Hydrogen fluoride is essential for producing fluorine chemicals, which are used for critical applications such as lithium-ion batteries. Australia has no domestic production of hydrogen fluoride.

ALCORE is currently constructing a continuous pilot plant in the ALCORE Technology Centre (ATC) in Bell Bay, Tasmania. This is an existing industrial facility leased from Rio Tinto, adjacent to their Bell Bay aluminium smelter.

The building permit application has been approved, so civil works have commenced, involving foundations, bunded covered process areas, and supporting infrastructure

Equipment for the pilot plant is being regularly delivered to the ATC. Equipment already received includes a process water treatment plant, a demineralised water generator, air compressors, chemical storage containers, laboratory equipment and a forklift

Major process modules are being manufactured

ALCORE has recently responded to requests for further information from EPA Tasmania and continues to work closely with regulators to facilitate timely completion of the environmental assessment