Tasmania is set to solidify its reputation as a global leader in sustainable manufacturing with the establishment of a world-first aluminium waste recycling pilot facility at Bell Bay.
Alcore Limited has pioneered an innovative process to recover and reuse expensive chemicals from the aluminium manufacturing process, with its pilot plant marking a critical step towards commercialisation.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said the Tasmanian Government is committed to backing job creation in Tasmania's regions through the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
"This project demonstrates how innovation and sustainability go hand in hand, as Alcore tests its process to reprocess what would otherwise be a waste product into a high-value additive for aluminium smelting," Minister Abetz said.
"This plant will enable the technology to be trialled for the first time, and Bell Bay — home to the Rio Tinto aluminium smelter and part of Bell Bay's Advanced Manufacturing Zone — is the perfect location for this pilot initiative.
"The Tasmanian Liberal Government has been working closely with Alcore on this proposal since 2017. It is fantastic to see it now progressing to the pilot stage, and we are pleased to be investing $1 million via a commercial loan to support this early phase.
"This breakthrough technology not only has the potential to reduce waste but also lower costs for the industry, turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
"The pilot plant's initial operations will deliver up to 10 highly skilled, full-time jobs locally, with the potential to grow to more than 100 full-time equivalent positions as the project moves towards full-scale commercialisation.
"These roles represent the future of Tasmania's workforce, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, resource recovery, and sustainable innovation.
"Alcore's decision to establish its pilot facility here is a vote of confidence in our State's skilled workforce, infrastructure, and strategic vision for the future."
