First Graphene Secures Production Order for PureGRAPH® in Mining Industry

First Graphene Limited has secured its first production order from Australian polyurethane manufacturer Pacific Urethanes Pty Ltd, signaling a new commercial application for the company’s PureGRAPH® as a fire-retardancy performance enhancer. The order is part of a broader strategy by First Graphene to expand its technology into the established and growing global mining materials market.

Pacific Urethanes, an Australian-owned manufacturer of high-performance polyurethane systems, will incorporate PureGRAPH® into its formulations to enhance fire-retardant performance for applications targeting the Australian mining and resources sector. The move addresses a recognized performance challenge in polyurethane systems, which, while valued for their durability and wear resistance, can be a limitation when it comes to fire safety, especially in underground mining operations.

First Graphene Managing Director and CEO, Michael Bell, commented, "Securing our first production order from Pacific Urethanes represents an important commercial milestone. PureGRAPH® provides an opportunity to enhance fire retardancy while retaining the properties that make polyurethane highly valuable to the mining industry."

The global urethane mining products market is estimated to be worth approximately US$2.6 billion annually, with a forecast to reach US$3.8 billion by 2032. The introduction of PureGRAPH®-enhanced polyurethane into this market is expected to create significant opportunities for First Graphene, as the technology can be applied across a broad range of polyurethane mining applications.

Graphene, with its highly planar structure, can provide a barrier effect within the polymer matrix, restricting heat and decomposition-product transfer and supporting the formation of a more protective char layer during fire exposure. Published research has demonstrated improvements in measures such as heat release, thermal degradation, and smoke generation, making PureGRAPH® a promising solution for enhancing fire-retardant performance.

First Graphene's PureGRAPH® technology is being incorporated into Pacific Urethanes' polyurethane formulations to improve fire safety in mining applications. This development is part of a larger strategy to convert PureGRAPH® into commercial applications that can generate ongoing demand. The initial focus is on the Australian mining sector, but the requirement for materials combining wear resistance, durability, and enhanced fire performance extends globally.

"The commercial opportunity is significant," Bell added. "The global urethane mining products market is an established and growing segment, and by enhancing a product already extensively used throughout the mining industry, we are creating a pathway for the technology to be applied across a wide range of applications."

This production order not only introduces a new customer for First Graphene but also expands the company's presence in the mining industry. It marks a step forward in the company's strategy to leverage its technology to meet the specific needs of the mining sector, addressing a critical performance requirement and contributing to overall safety and efficiency in operations.

The collaboration between First Graphene and Pacific Urethanes is expected to drive innovation in the polyurethane mining products market, setting a new standard for fire safety and performance. As the industry continues to evolve, PureGRAPH®-enhanced polyurethane is poised to play a significant role in enhancing the safety and functionality of mining equipment and infrastructure.