Dr Mike Jones
Impact Minerals

Dr Mike Jones

Managing Director
Impact Minerals

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr Mike Jones, Managing Director of Impact Minerals, to unpack the results of the recently released Pre-Feasibility Study for the company’s Lake Hope High Purity Alumina Project in Western Australia. With a post-tax NPV of over $1.1 billion and the potential to become one of the lowest-cost HPA producers globally, Lake Hope is shaping up to be a globally significant project. Mike walks us through what makes the project so compelling, how the flowsheet works, and why the integration of HiPurA downstream technology could be a game changer for early-stage production and scalability. We also dive into the environmental, community, and infrastructure foundations that support the long-term viability of the project.

🎧 Podcast Questions

Mike, congratulations on the completion of the Lake Hope PFS. Can you start by giving us the headline numbers and why this study is such a key milestone for Impact Minerals?

Let’s talk about the orebody itself. What are the physical and chemical characteristics of the Lake Hope deposit that allow for such a low-cost production profile?

The flowsheet outlined in the PFS uses a low-temperature leach process that is now patented. Can you explain how this works and the role it plays in your cost and environmental advantages?

There’s also mention of a by-product, sulphate of potash. What is the potential upside from SOP, and how might it influence the economics going forward?

You’ve just elected to move to 80 percent ownership of Playa One, which includes the Lake Hope project and IP. What does this mean for your strategic control and the next phase of development?

The integration of the HiPurA downstream processing technology seems to be a pivotal step in your broader strategy. Can you tell us how this complements Lake Hope and what advantages it brings?

Environmental and heritage considerations are front of mind for any new project. How is Impact engaging with the Ngadju people and managing the environmental approvals process?

Finally, what are the next major milestones for the project and for investors to keep an eye on as you transition from PFS into the Definitive Feasibility phase?