Altech Batteries (ASX: ATC, FRA: A3Y) shares an update on Silumina Anodes^TM calciner and DFS

Highlights

• Altech has concluded the final design phase for the front-end calciners and the corresponding plant layout.
• The definitive feasibility study is going as per the plan.
• To gain necessary permits, preliminary discussions have been initiated with regulatory bodies.

Altech Batteries Ltd (ASX: ATC, FRA: A3Y) has shared an update on the Silumina Anodes^TM plant calciner design, located in Saxony, Germany and a definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the planned Silumina Anodes^TM 10,000tpa plant.

ATC informed that it has concluded the final design phase for the front-end calciners and corresponding layout. The calciners play a significant role in the Silumina Anodes^TM process as they facilitate the conversion of aluminium chloride, which is present on the surface of silicon and graphite particles, into alumina.

Silumina Anodes^TM DFS is progressing as planned, and significant progress has been made. ATC has received final quotations from essential suppliers. Also, at present, the conclusive design of site and civil infrastructure is underway.

Arikon has commenced dialogue with regulatory authorities to begin the Schwarze Pumpe’s permitting process.

The company said it has witnessed favourable backing and cooperation from regulatory and local authorities.

About Altech’s calciners

Calciners designed in-house by Altech are of the packed bed type and intended to work at approximately 600 degrees Celsius. This innovative coating technology utilises 3D-printed silicon carbide linings. These linings are used to manage the acidic atmosphere during the calcination process.

The design of the cooler and calciner has been incorporated with manufacturing and stress test data. With this development, they have been progressed to a more advanced stage. Previously, they were in the research plant’s component production and testing phase.

Comprehensive testing has resulted in the advancement in the design. The advancement includes refinement of the dimensions of the dryers, coolers and calciners for the DFS. The refinement of cooler and calciners led to the escalation of a twin-chamber design. The new design includes a four-circuit calciner/cooler configuration and two dryers. This design results in lighter modules, which enables maintenance and assembly processes.

The designing of the elements has been done meticulously to remain within the constraints of existing manufacturing equipment capabilities and size.

Altech informed that discussions are underway to advance manufacturing, with detailed conversations took place with Silicon Carbide vendors in Europe.

Altech intends to introduce its technology

The company has increased its efforts to launch its patented technology. Constructing a pilot plant near the intended project site has commenced to meet the stated objective. The pilot plant aims to assist in the qualification process for the Silumina Anodes^TM product. This plant will supply commercial samples to the interested customers to facilitate qualification procedures and testing.

ATC shares traded at AU$0.067 apiece midday on 30 August 2023.