InVert to acquire RapidPulse technology for battery-grade graphite production

RapidPulse Technology Promises Step-Change in Graphite Processing

InVert Graphite is betting on a technological breakthrough to shake up graphite processing with its conditional acquisition of RapidGraphite Pty Ltd, the licenceholder of Curtin University’s RapidPulseTM technology. This novel catalytic graphitisation process reportedly transforms natural graphite into battery-grade material within seconds, bypassing the traditional, environmentally taxing acid purification step.

Early test work on samples from InVert’s Morogoro graphite project in Tanzania has shown promising results, with the RapidPulseTM process boosting crystallinity and achieving approximately 99% purity; right at the analytical method’s detection limit. The technology also demonstrated potential to upcycle graphite waste, a promising feature for sustainability-conscious battery supply chains.

Pre-Pilot Scale and Government Backing Support Commercialisation Pathway

As part of the deal, InVert gains access to a pre-pilot Centorr Furnace installed at Curtin University, capable of processing up to 1kg samples. This facility underpins the next phase of scale-up trials, moving the technology from laboratory validation (Technology Readiness Level 4) towards pilot-scale production.

The Australian Government’s Economic Accelerator Ignite programme has awarded a A$439,664 grant to Curtin University to further develop the RapidPulseTM technology, underscoring external confidence in its potential. InVert’s Managing Director Andrew Lawson highlighted the environmental benefits of the acid-free process and the strategic value of vertically integrating this technology with their 100%-owned Morogoro project.

Capital Raise and Shareholder Approvals to Fund Next Steps

To finance ongoing trials and scale-up, InVert has secured firm commitments for a A$2.5 million placement at 3 cents per share, including A$700,000 from existing directors. This capital injection will support RapidGraphite’s working capital requirements and advance pre-pilot testing, batch production trials, and independent battery-cell validation.

The placement and acquisition are subject to shareholder approval expected within the next two months, with completion anticipated shortly thereafter. The transaction includes issuing 33.3 million InVert shares and 41.7 million options to RapidGraphite shareholders, subject to technical milestones tied to furnace commissioning and graphite production targets.

Curtin University Takes Equity Stake, Cementing R&D Partnership

Curtin University will become a shareholder in InVert, reflecting a deeper collaboration to advance the RapidPulseTM technology beyond laboratory scale. The university’s spokesperson Rohan McDougall emphasised the significance of this partnership in addressing critical minerals processing challenges and the role of government-backed infrastructure like the Curtin Venture Studio.

Key scientific contributors to the technology, including Dr Jason Fogg, will join InVert to lead commercialisation efforts, while ongoing research support will continue from Curtin’s team. This alignment aims to expedite the transition from experimental validation to industry-ready graphite production suitable for battery supply chains.

Non-Core Asset Surrender Focuses Resources on Core Graphite Strategy

InVert also announced it will relinquish its White Hill rare earth element licences in South Australia after concluding the area lacks economic mineralisation potential. This move allows the company to concentrate capital and technical resources on its core graphite assets and the promising RapidPulseTM technology integration.

Investors familiar with InVert’s recent exploration success at Morogoro, including wide high-grade graphite zones, will see this acquisition as a strategic pivot towards vertically integrating processing capabilities, potentially adding significant value beyond raw graphite extraction.