FYI Resources reported progress in its high purity alumina project, advancing in collaboration with joint development partner, Alcoa of Australia. HPA Project Development: Process optimisation and improvements Technology development and scale-up factors suitable for the joint development project's commercial facility HPA market development. Completing this work has set a solid technical and commercial foundation for the HPA project and provides the framework for the 2023 work schedule for the small-scale production and demonstration facility.

Small-Scale Production /Demonstration Plant Workstreams Site Selection: The joint development partners have endorsed a preferred site, near Kwinana in Western Australia, to locate the HPA demonstration plant. The permitting and environmental approvals process has commenced on the identified site. Design Engineering: The project designs for the small-scale production and demonstration facility have been finalized and are being reviewed by the joint development partners.

The final design provides the blueprint to the facilities' development. Long Lead Equipment Procurement: A review of equipment options ahead of placing orders on long lead capital items has been initiated. Technology development: The JDP partners continue to develop and optimize various aspects of the process design to assess and improve performance, efficiencies, economics and product quality.

These studies include improvements in the process materials of construction, material handling, scaling up for commercial production and environmental and waste recycling and disposal. Corporate: Supporting the project development, various corporate aspects of the joint development partnership are progressing. Final Investment Decision Stage Two Development: The joint development partners have advanced the HPA JDP in relation to the project delivery schedule including product development, technical refinements and project risk mitigation, however revisions to the scheduling and specifications of the small scale demonstration plant have delayed a final investment decision.

The JDP parties are focused on completion of the project development and are working towards FID delivery as soon as practical. This includes working towards completion of the large quantity of corporate, legal, and technical engineering sign-offs and a comprehensive marketing strategy which is currently being finalized. Joint Venture Agreement Documentation: The project's future operating model and structure is set to be governed via an unincorporated joint venture that would be established upon FID.

The UJV will be formalized via a series of agreements under an umbrella joint venture agreement. These documents are being refined in preparation for incorporation into the FID. Product Marketing and Development: Additional Stage Two project activities being progressed by the joint development partners include: Customer Outreach: The joint development partners are targeting specific market segments for HPA offtake.

Increased customer outreach to established, emerging and niche market segments continues to provide market assurance as well as product development guidance. These opportunities include sapphire glass, LEDs /micro-LEDs and electric vehicle (battery components) as well as other niche market opportunities arising as HPA becomes an increasingly important and sought-after product in the critical minerals sector. Comprehensive Market Analysis: A comprehensive third-party marketing research review was commissioned by the JDP on the HPA industry to provide independent and targeted analysis on the various industry and geographic areas of interest.

The report provides an unbiased and objective view on the market supply and demand provides additional guidance on the JDP marketing efforts. Product Finishing: The JDP is continuing to investigate broader product ranges and finishes for multiple client requirements. While not critical to the core HPA project development, the test work and product optimization provides additional opportunities for increased sales channels and customer support.