The Australian Vanadium Limited (AVL) has selected Primero Group Limited to build its vanadium electrolyte manufacturing facility in Western Australia.
Simon Rough, an experienced operations specialist, has been chosen by AVL to securely oversee the facility through construction and into production. According to the company, Rough’s significant experience in vanadium processing and sulphuric acid manufacturing makes him an ideal leader for the team to successfully produce high-quality electrolyte.
“It is satisfying to see the progress being achieved by the team as AVL’s vanadium electrolyte manufacturing plant starts to take shape. Using USV’s proven electrolyte manufacturing technology, AVL aims to become a trusted supplier of vanadium electrolyte within Australia and beyond. We are pleased to have welcomed Simon onboard to manage the facility and work with the existing team, utilising in house electrolyte knowledge and relationships that have been built with companies such as USV and VFB manufacturers. The implementation of the electrolyte plant provides an ideal opportunity for AVL to put into practice, test and further mature its systems, processes and management systems that will ultimately underpin the larger Australian Vanadium Project,” AVL CEO Graham Arvidson said.
Simon Rough has 20 years of expertise in processing and operations. He has successfully led high-performing teams in hydro and pyrometallurgical operations, vanadium processing, and sulphuric acid production.
AVL owns the sole licence to USV’s process technology for manufacturing vanadium electrolyte for Australia and New Zealand. This technique was utilised in designing the vanadium electrolyte manufacturing facility being developed in Wangara, a northern Perth suburb. In collaboration with Primero Group, AVL designed the facility to meet Australian standards and requirements.
Vanadium oxide feedstock for the electrolyte facility will be supplied through AVL’s agreement with USV and third-party suppliers until the production of vanadium oxides from AVL’s Midwest Processing Hub begins.
In 2021, AVL was awarded a $3.69 million Australian Government grant, with a portion of the fund going towards constructing and operating a commercial vanadium electrolyte manufacturing facility in Western Australia to help commercialise VFBs.
AVL plans to develop vanadium electrolyte for commercial use in VFBs by November 2023 and is negotiating offtake agreements for the finished product.
