- Altech Chemicals (ATC) has found halloysite at its Kerrigan kaolin deposit in WA, opening up a potential new premium sales platform for the business
- ATC explains halloysite nanotubes attract a significant premium above the average kaolin price and are suited to a range of applications
- The company says it made the discovery after halloysite was observed during the recent processing of samples from its 2020 aircore drilling campaign
- Altech will now carry out further test work on 31 samples to confirm and determine the significance of the initial halloysite results
- Shares in ATC ended Wednesday trading flat at 9.8 cents each
Altech Chemicals (ATC) has found halloysite at its Kerrigan kaolin deposit in WA, opening up a potential new premium sales platform for the business.
ATC said halloysite nanotubes can attract a significant premium above the average kaolin price and were also well-suited to a range of applications.
Specifically, the company explained the mineral was prized for its use in the manufacture of high-grade porcelain and ceramics as it helps improve strength.
ATC added that halloysite nanotubes were also considered a lower cost alternative to carbon nanotubes used in hydrogen storage and carbon capture.
Altech made the halloysite discovery after the mineral was observed during the recent processing of samples from its 2020 aircore drilling campaign.
The materials stock carried out multiple drill holes across its Kerrigan deposit, which is located near the central wheatbelt town of Hyden.
Despite the potential, the company did note on Wednesday the discovery “does not imply any economic benefit at this stage”.
Instead, ATC plans to carry out further test work on 31 samples to determine and confirm the significance of the initial results.
Shares in Altech Chemicals ended Wednesday trading flat at 9.8 cents each.