Queensland Government invests up to $30m in sapphire glass production

The Queensland Government is set to invest up to $30m to Alpha Sapphire, a subsidiary of Alpha HPA (ASX:A4N) for the production of sapphire glass.

The investment, which is through the $100m Queensland Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund (managed by the Queensland Investment Corporation), will accelerate the delivery of two purpose-built furnaces used to ‘grow’ sapphire glass at Alpha HPA in Gladstone, Queensland.

These units, Phases A and B, will allow Alpha HPA to produce more than 4tpa of sapphire glass from high purity alumina (HPA).

Due to its durability, sapphire glass is ideal for use in micro-LEDs and smartphone screens.

The local production of sapphire glass will allow Queensland to capture significant value in the advanced materials supply chain and unlock new export opportunities.

Queensland Treasurer and Trade and Investment Minister Cameron Dick commented on the investment.

“Gladstone has a proud history of being at the forefront of developing Queensland’s mineral wealth,” he said.

“Now, this industrial powerhouse can become a hub for world-leading advanced manufacturing thanks to Queensland’s leadership in the development of critical minerals.

“The means more highly skilled advanced manufacturing jobs here in Gladstone that would otherwise be lost overseas.”

Alpha HPA managing director Rimas Kairaitis says the company is excited to have reached this agreement.

“Alpha is delighted to have reached agreement with QIC on funding for Alpha Sapphire and for the broader support from QIC and the Queensland Government to support private sector investment to add value via downstream processing of Queensland’s materials,” he said.