Impact Minerals (ASX:IPT) has reported significant technical advances in the first 12 months of its $2.9 million Cooperative Research Centre Program, supporting the development of its 80%-owned Lake Hope High Purity Alumina Project in Western Australia.
The research, conducted in partnership with CPC Engineering and the Mineral Recovery Research Centre at Edith Cowan University, focuses on integrating advanced membrane technologies into Impact's patented three-stage HPA process, which has already demonstrated one of the lowest global operating costs per tonne of HPA in its pre-feasibility study.
Key achievements include successful membrane crystallisation to recover high-purity (>94%) sulphate of potash as a valuable by-product from Stage 1 of the HPA flowsheet, while also achieving high water recovery suitable for reuse, reducing environmental impact and operating costs.
A pathway for premium magnesium-enriched potash products has also been identified, capturing magnesium during ore washing and selectively reintroducing it during crystallisation.
Additional breakthroughs include a potential low-cost iron-removal method in Stage 2 and the evaluation of eutectic-freeze crystallisation technology for enhanced potash recovery and wastewater management.
Managing Director Dr Mike Jones highlighted that these advances not only support low-carbon, low-waste HPA production but reveal a larger potash opportunity, potentially enabling a standalone mining project alongside Lake Hope.
Initial assessments suggest the new potash pathway could supply high-demand fertiliser and acid products, adding considerable value to the project.
Results from ongoing testwork and pilot-scale studies are expected to further define commercial opportunities in 2026.
At the time of reporting, Impact Minerals' share price was $0.057.