Green Critical Minerals begins construction of VHD graphite block pilot plant
Green Critical Minerals (ASX: GCM) has commenced construction of its very high density (VHD) graphite technology pilot plant at an industrial site in New South Wales.
All critical components have been received including key ingredients for the production of demonstration VHD blocks, which will start after commissioning in late-2025.
The company will then send the demonstration blocks to potential customers for qualification and downstream testing.
Heat sinks
Use of the pilot plant will support the parallel development of heat sinks in high-performance computing using smaller VHD blocks.
Larger VHD blocks will be tailored for solar-thermal energy storage systems.
These are in growing demand for their contribution to decarbonising power generation and industrial processes.
Pivotal step
Managing director Clinton Booth said the start of construction was a pivotal step in Green Critical’s journey to commercialise VHD technology and unlock “transformative potential” in renewables energy and high-performance electronics.
“The plant represents a cornerstone in our broader vision to drive innovation and deliver high-value, sustainable solutions to global markets,” he said.
“We are achieving remarkable and rapid progress and are on track for the production of the first demonstration blocks in March next year.”
The company is pursuing new research and development partnerships and exploring opportunities in sectors such as aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing to make a “meaningful impact” in decarbonisation and energy efficiency solutions worldwide.
High-performance technology
Developed by Professor Charles Sorrell at the University of NSW, the VHD technology creates high-performance graphite blocks reported to offer superior thermal and electrical properties at a fraction of the cost.
The technology employs a 36-hour process at significantly lower temperatures than conventional methods, thereby providing a substantial cost and environmental advantage.
Mr Booth said there was potential for further cost savings through the ability to produce graphite products in various shapes and sizes, streamlining the manufacturing process for diverse industrial applications and eliminating a significant amount of waste.
VHD graphite blocks have applications in thermal energy storage, semiconductors, high-performance electronics, heat sinks and critical industries such as defence and nuclear energy.