First Graphene has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with newGen Group (WA-based mining industry supplier, providing liners for the leading iron ore producers, including BHP, RIO and Fortescue) for the development of graphene-enhanced products (primarily polyurethane liners) for the mining services industry.

Having established its graphene production facility at Henderson, FGR’s primary focus now is working with a number of manufacturers in a range of industries to demonstrate the benefits that graphene can offer to their product ranges. The newly entered agreement involves adding graphene to polyurethane liners and ground engaging tools used in the mining industry. The Project Equipment used in the mining industry is frequently modified with the installation of polyurethane liners to protect them from excessive abrasion, and these liners need to be replaced at regular intervals.

The lifetime of these liners is typically six months in, for example, the iron ore industry. It is believed the addition of graphene to the liners will significantly reduce the wear factor, thereby extending the lives of the liners and providing useful cost savings in materials and labor. FGR expects that successful development of a new product range will lead to more extensive adoption of graphene enhanced products throughout the larger field of mining and mineral processing equipment.