The local graphite has been sold primarily for the hydrogen fuel cell market. Its flake size distribution is:
15% +50 mesh batteries ($1700/ton)
76% -50 mesh +150 mesh hydrogen fuel cells (98.6 percent carbon grade) ($1750/ton).
9% -150 mesh hot topping for steel temperature control purposes ($750/ton)
The graphite resource is massive since it is metamorphosed coal seams. As a side note, MaxPure.’s Technical Manager was the Engineering Manager for the adjacent project which includes the design and construction of the processing plant. MaxPure.'s geologist was the principal consulting geologist for this project. Hydrogen fuel cell plates from this deposit are in operation.
Personnel from MCML is in early stages of dialogue with a Chinese company about converting local coal into hydrogen (40% of coal is hydrogen) using a steam method with no resulting greenhouse gases.
Coal would then be converted at a mine site to hydrogen thereby producing electricity to add power to the adjacent and/or grid supply directly for fuel cell use.
MaxPure.’s personnel have been employed by relevant Chinese companies previously. The price of hydrogen is approximately $3.50/kg which is enough supply to travel 100 kilometers.
Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a pivotal energy source for a sustainable future, and graphite plays a crucial role in hydrogen fuel cell technologies. Fuel cells convert the chemical energy of hydrogen into electricity, with graphite used as a conductive material for the bipolar plates. These plates are vital for conducting electrical current and managing heat within the cell, and high-purity graphite is preferred to enhance conductivity and ensure durability.
MaxPure.'s graphite, with its distribution suitable for various energy applications, positions the company strategically within the hydrogen fuel market. The large flake, high-purity graphite is especially crucial for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, one of the most common types. Its high-quality graphite is also used in Gas Diffusion Layers (GDL) to manage fuel gas and oxygen distribution and as a substrate for catalysts in fuel cells.
The hydrogen fuel sector is gaining significant momentum globally. The European Union, for instance, has a comprehensive Hydrogen Strategy, which focuses on reducing the costs of clean hydrogen and developing hydrogen infrastructure, specifically for long-haul and heavy-duty vehicles. This is part of a broader commitment to clean energy and emissions reduction, with the EU actively pursuing international cooperation on renewable hydrogen research and innovation through Mission Innovation.
The MaxPure Group has developed a novel process for producing hydrogen and synthetic graphite, using biogas and methane as feedstocks, which has the potential to be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The process avoids the environmental impact of traditional mining and reduces carbon emissions associated with graphite production, aligning with sustainable development goals.
Moreover, the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights the versatility of hydrogen and its ability to decarbonize various sectors. With technological advancements and policy support, hydrogen can contribute to cleaner energy transitions, improve air quality, and enhance energy security. The cost of producing hydrogen from renewable energy is expected to fall significantly by 2030, further facilitating its adoption across industries and applications.
In summary, MaxPure.'s involvement in the hydrogen energy market through graphite production is aligned with the global shift towards clean, sustainable energy solutions. As the hydrogen market grows, supported by technological advancements and international cooperation, companies like MaxPure Minerals are well-placed to contribute significantly to this green revolution.