Hazer Group Ltd has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with First Graphene Ltd to explore potential applications for graphite produced through the proprietary Hazer Process.
The Perth-based companies said the agreement will see them collaborate on assessing where Hazer’s graphite could provide technical or commercial advantages to First Graphene’s existing product lines, Hazer said in an ASX announcement.
The initial phase will involve testing and evaluation, with both parties considering supply and offtake arrangements if results prove favourable.
According to Hazer, the partnership comes at a time of rising global demand and tightening supply in graphite markets, with supply chains remaining heavily concentrated in China.
Hazer said the agreement underscores the strategic value of its low-emission graphite co-product and its relevance to emerging advanced materials applications.
Hazer CEO Glenn Corrie described the collaboration as an important step in building on the company’s graphite marketing strategy, which targets both high-volume and high-value markets.
“We are very pleased to partner with First Graphene, a leader in the development and commercialisation of graphene technologies. This collaboration builds on our recent patent filings for our high-end battery purification process and opens up an exciting, potentially high-value market for our versatile graphite co-product,” Corrie said.
First Graphene Managing Director and CEO Michael Bell said the collaboration highlights the strengths of two Western Australian organisations working together.
“This collaboration brings two world-class organisations based in Western Australia together, with a focus on producing high value carbon-based materials that complement each other’s existing product portfolio,” Bell said.
He added that First Graphene sees strong potential in the testing phase. “We’re excited to begin assessing and testing Hazer Process graphite samples very soon to see if their materials have a place in our product line-up,” Bell said.
“Our collaboration could also open the door to more joint research and development opportunities as uptake of natural and synthetic carbon-based materials accelerates globally.”
Hazer noted that graphite is classified as a tier-one critical mineral essential to the energy transition, serving as a key component in lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles, renewable energy storage systems, and industrial uses.
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.
