Alpha HPA capturing growing semiconductor sector demand

Gladstone-based Alpha HPA is undertaking advanced product qualification to tap the burgeoning growth in the global semiconductor industry. The high-purity alumina (HPA) producer has already started small-scale sales to leading thermal filler end-users in South Korea and Japan, with further agreements expected, including an additional letter of intent with a leading Japanese manufacturer. In addition to thermal fillers, Alpha HPA is positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for high purity aluminas in chemical mechanical planarisation (CMP) polishing. It has commenced small-scale sales to leading CMP end-users in the US and is in advanced negotiations with companies in Japan and China. Alpha HPA said it was uniquely positioned to supply HPA-based materials for thermal fillers in semiconductor encapsulation and CMP slurries for wafer polishing. “Purity standards for next-generation semiconductor thermal fillers are exceptionally stringent, requiring zero detectable radionuclides or less than one part per billion,” Alpha HPA managing director Rimas Kairaitis said. Alpha HPA managing director Rimas Kairaitis. “Our novel purification process eliminates these impurities, setting our materials apart from incumbent manufacturers.” CMP processes are essential for polishing semiconductor substrates and circuit layers. With the increasing use of harder substrates such as silicon carbide, gallium nitride, and sapphire, high-purity alumina is emerging as the preferred CMP abrasive. “Our materials have been independently tested to demonstrate higher CMP removal rates than existing solutions, operating at lower temperatures to reduce substrate warping,” Mr Kairaitis said. “This performance, in combination with our preferred chemical impurity profile, gives us a clear advantage in meeting the evolving needs of semiconductor manufacturers.” Alpha HPA recently reached contractual close with Export Finance Australia (EFA) and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF), securing $400 million in senior debt financing for Stage 2 of its HPA First Project in Gladstone. This funding, approved under the Australian Government’s Future Made in Australia initiative, includes $320 million in project loan facilities and an $80 million cost overrun facility. Currently under construction, the project will be one of the largest single-site HPA refineries globally, capable of producing over 10,000 tonnes of ultra-high-purity aluminium products and premium aluminium materials per year. The development is expected to create 300 construction jobs and 120 ongoing operational roles, delivering significant economic benefits to the Gladstone region. “Our proprietary process technology offers a near-zero waste solution, recycling nearly 100 percent of its reagents while achieving a 70 percent lower carbon footprint compared to traditional refining methods,” Mr Kairaitis said. “With 100 per cent renewable energy use, this facility will set new standards in sustainable manufacturing, supporting industries such as semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries, and LED lighting.” You may also like: https://industryqld.com.au/critical-minerals-call-to-protect-aluminium-industry/

Alpha HPA capturing growing semiconductor sector demand

Industry Queensland

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