Greenvale Energy delivers best bitumen testwork to date at torbanite project

Greenvale Energy is on the path towards a commercial bitumen product after testwork at the Alpha project in Queensland recorded the highest conversion to date.

Further positive test results mark another step towards GRV being able to achieve a commercial C170 grade bitumen product. Pic: Getty Images.

Special Report: Greenvale Energy says testwork at its Alpha torbanite project in Queensland has delivered the highest product conversion to date – a milestone in the move towards a premium-grade C170 product.

• GRV’s latest testwork shows company closing in on commercial C170 asphalt product
• Test program 7 expected to commence shortly with larger bulk samples
• Company targeting commercial grade bitumen from Alpha project

Using liquefaction low-emission processing, Greenvale Energy (ASX:GRV) plans to become Australia’s only end-to-end producer of bitumen-binding products.

To this end, the company’s Alpha torbanite project is exceptionally high-grade, containing up to 650 litres of hydrocarbons per tonne of torbanite, and can produce high-value products of this nature. 

This latest test program – number 6 – was intended to optimise test conditions by introducing different catalysts to enhance the viscosity of the final bitumen product in order to achieve a premium-grade C170 product from the Alpha project. 

This fine tuning of the experimental parameters – particularly pressure, temperature and catalyst selection – has shown the company could achieve a viscosity in the range of C170 asphalt.

Test program 7 is expected to confirm this using larger bulk samples to give more conclusive results.

Test program 7 to test large bulk samples

Greenvale is working with Monash University to plan test program 7, which will commence in the near term.

This program will be designed to further enhance the conversion of useful materials and better understand final product characteristics. 

As part of this program, bulk samples will be produced under varied reaction conditions to generate sufficient asphalt materials for a comprehensive study, particularly focusing on viscosity and penetration.

“We are encouraged by the results of test program 6, which mark an important step towards achieving the viscosity levels required to deliver a premium-grade C170 final bitumen product from Alpha,” GRV executive chairman Neil Biddle said. 

“The results give us a clear pathway to move forward with test program 7 at Monash University. 

“The team is working to refine these parameters and we will provide further updates as the program advances. 

“While Greenvale’s focus is on advancing the exploration of our high-potential Australian uranium portfolio, this work is aimed at unlocking the significant value of the Alpha torbanite project for our shareholders.”

This article was developed in collaboration with Greenvale Energy, 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.