King River Resources Ltd (ASX:KRR) has engaged Como Engineers to undertake the definitive feasibility study (DFS) for an HPA Type 1 Precursor Processing Plant to produce a 5N purity aluminium precursor compound.
Work on the DFS for a 2,000 tonnes per annum HPA Type 1 Precursor Product Processing Facility will start immediately and is expected to be completed by early May 2022.
The 5N (≥99.999%) compound will be produced utilising the ARC HPA Process from an aluminium chemical compound feedstock.
Definitive feasibility work
Como Engineers DFS will produce a capital cost estimate and operating cost estimate both to +/-15% accuracy as per AusIMM Class 3 (± 15%) level requirements.
This work will cover process and non-process infrastructure engineering design, execution planning and risk management.
“High-value Al precursor compounds”
The company said: “Directors are pleased to confirm that KRR is strategically pivoting its DFS strategy towards the production of high-value Al precursor compounds that are utilised in the manufacture of Li-ion battery (LiB) cathodes, an essential component of the fast-growing electric battery vehicle market.
“The development is being driven by the need to quickly address a rapidly growing market and the ability of KRR to leverage off its accumulated IP to date and the expectation of being able to further significantly reduce capex and opex costs (compared to full HPA production) and thereby potentially generate higher rates of financial return.”
About Como
Como Engineers provides engineering services and specialist products to the mining and resources sector with a strong emphasis on process metallurgy, mechanical engineering and materials handling both in Australia and abroad.
With a team of highly valued and experienced metallurgists, engineers, construction supervisors and drafts-people, the DFS represents continuing engagement with King River Resources.
Maintaining continuity
Key personnel from the PFS (pre-feasibility study) will continue through to the DFS and this will maintain continuity and the knowledge base developed to date.
In addition, the DFS will be supported by Como’s experienced in-house discipline engineers with a wealth of knowledge in their respective fields.
While the DFS work is carried out, KRR will continue test-work on the possibilities of producing other specifications of 5N Precursors and HPA.
The DFS can be amended to incorporate these as/when successful laboratory outcomes may come to hand.