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.

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Western Australia-based mining company Equinox Resources has named highly experienced mining executive Jiahe “Gower” He as its new chief executive officer. 

He, who is also an expert in the iron ore, lithium, and battery metals industry, brings to the role over 20 years of experience in the resources sector. 

The new CEO recently held several senior positions at Mitsui, overseeing the company’s strategic trade ad investment plans across a variety of commodities, such as Iron Ore, Lithium, and other battery-related minerals. 

He managed stakeholder management at various levels within the mining industry, both domestically and internationally, and planned and executed division strategies for the Australian and Japanese headquarters. 

He also managed joint venture engagements including marketing and global partners networks, implemented company marketing, and operational strategies, oversaw joint ventures, and managed mergers & acquisitions, stakeholder management, and dispute resolutions. 

“The appointment of a highly experienced executive such as Gower as Chief Executive Officer will allow us to continue to work towards our strategic plans of developing our world-class Hamersley Iron Ore assets and to work in parallel on the exploration of our recently secured Canadian exploration areas,” said Robert Martin, Equinox’s chairman. 

“The board welcomes Gower and looks forward to working with him moving forward to achieve these goals,” Martin added.

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Rio Tinto and its Robe River Joint Venture partners Mitsui and Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal, have approved a $1.55 billion investment to sustain production capacity at two projects in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The investment will be directed towards developing the Mesa B, C and H deposits at Robe Valley, and in developing Deposits C and D at the existing West Angelas operation.

Once operational, both projects will feature the latest technology with 34 existing haul trucks to be retrofitted with Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) technology, delivering safety and productivity gains to the business.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury said the investment will allow the company to sustain production of the Pilbara Blend, the world’s most recognised brand of iron ore, and its Robe Valley lump and fines products, which are highly valued by long-term customers.

“The development at West Angelas will help sustain production of the Pilbara Blend, the industry’s benchmark premium iron ore product, while the additional Robe Valley deposits will enable us to continue to provide a highly valued product to our long-term customers across Asia,” he stated.

“The approval of these two projects highlights the strong pipeline of development options within our portfolio as we remain focused on our value-over-volume strategy.”

Subject to government and environmental approvals, both projects are expected to enter construction phase next year with an estimated 1,200 jobs created during this phase.

First ore is currently anticipated from 2021.

Image credit: www.riotinto.com

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