Green Critical Minerals Limited (GCM) which holds earn-in rights for up to 80% of the advanced Ultra High Purity McIntosh Graphite Project announced that the company has awarded study contracts for both upstream and downstream to GR Engineering. This is a significant milestone for company as it marks a major step forward in commitment to develop the ultrahigh purity Mcintosh graphite project. The upstream study involves the extraction of the graphite from the ground and ends with producing raw graphite concentrate, while the downstream process involves taking the raw concentrate and refining it into high-quality graphite products that can be used in a range of industrial applications including the lithium-ion battery industry.

While there is already a PFS on McIntosh graphite which shows robust economics, GCM is aiming to update the study with more recent cost bases, and significantly improve on the economics by looking at avenues to preserve the high value coarse flake. The Companies goal is to achieve a fully vertical graphite mine-to-market operation based in Western Australia that is committed to ESG practices. To achieve this goal, the company is exploring a range of strategies and technologies that will help reduce carbon footprint throughout the entire production process.

This will be a key focus for the company at every decision-making level. One of the key areas the company is focusing on is energy consumption and how the company can reduce reliance on fossil fuels by exploring the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro power. The company has engaged power consultants to review options including the Ord River hydro power station which is situated in close proximity to the McIntosh project site.

The company is also looking at ways to reduce the emissions associated with the processing of graphite itself. This includes adopting more efficient and environmentally friendly processing techniques including ore sorting and HF free purification. Testwork has shown McIntosh's raw graphite concentrate is easily purified into ultra-high purity flake graphite allowing a potentially industry leading low purification cost.

This is significant in the downstream process as it eliminates the need for additional refining steps, which are typically energy-intensive.