International Graphite Ltd (ASX: IG6) has completed successful purification test-work on graphite from its Springdale Graphite Project in Western Australia.
The test-work, coordinated by Japan’s Marubeni Corporation, achieved total graphitic carbon (TGC) purity of up to 99.97%, meeting lithium-ion battery anode specifications.
The bench-scale program used graphite concentrates from drilling and bulk concentrate extraction conducted in 2023. Further purification test-work is planned.
Marubeni, one of the world's largest integrated trading and investment conglomerates, is seeking to expand its access to critical minerals, including graphite, to support Japan’s battery and motor vehicle manufacturing industries.
Representatives from Marubeni recently visited the Springdale Graphite Project and the Collie Graphite Processing and R&D Facility to progress discussions on collaboration under the existing non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the companies.
This MoU covers potential graphite supply and financial support for International Graphite’s mine-to-market strategy.
International Graphite stated that partnering with Marubeni strengthens confidence in its assets and development strategy.
The company emphasised that Japan’s battery industry required new sources of graphite, and IG6 offered a secure and reliable Australian supply.