ABx Group, through its refining technology subsidiary ALCORE, has secured a lease agreement with Rio Tinto Aluminium to set up a pilot plant for producing hydrogen fluoride and other industrial chemicals adjacent to the Bell Bay aluminium smelter in Tasmania. The facility, comprising a 500km2 building, will enable ALCORE to utilize its proprietary process to convert waste from the aluminium smelting process into valuable products. The initial plant will focus on transforming aluminium smelter bath into hydrogen fluoride and other chemicals, with plans for significant expansion to meet a substantial portion of Australia's aluminium fluoride demand. The support from Rio Tinto and the Tasmanian Government highlights the economic and environmental benefits of producing these chemicals locally. ABx Group's CEO, Dr. Mark Cooksey, emphasizes the importance of the agreement in advancing towards commercial production and achieving self-sufficiency in critical chemicals like hydrogen fluoride. The project's progress signifies a significant milestone in recycling waste into industrial chemicals, with the pilot plant expected to commence construction soon. The initiative not only showcases technological advancement but also aligns with global efforts to prioritize critical minerals and reduce dependency on high-cost raw materials like fluorspar for hydrogen fluoride production.