Greenvale Energy’s Alpha Torbanite Project Shows Promise for Premium C170 Bitumen Production

 • Greenvale Energy has demonstrated that with additional adjustments, its Alpha Torbanite resource can yield premium C170-grade bitumen.

 • Testing led by the University of Jordan successfully identified the ideal conditions to enhance viscosity, bringing the product closer to C170 specifications.

 • Bulk sampling may be considered to allow a more thorough analysis of bitumen characteristics.

In a recent study, Greenvale Energy has shown the potential to achieve high-quality C170 bitumen through optimized recovery methods from ore material within its Alpha Torbanite project, located in central Queensland.

Test Program 5, a controlled laboratory trial at the University of Jordan, revealed that refining the experimental conditions produced bitumen with a viscosity in line with C170-grade asphalt standards, addressing issues from the prior Test Program 4. The university suggested producing bulk samples under various reaction scenarios, following catalyst refinement, to better examine viscosity and other properties of the bitumen.

“These promising results from small-scale testing highlight the ability to recover bitumen with enhanced viscosity,” said Mark Turner, CEO of Greenvale Energy. “We’re now collaborating with the University of Jordan to decide on further steps, possibly leading to a larger bulk sampling program.”

The Alpha Torbanite deposit, a high-quality resource holding up to 698 liters of hydrocarbons per tonne, has the potential to produce bitumen, a thick petroleum variant highly sought for infrastructure use. This could meet a ready demand in Australia, which imports over 1 million tonnes of the product annually.

Test Program 5 Insights

Test Program 5 was initiated to address the challenges identified in Test Program 4, where the bitumen extracted from Alpha shales fell short of premium C170 specifications.

A blend of three formations—Cannelite L1, Torbanite LT, and Cannelite L2—from the Alpha site was used, with adjustments in temperature and pressure to maximize asphaltene yield. The application of various catalysts also helped improve the viscosity and penetration of asphaltene content.

The study examined the impact of catalysts, including the addition of iron and tin, on the liquefaction process, which boosted pre-asphaltene content under optimal conditions of 400°C and maximum pressure. While pressure increased viscosity, asphaltene content remained stable, with little change in bitumen density.

The University of Jordan pointed out that small sample sizes prevented penetration testing, which will proceed once larger bulk samples are gathered. The Greenvale Energy board will now review the findings of Test Program 5 to establish the next steps for the Alpha project.