Greenvale Energy reports steady progress in its Alpha Torbanite Project’s Test Program 7, achieving high conversion rates and improved process efficiencies in bulk sample production.
- Six of nine bulk production runs completed on schedule
- Consistent ~99wt% torbanite conversion with ~32wt% toluene soluble yield
- Process optimisations cut retention time by 50%, reducing potential costs
- New reactor impeller design improves mixing and product consistency
- Initial samples sent to Technix for product characterisation and certification
Progressing Bulk Sample Production
Greenvale Energy Limited (ASX: GRV) has provided a detailed update on Test Program 7 (TP7) for its Alpha Torbanite Project, confirming that bulk sample production is advancing as planned. Since December 2025, the Monash University processing team has completed six of nine contracted pressure leach runs, with the program aiming to produce a bituminous product that meets the commercial C-170 specification.
The bulk sample production phase is critical for independent product certification and further characterisation, with initial samples already dispatched to New Zealand-based Technix for preliminary testing. Discussions are underway to potentially extend the production phase, reflecting the company’s commitment to optimising product quality and yield.
Optimisation Drives Efficiency and Yield
Weekly reviews of the process have identified several optimisation opportunities. Notably, recent runs have seen a 50% reduction in retention time; from 60 minutes down to 30; while maintaining a high conversion rate of approximately 99wt%. This reduction is significant, as it implies smaller reactor sizes and potential savings in both capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX) when scaling up to pilot or commercial levels.
Additionally, Greenvale introduced a redesigned impeller in the pressure leach reactor to improve mixing consistency. This upgrade has already yielded tangible benefits, including reduced solid residue and enhanced flow dynamics, which bolster confidence in the scalability of the hydrometallurgical process.
Technical Validation and Next Steps
The bulk sample production uses a consistent, homogenised drill core material from the Alpha Project’s LT seam, ensuring repeatability across runs. The process involves pressurising the reactor with hydrogen and using zinc acetate as a catalyst in a toluene solvent environment at around 400°C and 26MPa pressure.
With six runs completed, the average toluene soluble yield stands at about 32wt%, a key intermediate product metric. The remaining runs will replicate these optimised conditions to validate the process thoroughly. The results from TP7 will feed into future technical and economic assessments, shaping the project's development trajectory.
Greenvale’s CEO, Alex Cheeseman, emphasised the importance of this phase, noting that the company is already engaging Technix to apply proprietary downstream processing techniques concurrently, accelerating the path toward product certification.
Broader Implications for Greenvale
This progress at the Alpha Torbanite Project complements Greenvale’s broader portfolio, which includes uranium exploration in Tier-1 jurisdictions and the advanced Oasis Uranium Project in Queensland. The company’s focus on sustainable, low-emissions energy resources aligns with global energy transition trends, positioning it well for future growth.
While the technical achievements are promising, the final commercial viability will depend on the forthcoming assessments by Technix and subsequent economic evaluations. Investors will be watching closely as Greenvale navigates these next stages.
Bottom Line?
Greenvale’s Alpha Project advances with promising efficiencies, but certification and economics remain key hurdles ahead.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Greenvale extend the bulk sample production phase beyond the initial nine runs?
- How will Technix’s product characterisation influence the final certification and processing approach?
- What are the projected CAPEX and OPEX savings from the reduced retention time and reactor optimisations?