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(11)

EP 0 880 468 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 02.12.1998 Bulletin 1998/49 (21) Application number: 97902108.0 (22) Date of filing: 11.02.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  C01F 7/ 06( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/AU1997/000074 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/029993 (21.08.1997 Gazette 1997/36)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB GR IE IT Designated Extension States: SI (30) Priority: 15.02.1996 AU 1996PN08082 (71) Applicants: Queensland Alumina Limited Gladstone, QLD 4680 (AU) THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Nedlands, W.A. 6907 (AU)	(72) Inventors: PICARO, Tony Gladstone, QLD 4680 (AU) McCORMICK, Paul, Gerard Subiaco, W.A. 6008 (AU) (74) Representative: Ablewhite, Alan James  MARKS & CLERK, 57/60 Lincoln's Inn Fields London WC2A 3LS London WC2A 3LS (GB)