Hazer Group Limited says it has completed its graphite pelletising program, a development the company says could broaden the commercial use of its graphite product across multiple industrial markets.
In a news release, the Perth-based company said the program identified an “optimum inert binder” and confirmed that third-party agglomeration testing had produced high-performance graphite pellets without affecting the material’s key characteristics.
Hazer said this marks a “significant milestone” by allowing its graphite to be supplied in either powder or pellet form, which it said could expand customer applications and improve handling and transport options.
According to Hazer, pelletisation is expected to support more efficient transportation of graphite to market and improve its commercial flexibility.
“These high-performance pellets are being shipped around the world to our partners for testing in their processes, helping address key transportation and handling challenges associated with large scale commodities while supporting deployment of Hazer graphite into a range of world class applications,” Hazer chief executive and managing director Glenn Corrie said. He added that “our graphite research and results continue to confirm the value of the Hazer Process coproduct.”
The company said pelletised graphite may be particularly relevant for steelmaking applications that require solid carbon forms, such as sintering and use as a recarburiser.
It stated that its graphite, characterised by high fixed carbon and low ash and sulphur content, is intended to compete with premium anthracite grades used in steel production, and may also offer performance and cost benefits in sinter processing.
Hazer added that the ability to shape and mould graphite into pellets and bricks could support potential entry into higher-value applications including thermal energy storage, battery anodes, electrodes and other industrial carbon uses.
The company also noted that its graphite has been tested for use in concrete and asphalt additive applications, with qualification by Boral Labs confirming it meets Australian specification and international standards following independent testing.
On commercial strategy, Hazer said it continues to pursue a dual approach targeting large-scale industrial markets such as steel, concrete and asphalt, alongside longer-term higher-value applications. It said these bulk markets are expected to provide baseline demand, while advanced applications may offer higher margins over time.
Hazer also pointed to a non-binding letter of intent signed with GreenSteelWA for graphite offtake, which it said provides an early pricing reference linked to the landed Bunbury price of anthracite, currently about A$400 per tonne.
The company said the arrangement represents an initial step toward establishing a market-based price benchmark for its graphite product.
The content of this article is based on information supplied by Hazer Group Ltd. For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from Hazer. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
