International Graphite Ltd (ASX:IG6) has taken steps to optimise milling processes and increase product output for graphite concentrate produced from the Springdale Project in Western Australia.
The company’s test work – in consultation with specialists ProGraphite GmbH – was successful, producing two spherical graphite products (SpG11 and SpG18) that exceed battery anode specifications (99.99% purity vs 99.97%) with yields of up to 76%.
“These results are another significant milestone in the development of our mine-to-market production strategy and further evidence that our 100%-owned Springdale mineral resource is a vital asset perfectly suited to the high growth lithium-ion battery anode sector,” IG6 managing director and CEO Andrew Worland said.
Advancing toward feasibility studies
“The unique operating expertise and intellectual property we are gaining from our R&D processing facilities in Collie is making an invaluable contribution to the development of our downstream flowsheet,” Worland continued.
“This, coupled with further test work, will significantly advance our battery anode feasibility studies.”
IG6 will use the insights gleaned from this test work – and the sample material produced – in future coating tests, designed to advance the process flowsheet for Springdale and inform equipment selection for active anode material production at Collie.
Read: International Graphite’s Collie graphite facility achieves quality assurance accreditation
“This testing was designed to optimise the milling processes with the goal of improving product output,” IG6 technical director David Pass said.
“The results are highly encouraging and show there is significant potential to increase yield well beyond the projections in our original scoping study.
“The purification results have also reinforced original findings that Springdale graphite can achieve the purity standards industry typically requires for the production of active anode materials.”
Springdale boasts the second largest graphite resource in Australia, holding a mineral resource estimate of 49.3 million tonnes at 6.5% total graphitic carbon.
The company is confident that resource will continue to grow, having struck more high-grade graphite in recent drilling at the Mason Bay prospect.