From research story to contracted supplier
Our mission is to accelerate the global transition away from fossil fuels by producing renewable, plant-based energy commodities at industrial scale, decarbonising heavy industry while protecting the world's forests and climate.
The company today
SuperChar is a public unlisted Company which began as a small, founder-led team building the case against wood-based charcoal and the use of coal. Today it is a business with a validated five-year bio-pellet offtake agreement with Rio Tinto. A $30 million facility has been planned near Boynedale in the Gladstone region, with a team of 60 people as the project moves from planning into delivery.
The company today is now positioned for substantial future growth.
Rio Tinto five-year offtake agreement signed; DA lodged for Boynedale facility; bana grass planting begins
Facility construction; team grows to 60 across operations, agronomy and corporate functions
Bio-pellet production and first deliveries to the Rio Tinto Aluminium refineries in Gladstone
The optimum biomass feedstock
After extensive research and testing, SuperChar has proven bana grass to be the optimum biomass feedstock for sustainable, renewable, plant-based commodities: bio-pellets, bio-charcoal and animal feed pellets. Carbon neutral, generating substantial carbon credits, and earning Reef Credits through lower nitrogen use than traditional cane farming.
Planted once, harvested for over 20 years before re-planting
Up to 3 harvests every year
50% less fertiliser per hectare than equivalent crops, including sugar cane; drought-tolerant, pest-resistant C4 plant
24+ GJ per tonne when converted to green charcoal; 15% protein within 6-8 weeks of planting, a high-value animal feedstock
Known technology, no technology risk
SuperChar's continuous pyrolysis plants are fully automated, sealed units with no toxic emissions. Oils and gases produced in processing are consumed in integrated gas turbines, generating all power for the plant and ancillary services. The modular design allows rapid scale up of production.
High-yield bana grass, a fast-growing, non-invasive crop harvested multiple times a year, purpose-grown in Queensland.
Continuous modular pyrolysis converts the grass to biochars. Syngas byproduct powers the plant, a self-powered, closed loop. No waste streams.
Bio-char is combined with proprietary, patented binders and pressed into pellets and briquettes. The processing plant is next door to the feedstock plantation.
Bio-pellets to industry, bio-charcoal to consumers and export, high-protein animal feed to agriculture.
Meet the SuperChar team
The Executive Team has extensive experience in capital markets, agricultural products, business management and the trading of commodities and currency.
The team is building expertise in quantifying and trading Carbon Credits and Reef (nitrogen) Credits. Environmental credits will become a major contributor to the profitability of the business, with specific expertise in optimising the growth and yield of Bana Grass.
Mike Palmer
B Eng (Hons) FAICD, FAIMM
More than 30 years' experience managing public and private companies as a Director and Owner. Strong history in developing embryonic businesses and creating shareholder wealth.
Director
Andrew Robertson
Extensive national and international experience in appraising and raising capital for early stage businesses.
Director
David McIntosh
M Com (Acct), B Eng (Chem), Dip (CA)
Over 20 years' experience as a Chartered Accountant working with high-wealth individuals, and as a Director in accounts and corporate governance with listed companies.
Principal, Strategic Partnerships
Kristen Hopkins
B Com (Fin Econ), MBAE
Extensive national and international experience in financial markets covering multiple asset classes and commodities.
Research
Jack Robertson
Research and development supporting the optimisation of Bana Grass growth and yield.