmbH to manage the approval process, site infrastructure requirements and the balance of the plant.
Arikon will be responsible for managing the application process and working with relevant regulatory bodies to obtain all necessary approvals for the project.
This includes securing necessary permits and licenses, coordinating with local authorities, and arranging utility connections.
Additionally, Arikon will be responsible for designing the site infrastructure requirements for the site.