• Green Critical Minerals appoints Professor Andrew Ruys as head of research and development
  • Ruys is an internationally recognised expert in non-oxide advanced ceramics, with a career spanning over three decades
  • GCM has also entered into a binding heads of agreement for the lease of an industrial facility in NSW for its VHD Graphite pilot plant facility

 

Special report: Green Critical Minerals has appointed Professor Andrew Ruys as head of research and development to accelerate the commercial readiness of VHD Graphite Blocks.

Green Critical Minerals (ASX:GCM) dived straight into the industrial and electronics market at the end of October when it acquired ground-breaking tech that converts graphite into saleable, high-density graphite blocks known as VHD Graphite.

Containing among the highest thermal conductivity ever recorded for any bulk material, these blocks are considered an exceptional component of heat management applications such as solar-thermal systems, nuclear reactors and high-performance electronics.

GCM said the acquisition provides the company with the opportunity to expand its product suite further downstream into markets with an estimated annual value in excess of US$68bn.

 

Expert to lead commercialisation

The company has now appointed internationally recognised expert Professor Ruys as head of research and development to drive the commercialisation of VHD graphite blocks.

Ruys has a track record of successfully commercialising high-performance materials, as demonstrated in his foundational role at ASX-listed Sirtex Medical, which debuted on the ASX in 2000 with a market capitalisation of A$15m before it was acquired by CDH Genetech in 2018 for A$1.9bn.

With Ruys on the team, GCM believes it is well positioned to fast track the commercial readiness of VHD Graphite Blocks.

The company has also entered into a binding heads of agreement for the lease of an industrial facility in NSW for its VHD Graphite pilot plant in NSW, which it plans to have ready for commissioning in Q1 2025.

 

Pivotal role

“We are delighted that Andrew has joined GCM in this pivotal role,” GCM managing director Clinton Booth said.

“We have been in discussion with Andrew for many months regarding this opportunity as we were concluding the acquisition of VHD Graphite.

“His internationally recognised expertise in materials technology, his proven success in similar roles and his familiarity with VHD Graphite blocks provides us with a significant advantage as we progress VHD Graphite blocks to commercialisation and provides us with confidence in our commercialisation timeline.”

 

Lease of VHD Graphite facility

GCM is currently finalising the full lease agreement and expects to have access to the industrial facility this quarter.

Leasing this facility allows GCM to progress activities related to the construction, commissioning and ultimately, production of VHD Graphite blocks.

“This is another significant step we have taken in the path to delivering first revenue for GCM and in the commercialisation process of VHD Graphite,” Booth said.

“We considered multiple properties, and this property met all our criteria – it has the necessary utilities, size and location.

“With this property secured we can now progress to construction of the pilot plant.”

 


This article was developed in collaboration with Green Critical Minerals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

 

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

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