2021 - General Discussion, page-5508

Hi Mike
first of all you need consistent input feedstock in the pilot plant. right now Alcoa are wanting to test, yes "test" some of their feedstock. You cannot get product indorsement until you are 100% certain with your input feedstock, therefore creating a consistent HPA product. in this high spec over the counter market buyers need to have supreme confidence with what they are buying in order to move supply chains. Now how long Alcoa test for, is how long is a piece of string. it could be 3 months or it could be 1 year. What we know is your pilot is not working, we know Alcoa want to have a play around which means no market outreach. Its impossible to send potential customers your HPA spec if you are playing around with the input. Once you are happy with the feed input, then buyers will require several samples and sample runs that might need to have modification for what their needs are. its a small very specialized market, not like selling coal. as you can appreciate this all takes a huge amount of time, esp with covid logistics slowing things down. My guess is this will take a few years to be in a position for binding offtake agreements. & that is IF Alcoa decide to make this a binding arrangement.....