Issue link: http://resourceworld.uberflip.com/i/99312
to high acidity, Orbite's pilot plant yielded a clean, solid aluminum hydroxide cake. Basically a mélange of off-the-shelf techniques in novel configurations, Orbite's process is now being rolled out a number of ways. The company is already near completion of a "high purity alumina" (HPA) plant. The first shipment of HPA—a key component in the rapidly-growing LED and photovoltaic cell markets – will roll off the line in the first quarter of 2013, with production ramping up through the year to reach five tonnes per day. At the same time, the company has completed engineering designs for a "smelter-grade alumina" (SGA) plant. The SGA product is the first step in creating ultra-pure aluminum oxide, which can then be upgraded by the HPA process. Using this one-two process punch, Orbite intends to produce a final alumina product that could sell for up to $250 per kilogram. The company plans a feasibility study for the SGA facility in the first half of 2013, looking to first production in late 2014. Orbite's command of process chemistry may allow the company to coax even more value from Gaspé's clay. The Grande-Vallée deposit also contains rare earth elements, extremely valuable metals that can be alchemized from dissolved clay using a bolt-on separation plant. Current plans call for gallium and scandium oxide circuits to be installed at the HPA plant during 2013; potentially making the world's newest alumina producer an upstart in the strategic metals market as well. Of course, new technology comes with risks. But being a process pioneer also has its rewards when it comes to project finance. Much of Orbite's specialized equipment and construction costs receive government tax credits of up to 40%. In November, the company announced a unique use of these assets: a financing of up to $25 million in convertible debentures, secured against the tax pools. Such tax breaks are valuable to investors with income to shelter, allowing Orbite to monetize assets that would otherwise take years to come to value. As with Orbite's groundbreaking technology, tomorrow comes today. n DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013 www.resourceworld.com 51