Gladstone is a step closer to welcoming a new high purity alumina industrial plant following Alpha HPA’s purchase of a 9.2-hectare site within the Queensland Government’s State Development Area.
The $300 million facility is anticipated to support more jobs as well as aid in Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan.
“Supporting projects like this means more opportunities for secure, high-skilled jobs across Queensland,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
Gladstone’s extensive infrastructure as well as port facilities, an established industrial sector and skilled workforce all helped in attracting Alpha HPA to establish its new facility in the region.
“Gladstone is a world-best location for existing industries with a proven track record of growing successful new industries – like the emerging green energy manufacturing sector.
“Alpha HPA are joining other global companies, who have also recently chosen Gladstone to establish their manufacturing hubs and create local jobs,” Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Manufacturing and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said.
The Gladstone region is quickly becoming a global manufacturing hub that draws on demand from renewable energy to “inspire new industry growth”.
With Alpha HPA securing approval from the State Government for the change in application for the HPA First Project, the company is now ready to deliver both the Stage 1 Precursor Production Facility (PPF) and Stage 2 full-scale facility to be built on the same site.
“Alpha is delighted to have received the updated approvals, to have secured the land parcel for both stages of the HPA First Project and to be commencing site works. These are each further exciting milestones for the company.
“Stage 1, which is fully funded, will enable us to commence commercial production from August 2022, tapping into this demand quickly.
“Stage 2, the full-scale project, will commence in parallel with Stage 1, and is scheduled to be commercially operating by 2024,” Alpha HPA Managing Director Rimas Kairaitis said.
This project is anticipated to support approximately 120 new regional jobs.
High purity alumina is utilised in the production of items such as LED lights, lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, solar battery storage and consumer electronics as well as synthetic sapphire used in smartphone camera glass and watches.
“These are high-technology items with rising consumer demand, particularly in China and Europe.
“Projects like this boost Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, and we’re backing Queensland to become a renewable energy superpower,” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Alpha HPA