FYI Resources Ltd (ASX:FYI) has received results from the optimised component of its recently completed high purity alumina (HPA) pilot plant trial run.

The results from the trial run averaged 99.995% HPA, which is well above the company’s target grade of 99.99% HPA.

Importantly, the achievement demonstrated operational improvements in the plant that will be applied to the process flowsheet and ultimately the commercial refining facility.

The company proposes to refine kaolin feedstock from its 100% owned Cadoux Kaolin Project in Western Australia.

FYI completed two pilot plant trial product phases, one phase comprised a standard process trial, the second phase included a refined and optimised trial run which incorporated various modifications

Demonstrates improvements have been achieved

FYI’s managing director Roland Hill said: “We were very encouraged with the initial pilot plant operational performance and in the plant achieving above target grade of 99.99%.

“However, we are especially pleased to now receive the excellent results from the optimised phase as it demonstrates that through the efforts of the piloting, improvements and refinements to the flowsheet have been achieved.

“This will have a positive impact on the final design of the plant and commercial production of HPA.”

Pilot plant validates flowsheet for commercial refinery

The pilot plant has played a critical role in the validation of the company’s HPA flowsheet.

The facility has also played an equally important role in allowing FYI’s team to observe actual end-to-end production of the flowsheet that accurately reflects the design of the full-sized commercial refinery.

FYI is likely to continue metallurgical test work to further refine and improve the HPA process design with any work undertaken to be released to the market as required.