Sparc Technologies has signed a strategic trial agreement with the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) to test its advanced graphene-based Ecosparc additive in coal handling and processing infrastructure at the Goonyella Riverside Mine in Queensland. This trial represents a significant step forward for Sparc, as it continues to validate its innovative product in real-world conditions across critical industries.

Ecosparc, Sparc’s flagship additive, is designed to enhance the performance of commercially available epoxy-based protective coatings. Even at low dosages, it significantly improves the durability and corrosion resistance of these coatings, making them ideal for use in harsh environments. Following over six years of research and development, including more than 10,000 data points from accelerated corrosion testing, Sparc now seeks to demonstrate Ecosparc's effectiveness in the field with this real-world trial.

Under the terms of the agreement, BMA will prepare the steel infrastructure at the Goonyella Riverside Mine, applying both Ecosparc-enhanced coatings and control coatings. BMA will bear the costs of these applications, with the two-year trial period set to provide invaluable performance data.

This trial is the fourth of its kind for Sparc, following previous agreements aimed at testing Ecosparc across industries such as government, defence, mining, and oil and gas. With this latest agreement, Sparc is increasingly positioning itself as a key player in the development of environmentally sustainable and durable materials for critical infrastructure.

Nick O’Loughlin, Sparc’s Managing Director, expressed his excitement about the partnership, noting, “Partnering with Australia’s largest producer and supplier of seaborne metallurgical coal is a tremendous opportunity. The conditions at the Goonyella Riverside Mine provide an excellent setting to benchmark Ecosparc against an existing market-leading product.”

This collaboration with BMA is a clear demonstration of Sparc’s commitment to advancing its strategy of trialling Ecosparc in real-world environments, showcasing the additive’s capabilities under operational conditions. It also aligns with Sparc’s broader focus on creating environmentally sustainable solutions that address the growing demand for more durable, eco-friendly materials in global industries.

With the Goonyella Riverside trial now underway, Sparc Technologies is poised to further solidify its reputation in the coatings sector. As the company continues to grow its portfolio of innovative products, this partnership underscores Sparc’s potential to transform industries with its cutting-edge, graphene-based technology, providing robust and sustainable solutions to key sectors worldwide.