Altech Chemicals Ltd (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) has received a patent in Australia for its process of producing high purity alumina (HPA) from kaolin (aluminous clay).

The granted patent covers the production of alumina from all types aluminous clay including kaolin, using hydrochloric acid.

Importantly, the grant of the patent acknowledges that Altech’s process for producing HPA from aluminous material such as kaolin is unique.

Other potential new entrants into the HPA industry that have publicised the proposed use of a process similar to Altech’s for the production of HPA from kaolin, will need to take extreme care not to breach the company’s patent.

READ: Altech Chemicals' high-purity alumina attractive to Asian battery markets

Altech Chemicals managing director Iggy Tan said: “The journey to patent grant was quite arduous. We commenced the process in 2014 and have now received the certificate of grant – 4 years later.

“The patent will help protect the company’s unique HPA production process and the technology that we have developed.

“Over the past 18 months it has been quite frustrating to read a number public announcements from other companies aiming to be HPA producers that have included HPA process flow diagrams that appeared to be blatant copies of Altech’s process – some even using the same unique icons developed by the company.

“Now that this patent is granted, Altech is in strong position to defend its intellectual property rights with the assistance of WRAYS, our patent attorney”

READ: Altech Chemicals prepares to begin HPA plant construction, to run in parallel with finance close

Altech’s mezzanine debt and stream facility technical due diligence is on track and proceeding as planned for its proposed Malaysian high purity alumina (HPA) plant.

HPA plant construction will run in parallel to finance close, as stage I construction is already funded and will commence imminently.