Alpha gets critical funding to aim at global glass shortage
Gladstone-based Alpha HPA will be capable of producing four tonnes a year of sapphire glass, a critical ingredient in technology products, after receiving $30 million from the State Government’s $100 million critical minerals and technology fund.
Workers at the Alpha HPA project in Gladstone (photo supplied)
The company produces high-purity alumina (HPA) from its relatively new Gladstone base, which is used to make the glass which is used in products like watches and screens as well as micro LEDs.
The State Government said it was a “hot commodity” for producers worldwide.
While the level of funding for Alpha HPA was not disclosed, Treasurer Cameron Dick said it would accelerate the delivery of two furnaces which were used to “grow” the sapphire glass.
“Local production of sapphire glass will allow Queensland to capture significant value in the advanced materials supply chain and unlock new export opportunities,” the Treasurer said.
The company announced last month that it had received $15 million under the critical minerals fund to install a small-scale commercial HPA circuit and expand the capability of its production precursor facility.
“This investment, through QIC, will enable Alpha HPA to increase the value of its finished product by 1000 per cent,” Treasurer Dick said.
QIC chief executive Kylie Rampa said the grant for Alpha HPA was a logical value-add that complemented the existing alumina project.
“A looming shortage of natural sapphire glass in the market and growing demand for more energy-conscious manufacturing processes makes this an attractive opportunity to enter a fast-growing market with all the competitive advantages Queensland has to offer,” she said.
