Queensland Government Commits $30 Million to Alpha HPA’s Sapphire Glass Production
The Queensland Government has pledged to invest $30 million in Alpha HPA’s sapphire glass production, further boosting the growth of the smartwatch and smartphone industry. This funding will be provided through the Queensland Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund, managed by the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC). The investment aims to expedite the development of purpose-built furnaces that facilitate the manufacturing of sapphire glass at Alpha HPA’s facility in Gladstone.
The construction of these furnaces will enable Alpha HPA to produce over 4 tons of sapphire glass annually using high purity alumina (HPA). Renowned for its remarkable durability, sapphire glass is highly sought after in the production of micro-LEDs and smartphone screens. By promoting local production of sapphire glass, Queensland endeavors to take advantage of the value presented by advanced materials and unlock new export opportunities.
According to Cameron Dick, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, this investment not only celebrates Gladstone’s history as a prominent player in Queensland’s mineral wealth development but also positions the region as a hub for cutting-edge manufacturing supported by Queensland’s leadership in critical minerals. Furthermore, this move will safeguard advanced manufacturing jobs that might otherwise be lost overseas.
Rimas Kairaitis, Managing Director of Alpha HPA, expressed his delight at securing funding from QIC for Alpha Sapphire and the broader support received from QIC and the Queensland government. Alpha HPA foresees that Alpha Sapphire will become a significant customer of the HPA First project in Gladstone. Once Alpha Sapphire reaches its Nova phase, involving the growth of 1,000 synthetic sapphire units, the subsidiary will consume between 3,000 to 4,000 tons of HPA annually.
Through its Critical Minerals Strategy, backed by the $245 million Queensland Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Strategy fund, Queensland aims to tap into its abundant mineral resources and create new job opportunities across various industries, particularly in regional areas. The government’s investment in Alpha HPA marks an important milestone in achieving this vision.
With this funding injection, Queensland is poised to strengthen its position as a global leader in critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. The move to establish a local supply chain for sapphire glass aligns with the state’s long-term plan to diversify its economy and leverage its vast mineral wealth to contribute to sustainable economic growth.
The Queensland Government’s commitment to investing in the future of advanced manufacturing is a testament to their dedication to nurturing innovation and building a resilient and diverse economy. As the demand for smartwatches and smartphones grows, Alpha HPA’s sapphire glass production will play a pivotal role in meeting this demand while affirming Queensland’s status as a major player in the global market for critical minerals.
