Hazer Group has extended its non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Japanese trading giant Mitsui & Co, Ltd (Tokyo, Japan), pushing forward joint efforts to explore potential markets for Hazer’s low-emissions graphite. 

The agreement, which builds on the original MOU announced on 16 November 2022, will now continue for another year, with automatic renewals unless terminated by either party, as revealed in an ASX announcement. 

The partnership leverages Mitsui’s extensive global network to evaluate the applications of Hazer’s graphite in steel manufacturing, chemicals, and other sectors. 

Hazer has already conducted positive market analysis, identifying promising segments for its graphite, including iron and steel production, thermal energy storage, and water purification.

“We are excited to be extending our strategic partnership with Mitsui,” said Hazer’s CEO and Managing Director, Glenn Corrie. 

“Hazer’s technology is unique in that it produces both low-cost, clean hydrogen as well as a low-emissions graphite product.”

Initial investigations have pointed to a variety of applications for Hazer’s graphite:

• Steel Manufacturing: Hazer’s graphite demonstrates suitability for both traditional blast furnaces and emerging green-steel processes, owing to its structured composition and iron inclusion.
• Thermal Energy Storage: Its excellent thermal conductivity and stability make it an efficient medium for heat transfer.
• Water Purification: Hazer’s graphite has shown potential for enhanced PFAS removal, a growing environmental concern.
• Construction Materials: The graphite is also being evaluated for asphalt, bitumen, and concrete production.

According to Corrie, the collaboration with Mitsui helps Hazer access challenging markets and critical industries where decarbonisation solutions are in high demand. 

“In light of increased global awareness around the vulnerability of critical mineral supply chains, this is a clear value differentiator for Hazer’s technology in the methane pyrolysis space,” he added.

As part of the extended agreement, the two companies will move forward with further product evaluation and larger sample testing from Hazer’s Commercial Demonstration Plant (CDP). 

Both companies will also engage with potential buyers to establish volumes, pricing frameworks, and potential offtake agreements.

“Through this important partnership with Mitsui, we have jointly identified markets that offer a good fit for our graphite, and discussions are ongoing to establish volume, pricing ranges, and potential offtake opportunities,” Corrie explained.

The post Hazer and Mitsui strengthen partnership with graphite market expansion focus appeared first on Australian Manufacturing.

German engineering company Bosch said it was able to boost sales and performance in the fiscal year 2022 “despite the challenging macroeconomic situation” with overall sales of €88.4 billion (AUD $137.5 billion), according to preliminary figures. 

A press release by the company reported that sales climbed by around 12 per cent over the previous year, or about 10 per cent when currency rate effects are taken into account. 

Operating EBIT, or earnings before interest and taxes, amounted to €3.7 billion (AUD $5.8 billion), and the EBIT margin from operations is expected to be around 4 per cent.

At the presentation of the business’s preliminary financial data, Robert Bosch GmbH Chairman of the Board of Management Dr Stefan Hartung said, “The difficult 2022 business year once again demonstrated that Bosch is crisis-proof while possessing tremendous innovative strength.”

The Bosch official added that the company is increasing its global presence and making targeted investments to secure growth potential in a still-challenging environment. 

“We want to offer people around the world technology that is ‘Invented for life’ and thus make a meaningful contribution to society – from climate-friendly heating to energy saving and sustainable mobility,” Hartung stated.

Meanwhile, according to the company, additional demand from developing nations like those in the ASEAN area will pave the way for additional market expansion. 

In light of this, Hartung said he believes the business is well positioned with regard to the economic and energy policy situation.

Hartung also sees that advancing renewable energy will help to reconcile the competing demands of environmental and economic sustainability.

“The transformation of energy systems needs to remain affordable, must not lead to power supply failures in businesses or households, and should leave fossil fuels behind wherever possible,” the Bosch official noted.

As a result, Bosch said it expects to register sales of €6 billion (AUD $9.3 billion) in this segment by as early as 2026.

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