Altamin Secures A$3.62M Grant to Revolutionize Critical Raw Materials Extraction in Italy
Altamin Limited has been awarded a A$3.62 million refundable grant to advance its Lazio project in Italy, aiming to develop an innovative geothermal-powered process for extracting critical raw materials like lithium, boron, and sulphate of potash.
- A$3.62 million refundable grant awarded under Italy’s Mission Innovation 2.0 program
- Partnership with RINA SpA and University of L’Aquila for the BRAIN project
- Focus on geothermal brine extraction of lithium, boron, and sulphate of potash
- Environmental and lifecycle assessments aligned with EU sustainability standards
- Potential to boost European self-sufficiency in critical raw materials
Grant Boosts Innovative Extraction Technology
Altamin Limited (ASX – AZI) has secured a significant A$3.62 million refundable grant as part of the BRAIN project, a cutting-edge research initiative supported by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security. This funding, awarded under the Mission Innovation 2.0 call, will underpin the scale-up testing of a novel geothermal energy-powered process designed to extract commercial-grade sulphate of potash (SOP), lithium, and boron from geothermal brines at Altamin’s Lazio project near Rome.
Collaborative Expertise Drives Project Potential
The BRAIN project is a collaborative effort involving Altamin, the multidisciplinary Italian engineering leader RINA SpA, and the University of L’Aquila (UNIVAQ), known for its expertise in hydrometallurgy and circular chemical process design. This partnership combines industry-leading knowledge and academic research to tackle the complexities of brine extraction, aiming to improve recovery efficiencies while reducing environmental impacts.
Aligning with EU Sustainability and Regulatory Goals
Integral to the project are comprehensive Environmental Impact and Lifecycle Assessments, ensuring compliance with the European Union’s “Do No Significant Harm” principles and Italian environmental regulations. These evaluations will not only support future permitting for the Lazio project but also enhance its sustainability credentials, positioning Altamin at the forefront of responsible critical raw materials extraction in Europe.
Strategic Importance for Europe’s Raw Materials Supply
The BRAIN project directly supports the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act by targeting lithium and boron, both critical and strategic raw materials, and potassium, vital for agriculture. By advancing innovative hydrometallurgical and separation technologies, the project aims to reduce reliance on traditional mining methods, which are often environmentally intensive, thereby contributing to Europe’s energy transition and raw materials self-sufficiency.
Looking Ahead
Altamin’s CEO, Geraint Harris, highlighted the significance of this funding as a non-dilutive capital injection that complements shareholder investment and underscores the quality of the Lazio project. The collaboration with RINA and UNIVAQ not only elevates the project’s technical foundation but also signals Italy’s growing leadership in sustainable brine extraction technologies.
Bottom Line?
Altamin’s grant-backed innovation could reshape Europe’s critical raw materials landscape, but execution and regulatory approvals remain pivotal.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the projected timelines for key milestones in the BRAIN project?
- How will the environmental assessments influence permitting and commercial rollout?
- What are the potential market impacts if the geothermal extraction process proves scalable?
