Today, the National Reconstruction Fund has announced they will invest $75 million in Alpha HPA to support the completion of its construction and operation of the world’s largest High Purity Alumina (HPA) production facility in Gladstone.

This project will deliver Australia’s first commercial scale HPA facility, reinforcing the region’s role as a leading industrial and advanced manufacturing hub, critical to the aluminium supply chain. 

This investment is supporting 420 jobs during construction, and will create 80 ongoing, well-paid roles in advanced manufacturing and chemical processing once the facility is in operation.

This project will diversify Gladstone’s industrial base, reinforce long-term, advanced industrial capability and open new career pathways for local workers. 

Alpha HPA’s production is a part of Gladstone’s strong and growing manufacturing ecosystem. Working closely with local Gladstone operations Orica and Rio Tinto’s nearby Yarwun alumina refinery, they source key inputs for operations while returning by-products for use as industrial feedstock. 

These local industrial partnerships strengthen regional capability, maximise resources and reduce waste. 

HPA is a critical mineral used in things like semiconductors, LED lighting and lithium-ion batteries. Global demand is accelerating, with HPA playing a key role in data centres as a key input into cooling computer chips. 

By producing HPA domestically, and at scale, this will position regional Australia at the centre of future technology global supply chains. 

Alpha HPA’s progression from pilot operations to a globally significant facility highlights how regional projects can grow into major employers when supported by reliable, long-term investment that crowds in private investment.  

The HPA First Project is designed to operate on 100 per cent renewable electricity.

As part of the $225 million funding round, the NRF’s cornerstone investment crowded in an additional $150 million from institutional investors, including Orica and Australian Super. 

Quotes attributed to Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science:  

“This investment will deliver Australia’s first commercial scale High Purity Alumina facility in Central Queensland, creating hundreds of jobs and strengthening Gladstone’s position as a major industrial hub.

“While the Liberals and National are focused on themselves and voting against critical industrial supports like the establishment of the National Reconstruction Fund, the Albanese Labor Government is delivering for regional manufacturing, resulting in secure, well-paid jobs. 

"The Albanese Labor Government is focused on delivering for regional Australia and building a strong, future-ready manufacturing sector as part of a Future Made in Australia.”