Greenvale Energy advances Alpha Torbanite testing
Australian energy explorer Greenvale Energy (ASX:GRV) has taken a step forward in its quest to establish a domestic bitumen supply, completing the initial assessment of product samples from its flagship Alpha torbanite project in central Queensland.
The testing programme, spearheaded by New Zealand’s Technix Bitumen Technologies, evaluated toluene-soluble fractions produced via pressure liquefaction by Monash University.
The primary objective is to engineer a bituminous product that can be independently certified to rigorous Australian C-170 asphalt specifications.
Initial laboratory trials revealed a highly fluid sample at room temperature with a low flash point of 15°C, driven by a 40% volatile hydrocarbon content.
Technix applied atmospheric and vacuum distillation to strip away the light-end fractions.
The refinement brought the material into flashpoint compliance and yielded a uniform penetration value of 76 decimillimetres—firmly within the C-170 target range.
While viscosity results at 60°C and 135°C remained below standard specifications, Technix has recommended utilising its proprietary multi-stage bitumen process to modify the material using specific reagents and additives.
If subsequent TMPB testing achieves full compliance, the final product will be sent to Intertek Laboratories for independent verification.
The milestone is highly strategic for Greenvale’s Alpha project, which boasts an inferred resource estimate of 28 million tonnes of torbanite and cannelite.
