Green Critical Minerals’ first pass VHD samples soundly beat industry standards for density

First run samples from Green Critical Mineral’s VHD pilot plant easily exceed industry density standards
Result was achieved without any optimisation, indicating that further improvements are possible
VHD samples will now be tested for thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity

Special Report: Green Critical Minerals is upbeat after the first commissioning run of its very high density graphite block pilot plant in NSW produced 12 test samples that exceeded industry benchmarks.

The coin-sized samples – 25mm diameter with thicknesses ranging from 4-7mm – had best average density of 1959kg/m3 and a peak density of 1979kg/m3, easily exceeding the industry standards for nuclear graphite (1700-1900kg/m3) and electrode graphite (1550-1800kg/m3).

What’s of particular interest to Green Critical Minerals (ASX:GCM) is the production of a superior graphite at a lower cost on the very first pass without optimisation – clearly highlighting the simplicity, efficiency, and environmental benefits of the very high density (VHD) technology process.

It also suggests that even stronger results could be achieved in the future once the process is optimised.

Testing was carried out by renowned material science expert Professor Andrew Ruys to ensure accuracy and credibility of results.

Further testing of theses first pass samples for thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity will now be carried out by external labs.

“We are thrilled with the results of our maiden test from the VHD Technology pilot plant. Achieving such exceptional density properties on the first production, without any optimisation, is a testament to the quality and potential of our VHD technology and process,” managing director Clinton Booth said.

“These results validate our confidence in the technology and importantly, position us as leaders in the production of high-performance graphite globally.

“To see our unoptimised samples outperforming industry benchmarks, such as nuclear-grade and electrode-grade graphite, demonstrates the transformative capabilities of our innovative VHD Technology.

“This success highlights the environmental and economic advantages of our production process, delivering superior properties faster and at a lower cost than traditional methods.”

He added the company was focused on achieving commercialisation by the end of 2025, which will enable it to benefit from growing demand across multiple sectors – such as advanced electronics, renewable energy, and industrial processes – for VHD blocks.

On the highway to VHD graphite commercialisation

GCM first acquired the ground-breaking technology at the end of October 2024 after being convinced of its ability to convert graphite into very high-density graphite blocks that have among the highest thermal conductivity ever recorded for any bulk material – up to 617 W/m·K along the grain – and the lowest electrical resistivity (of 1.2 µΩ·m) ever measured for any bulk graphite product.

Notable applications include materials for the defence and nuclear industries, thermal energy storage systems, high-performance electronics, battery electrodes, heat sinks and aerospace.

What’s even more remarkable, is that the VHD blocks can be produced in just 24-36 hours at around half the temperature (1500C v 2900C) of the primary synthetic graphite process.

Progress with the pilot plant has also been ahead of the curve with strategic equipment selection and procurement allowing the company to start commissioning at the beginning of 2025 rather than Q2 2025.

As a result, production of first qualification blocks is now due in February 2025 rather than in Q3 FY2025.

For now, the samples will undergo additional analysis.

Thermal conductivity testing will measure their heat transfer efficiency, a key parameter for applications such as heat sinks, solar-thermal energy storage, and high-temperature industrial processes

Meanwhile, electrical resistivity testing will assess the material’s electrical performance, which is essential for advanced electronics and other high-demand sectors.

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.