That level of purity is destined for semiconductor use, and all those 9's you see are the main component of the price. The press release indicates that "low grade ore" is all that is needed, leading me think that its natural occurrence in Aluminum ore is fairly close to the concentration needed for this process. Solar cells are in a similar boat as I talked about some months ago - semiconductor quality silicon (of the grade that goes to make your CPU) is overkill for solar cells.

This is the first new tech that I have had good vibes about since I started studying peak oil. Breaking down water with a common earth element? Gimmie.

you are the media you consume.